We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanna Proffitt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanna below.
Joanna, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Hmmm… I’m going to be very careful with this question, I don’t believe my life has a singular “purpose” but instead many PURPOSES. My purpose is not one thing but many, many things. One of my purposes was to be a mother and to raise my two sons to adulthood. Another was to find a way to make a living that was fulfilling to me and made the best use of my unique strengths and skills, That turned out to be a position in working as a legal assistant. I still struggle (like many) to find the ideal fit but I now know what I am good at and what type of work I find rewarding. Another “purpose”, one I prefer to look at as more of a “passion”, is as an artist. My 9 to 5 requires a lot of structure, organization and prioritization. Photography is the perfect yin to that yang. My art is a place where I don’t have to seek anyone else’s permission. A place where I am truly free. That is a refreshing place to be after having to follow so many rules in the workplace or the world at large for that matter.
How did I find many of these things? Well, through a lot of soul searching, trial & error, willingness to seek help when necessary, resourcefulness and some good ol’ fashion luck! I have always been creative and several things aligned at the right moment in time to encourage me to prioritize and pursue making art and sharing it with the world.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I rediscovered photography at a time in my life when I was looking for MORE. More of WHAT, I had no idea, but more of something for sure. My kids were getting older, I hadn’t quite started to flourish as a legal assistant and I was beginning what would turn out to be a long and messy relationship. It all left me feeling a little aimless. I tried to find connection through things like book groups but didn’t get very far. Somewhere around this time, I asked my mother for a digital camera as a gift. I’d taken college courses back in the 90’s shooting film and developing my own pictures in the campus darkroom but I hadn’t done any serious photography in years. I’d used a point and shoot camera to document my family’s life but that’s about it.
When the new digital camera arrived it promptly got nice and dusty taking up space on a shelf in my closet. Eventually, I did manage to take a photography workshop followed by a little shooting including of a Chihuly exhibit at a botanical garden.
Shortly after that, I found myself at the right place at the right time. I was attending a yoga workshop at a local art gallery. While there, I noticed the art on the walls and asked someone from the gallery how the artwork got selected (hello resourcefulness!). After receiving some information, I jumped online and did some research. Later I applied for my first exhibition using one of those Chihuly photos. Through what I consider largely beginner’s luck, I was chosen to exhibit and I have been exhibiting my work ever since.
While I started out shooting more traditional subjects, my work has evolved into creating mostly abstract imagery using a technique called intentional camera movement (ICM). This involves using a show shutter speed and movement. The effects in my photographs are created in-camera and not during processing using something like Photoshop.
In my art I found the missing piece I had been looking for. It allows me to express myself and share what I find meaningful or beautiful in the world. It has provided a way to connect, not only with individuals who appreciate my work, but also as a part of the local art community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
START. We are all beginners at some point. I really had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. We all have to start somewhere. You know the quote, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”? It may be cliche but it’s true. If you take photos, select a few and print them. Frame and display your work. Share it with your close friends. Post it on social media. And after awhile you may find that you are comfortable in sharing it with a wider audience.
ASK. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions; How do I apply to exhibit? How do I edit this image? How do I submit my work for potential publication in your magazine? There are so many people out there that are willing to share their knowledge and advice. I’ve had artists ask me, how did you get that feature? The answer is sometimes as simple as, I ASKED! Please also realize that there will always be a few that are insecure or standoffish. Do not let them deter you!
BE PROACTIVE AND RESOURCEFUL. Take a class at your local community college or art organization. Read a book or magazine about what interests you. Go to an art exhibit or museum. View others’ work. Network. Sign up for a newsletter. Enroll in workshop. Watch what others are doing and where. Research. And whatever you do, keep going and don’t ever stop.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I am continuing to find and develop my own unique style. That has been very satisfying and liberating for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joannaproffitt.com/
- Instagram: @joannaproffittphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannaproffittphotography
