Meet Mg Vander Elst

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mg Vander Elst. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi MG, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I wasn’t someone naturally inclined to take risks; I often found comfort in staying within the familiar boundaries. Over time, however, I began to realize that suppressing my curiosity about new directions or opportunities left me feeling stagnant. By allowing myself to think more freely about the paths I wanted to explore and gradually stepping into those spaces, I discovered a deep sense of gratification, not just the outcomes, but in the process itself. This shift in perspective has helped me embrace risk as an essential and rewarding part of my growth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been a photographer for about 30 years, starting with analog photography and printing in the darkroom. Over the past two decades, my practice has evolved primarily into digital work, though I’ve returned to the darkroom, reconnecting with the tactile and meditative aspects of the process. The focus of my work has also shifted, from portraiture to still life, and now increasingly toward abstract and collage-based pieces.
What excited me the most about photography is the endless opportunity to learn and explore. I’m deeply fascinated by the creative processes of other artists, the motivations behind their work and the unique ways they express their vision.
In my work, I’m drawn to what is often overlooked, finding beauty in the fragility and vulnerability. These qualities, I believe, have the power to resonate in profound and unexpected ways.
Lately, I am exploring deeper layers of abstraction and collage, while embracing a hybrid approach that marries digital and analog methods.
As for what’s new, I had a solo show in Brooklyn, and I recently completed a residency at MASS MoCA. This residency has sparked new ideas and directions, and I am currently immersed in developing work that emerged from that experience, so stay tuned for what’s next !

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?

Looking back, the three things that have made the biggest impact on my journey are intention, patience and curiosity.
Intention has been a game changer, really thinking about what I want to say or achieve with my work. Asking myself, ‘What’s my intention here?’ has helped me focus on what’s most meaningful to me, both in my art and in my life.
Patience is something I’m still learning, to be honest. Slowing down and not being obsessed over the outcome has been hard, but when I manage it, it’s incredibly freeing. It lets me actually enjoy the process instead of just racing to the finish line.
And then there’s curiosity, that’s what keeps it all exciting. I love learning new techniques, experimenting, or diving into the work of other artists. It’s what keeps me inspired and pushes me to try the new things.
If you’re just starting out, I’d say: take your time figuring out what really matters to you. Don’t worry so much about where it’s all heading, just dive in, explore, mess up and let the process surprise you. Honestly, I am still trying to figure it out !

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was expose me to art from a young age. I was lucky enough that they were passionate about art and constantly took us to museums, it was just part of our lives growing up. What I realize now is that it wasn’t just about the trips. It was also about how they nurtured connections within our family, sharing stories, experiences that deepened our understanding of the world. Those moments of connection are ingrained in me and continue to shape my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mgvanderelst.com
• Instagram: @mgvanderelst_images
• Linkedin: MG Vander Elst

Image Credits

all images are mine MG Vander Elst