What She Does: For Lindsay Finnen of Fascinating Linds, photography has always been a part of her life. She's had a camera in her face since the day she was born, and was delighted when she discovered the process of double exposures at the age of eight. It was always in the background, but while attending Houston Community College she decided to take a 35mm camera on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and was amazed at the emotion that she managed to capture through the lens.
Ever since that trip photography has been her main drive, though she also occasionally performs poetry at Avant Garden and started dabbling in painting two years ago. Photography remains her main focus, though. Her favorite photos so far come from a series she did with model Shina Rae called "Birth of a Tree-Nymph" which show the nude Rae emerging from the hollows of dead trees. Each one is a fascinating dance of human form and magical shadows. Her work is highly emotional, dictated primarily by whatever happens to touch her heart. You can almost feel it beating on the edge of her images.
Why She Likes It: "I love the ambiguity of photography. Even though the image is static, each individual viewing the image will perceive something different and invoke a personal emotion. Interpretation is personal, and revealing."
What Inspires Her: Life itself is Finnen's biggest inspiration, which is apparent heavily in her nature photography. On the other hand, she has a predilection for nooks and crannies and the subjects that are both hidden and obvious at the same time. She sees the world almost entirely through her camera lens.
If Not This, Then What: "Well, I am already exploring another avenue. I have a huge sense of purpose in being of service to my community. Therefore, some friends and colleagues of mine have commenced a 501 (c) 3 non profit, InspirationUnity. Our organization seeks and utilizes the talents of local creatives to generate funds for fine art education scholarships to disburse to financially disadvantaged children ages 4-18. This inadvertently, and on purpose, provides promotion for those local artists. We are working on another aspect where we can provide free art therapy services to veterans and wounded children of all ages, but especially those in DFPS custody. Now, I am not saying we have a contract or commitment, or even communication. This is just a very deep desire of mine, and if I don't voice it now, how will the request be answered?"
If Not Here, Then Where: Finnen is a firm believer that home is something you take with you, not where you live. She considers herself an Earthling more than a Houstonian, though she does love this particular corner of the planet.
What's Next: "I briefly mentioned InspirationUnity, there is so much more to this blossoming organization, and I would love to go into detail here, but I feel I have piqued the interest enough for now. Any who feel it within themselves to impart their time, or any asset available to them, towards InspirationUnity's goals, we welcome you!
As for me, I am excited to be headed to InterContinental Dallas in Addison, Texas for a week long bash with the Texas School of Photography. As a member of Professional Photographers of America, the Texas School is offered once a year, usually the last of April. This is my first time participating, and I am excited to be meeting fellow visual enthusiast, yet especially excited to meet and learn from so many. Laurie J. Klein will be my instructor for the week; she shoots infrared, and I am, needless to say, over the moon to learn a new technique."
More Creatives for 2014 (In order of most recently published; click here for the full page).
Kaitlyn Stanley, tattoo artist Eleazar Galindo Navarro, video game maker Kate de Para, textile and clothing designer Shawn Swanner, video game painter Andy Gonzales, painter Chris Foreman, comic book sketcher Theresa DiMenno, photographer Jessica E. Jones, opera singer Atseko Factor, actor John Pluecker, writer, poet and language justice worker Ricky Ortiz, painter, tattoo artist Rabēa Ballin, artist David Wald, actor Lisa E. Harris, performing and visual artist Stephanie Todd Wong, executive director of Dance Source Houston Pamela Fagan Hutchins, novelist Heather Gordy, artist Mark Nasso, comic artist Shelbi-Nicole, artist Marian Szczepanski, novelist Jonathan Blake, fashion designer Doni Langlois, interior designer Kat Denson, dancer Blame the Comic, comedian Margaret Menchaca Alvarez, artist Jacquelyne Jay Boe, dancer Rene Fernandez, painter Teresa Chapman, choreographer and dancer
