an afternoon with... silas shabelewska

 

Announcement

My love of blogging, photography and interiors has now come full circle!

I am beyond thrilled to finally unveil a new rubric called: "an afternoon with...".

You can now follow this monthly feature which presents an intimate conversation with someone sharing her/his living space and life philosophy. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as i have fun making it. Comments are open & welcome!

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My first guest is actually in the spotlight this week: Fine Art photographer Silas Shabelewska opens a show tomorrow night curated by the Soufer Gallery  on Madison Avenue (22 Sept - 29 oct. 2011). She warmly welcomed me in her peaceful & softly lit one bedroom apartment that she shares with painter & husband Andre Von Morisse.

We spent an afternoon talking about the importance of preserving photography as an art of mastering the light more than a matter of technology.

 

 
 

 

 ©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

Tell me where you live, since when and where you are from originally 

I live in New York in the West Village. Originally I am from Monaco where I was born and raised. I came to the States in October 1983 and In September 1985, I moved to New York. I've lived in New York since then. 

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your life philosophy?  

AUTHENTICITY, QUALITY and LESS IS MORE for everything. And when I talk about quality it goes as well for objects as for human relationships. I prefer quality to quantity, authenticity to superficial contact.  With objects, I prefer to have less of everything but it has to be of beautiful quality: handmade textiles, or hand-blown glass, handmade wood furniture, linen sheets etc... My glasses are all hand-blown by artisans in the US or from the South of France.

 

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

at 14 years old I was fascinated with images. I was an avid reader. I read a lot of photo magazines and I started to photograph my sister. At 16-17 , I went to the Studio of photographer Bob Martin. It was in the building where I lived in Monaco. On my first day at his studio (as a young pupil) he gave me a roll of black & white film and told me to go out and do anything... whatever I wanted. So, I went off and tried to impress him and took photos of my sister again. When he saw the results he was so enthusiastic that he gave me more rolls of film.  Those rolls became THE MONTE CARLO SERIES that I am showing now for the first time at the Soufer Gallery. His extraordinary enthusiasm allowed me to believe in myself. And my passion for Photography grew & became my life goal.

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

The best advice I received was from Bob (Martin). He told me: "Anyone can learn how to print, anyone can learn how to use a camera. The most important thing is your imagination as well as the way you look at the light... not everyone can do that." I still use his advice today in my work.

A quality or talent you envy in others? 

I am always amazed by other people's imagination. I don't envy others, I admire what they come up with. It's inspirational and refreshing.

How would you describe your home? 

My home is my sanctuary. I try to keep it minimal which is difficult when living is such a small space. I love modern furniture, mine are handmade by Ben Bajorek Studio Furniture. I collect handmade pottery, glasses, textiles and throws.  All textiles on the bed are handmade Polish folk Art from 1970's.

Your most cherished object ? 

My favorite objects actually are a white vase that belonged to my maternal grandmother. Its from the 50's or 60's modern era in Poland. When she passed away this is the only thing I could carry with me back to America. And my collection of bears, hand-downs from my grandfather.

What activity makes you feel most "at home"?

Reading while listening to music and looking at the flame of candles...

Your latest obsession?

Glassybaby a company that makes handmade glass votive in Seattle. I own a few now and I am totally obsessed by their glow. That's the only place i shop now when I have to make a gift.