The Chantal Convertini Interview

What’s been on your mind lately?

Wow what a question. A lot of things at once. That is normal for me. I definitely crave a break to rest, take lots of self-portraits after a very busy, very beautiful, but also exhausting year. I crave some nature, dance and reading, while then hopefully being inspired to finally start my book.

If you could compare your photographs to a drink, what drink would it be and
why?

Have never thought about that. Something colorful maybe, with lots of Contrast. A Latte Macchiato or a fruity drink?

Talk about the show you are currently exhibiting. What does the title ofCorse mean to you?

The show is one of the biggest things I was allowed to do/create so far. It is such a beautiful exhibition, with such a great team, foundation-wise and also photography-wise. 

170 images hang in big and small prints, distributed in a giant room that plays with quotes of the original house, memories, happenings. it’s more a full-on installation than a classical photo exhibit.

The title “ofCorse” was 100% a joke in the beginning as we thought about a hashtag for Instagram. but apparently, it became something bigger. it refers to the simplicity, the naturalness of the week, and obviously to the place it happened.

What was your thought process going into putting this body of work together? 

Well, the week itself creating them was completely thoughtless. We went without a goal or wanted certain results. we just wanted to connect. to create an exhibition of it afterward was pretty different. It was over a year worth of work with many many people involved. 

Did you have a fun time shooting the photos for it or was it stressful? Can you share a nice memory from it all?

The most fun I ever had. 100%.

There are so many… the group shots were super much fun. I’ve never modeled nude before with 7 others… but also the wine and chips and shoots at sunset at the rocky beach were pretty epic. But also the pool hangs, or the dinners together… the non-stop clicking of cameras, the beeping of self-timers around the house… just everything was so special and nice.

What about yourself are you most proud of?

There are a lot of things I am really privileged just having, or being born with so the things I am proud of are the things I worked really hard for doing photography as my full-time job and learning more how to stand up for myself.

Is there anything that you’ve always wanted to learn about that you haven’t or couldn’t figure
out?

I would really really love to understand how exactly the theory of relativity and black holes work.. oh and supernovas. I am deeply fascinated by it but I think my mind can’t grasp it truly.

Do you feel like you think creatively so much that being interested in science and physics is a
nice way to balance your brain? 

Not necessarily that, I do think about everything all the time. and certainly not always creatively. I was just always interested in how the world works. equally fascinated by biology, especially genetics.

What about genetics fascinates you? What questions do you have that you’d like to know more about? Or…What have you learned about genetics that you are fascinated by?

Well, I just was always very curious about how life works. how humans work, and how the brain works. It’s crazy if you think about it. We once were one little cell, and then we’re suddenly a full human. But still unable to absolutely do anything other than eat, sleep and cry. and now we’re adults… walking, talking, thinking, loving, grieving, laughing, planning lives, and asking the questions of the universe… it is deeply fascinating to me.

How does space play into the mood of your photography? What are you looking for in a space to
photograph?

Funny enough sometimes I end up in a gorgeous location and all I shoot is a tiny corner with a tiny window and a tiny light strip.

But, yes I feel for myself I am deeply inspired and motivated to shoot in a place that is beautiful. Be it beautiful nature, with trees, plants, skies, shapes, rocks, whatever, or a really beautiful room or house…

Do you remember the first time you took a photo that you realized you were on to something good?

Not about the quality or the artsiness of the photo, but I remember like it was yesterday when I realized that self-portraits were a beautiful way to spend time. I was on a study trip and while everyone was painting and drawing at the house. I roamed the beaches with my camera and tripod. and despite not going through a great time, I really felt at peace.

Do you feel as if having a minimal space/setting to shoot in, that it allows for more room for the subject to shine?

Definitely. The crazier the shooting location, the less it is about the subject. the less the subject matters. the cleaner you go, the more focus, the only focus you have on the person that is in the photo.

Is there anything you are currently looking forward to?

My break in Ecuador! can’t wait really.

Oh nice, why choose Ecuador? Have you ever heard of Cuy?

I haven’t! should I google it then? I was in Ecuador 2 years ago traveling with my partner and now we just want to go back to relax and rest. We choose the same places to hang out for a couple weeks. I really need some stress free, office-free, responsibility-free time.

What’s the best lesson your mother taught you?

That the beauty is in the details. and life is full of it.