Richard Fusillo

 

 

1. Do you think that creativity is part of human nature or is it something that must be nurtured and learned? Please explain your answer.

I think people are born with creative minds and can become prodigies but I also believe that we can learn to be creative. In art, you may be creative from the start, but in order to use that creativity you must learn. For instance, I know I'm a photographer and I use my creative sense to get the images I want or others want, but I also learned how to control my creativity to make the images.

I do believe in child prodigies and it always amazes me that a child can be born right into the artistic, creative world without even thinking about it, they just do.

So I guess I think it is human nature but in order to use the creativity you must learn how to (through classes, your self, or mentors).



2.

What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?

It's a hard choice, true but I love taking photos. It isn't my only career at this point in my life, but I plan on changing that in the future. I think I fell in love with cameras and instantly decided I want to be that guy shooting wildlife for National Geographic or out in the waves for Surfer magazine. And when I realized I can actually take a good, composed photograph, I then put it together and made the choice of a career. I rather do this because I love it, and not work 9-5 hating it. Of course money will be an issue, but I've bee struggling from the start and take it as a learning process.

3.

What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?

When I went with my parents across the US my father took photos the whole way. When we got back we went through them all after we got them printed. I was amazing, especially at the landscape shots. This was my first inspiration. Now I'm inspired by my surroundings. I look at a dumpster and to me, I turn it beautiful.

4. What is your favorite creation? Please explain why you selected this one.

Honestly I can't narrow down my photographs.



5.

What do you wish to accomplish with your art?

A career and to inspire people. I want someone who is getting into photography to see my photos and realize how beautiful the simple things are in life. I want he/she to then take that and use it. I don't want to teach my ways or any bullshit like that. I want others to see my work and appreciate my eyes. And I will do the same for them.

6.

How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?

If it is for a client, I'll spend hours until everything TO ME is perfect. It's a relief when the client says "I like them."

If its for myself or for a show, I'll take a photo and at that very second I will be able to tell if it is worthy of showing in a gallery or to be placed in a frame a wall somewhere. In photography, you must take risks and learn from those risks, and that is how I choose my work.

7.

Have you ever been faced with negative feedback? How was this reflected in your work, if at all?

I like feedback. All kinds. It helps me improve. Two of my photo teachers, criticized the heck out of me, pointing out all faults and I took that and learned. They are now my favorite instructors and I owe them for opening up my mind larger.

8.

What impact do you think that commercialism and the media has had on your work? Is this good or bad?

They can alter photos once they have them, sometimes it can be heart-breaking. It is apart of the job if you sell your stuff to ads or businesses or even clients.

9.

Are you a fan of cartoons? If so, what is your favorite one?
Looney Tunes.

10.

What is playing in your CD player/Ipod right now?
Operation Ivy

11.

If you had to be any of these things, which would you like to be?
a) a member of the opposite sex, b) a clock, c) a pair of shoes, d) a duck
Please explain your choice.

I would want to be able to know what it's like to be female. How do they feel, and sense the world. I would like to know what it feels like when they get kissed or even further. Sounds weird, maybe, but I would like to know what intimacy and romance is like through a girl's view.



12.

If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?

with my closest friend, whom i do not see all that often but she was a huge impact in my life and how i look at the world. i love her for that and she is amazing.