You know when you come across a work of art that not only warms your heart but makes you feel the entire MOOD? We love that. Our next Artist Spotlight is Greg Ontiveros who does just that with every shot. We love his eye, the way he translates feelings into photographs and we can’t wait for you to get to know him a little bit better through this Spotlight! Enjoy!
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Hi Greg, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
I grew up in a small town called San Pedro, just 40 minutes south of DTLA, or at times, 3 hours, haha!
Growing up I did a great deal of spending time alone and connecting with nature. As a kid, I was heavily introverted. In most situations, I had my headphones in, standing back, observing my surroundings as the music became a soundtrack, it began to shape how I see things. While my love for light and movement grew deep – photography became much more than a job, a hobby, or even an outlet, it has helped me become more patient, present and observant than I knew I could be – It's become vital to my growth as an individual and keeps me mindful of what’s in front of me.
Describe your style as an artist. What medium do you use?
Deep – emotive and poetic. A time, place, or memory that I can take you back to… “poetic imagery”. As I observe, framing and beautiful light are common rules to what makes for a nice image. But beyond visual, there are particular moments that captivate my heart, and that I’m looking for – my style is a feeling.
As for the medium, I’m a digital photographer – but also in the learnings of film photography.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in everything – existing in this miraculous life is a gift – we’re surrounded by an infinite amount of beauty. It’s all about slowing down and taking the time to notice.
What does your workspace look like? Do you work from home or in a studio?
My home workspace is full of instruments, plant/flowers/floral decor and random antiques that I’ve collected over time - I tend to gravitate towards neutral colors in my space. I suppose to give you a better idea, it’s close to the home of an elderly cat lady, haha — just add musical instruments to the mix. I do enjoy switching up my environment, so I often work out of various local coffee shops for a few hours, after getting cabin fever there, l’ll head down to a local park or a beach to work out of my car.
Who are some of your favorite artists? Musicians? People that inspire you?
Musicians; Sigur Ros, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, Luchs, Nick Leng, Daughter, Joanna Newsom, Death Cab For Cutie, Binkbeats, Michl, Sleeping At Last, Saro, Glass Animals
Photographers; Nirav Patel, Patrick Demarchelier, Dan Tom, Mar+Vin
People: Nelson Mandela, Kyle Cease, Jim Carey, Tom Bilyeu, Shia Lebouf, Claire Michelle, Robin Sharma, Jason Mayden, Wim Hoff
What are the next steps in your career?
My focusing is on filing my calendar with weddings. Looking to travel more to expand my portfolio with photographs in new places. Planning to show my framed photographs in new spaces around the country, also going to pick up film photography
We just love what you create - where can we see more of and/ or purchase your art?
At the moment I only have a few pieces over at my online store: ontiveros.co, and if you’d like to keep up with my work and happenings, you can follow along on Instagram: @ontiveros.co.