Cool Kids on the Block — Fiona Ye
Welcome to Cool Kids on the Block, Recess Media’s weekly feature project where we showcase different creatives on campus who are passionate and committed to their work. New stories up on Medium every Wednesday.
This week’s Cool Kid is Fiona Ye, a photographer, artist, and student at the UW majoring in Art History and Communications. Aside from her art, Fiona works as a Curatorial Assistant at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, and a part time Art Reporter at The Daily. Read on to hear more about her story, her inspirations, and her words of advice!
Stay up to date with Fiona at @campfiiion on Instagram, and her work at @anoiiif!
Tell us about how you first got into photography!
Fiona: I started taking photos in high school when my grandpa gave me my first camera. I remembered it was a wide angle lens and when I first started I sort of just worked my way around it without really knowing what I was interested in shooting. As time went by, I grew more interested in street photography and later portraits.
What are your interests and inspirations for your work?
F: I’m interested in people, their stories, and particularly how their identity and community shapes a city’s culture and vice versa. Growing up, I felt strong connections to three major cities. My hometown Wenzhou — a small coastal town in Southern China that has been going through gentrification for years, then Shanghai and Tokyo. I’d spend hours wandering the streets and waiting 30 minutes for a shot. I think it’s interesting to document and concretize the dynamics of human interaction within an ever-shifting city landscape!
F: Later on I started doing portraits for my friends, and sometimes strangers at a cafe, because I loved how unique and vibrant each individual was. I enjoyed getting to know people more and bring them joy with the photos I took!
What advice would you give to people who are just starting a hobby similar to yours?
F: Be curious! The world is cracking open and there for you to explore! Start with bringing a camera with you everywhere and capturing whatever you think is interesting in [your] everyday life.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. I know it can be intimidating sometimes but most of the time people would be flattered to be asked on a fun photoshoot! I had such good times with people I went on a shoot with, and made some meaningful connections out of it!
Believe in your own vision. It takes experimenting, practice, and time to carry a creative project out. Be bold and consistent!
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