Photographer Lea Banchereau: On Creating Visual Poetry from the Ordinary
This month, we are in conversation with Lea Banchereau, a French photographer based in the heart of New York City. With an eye for capturing the ethereal beauty of still life, Lea Banchereau's work has been described as ‘visual poetry.’ We discussed the captivating world she creates; from subtle arrangements to bold compositions, Lea's artistic perspective gives a renewed appreciation for the beauty that can be found in the ordinary.
Where are you from and where is your current home-base?
I was born and raised in a small town near the French Alps and I am now based in Brooklyn, NY.
What drew you to photography as an art form?
I always loved capturing my surroundings and I’m fascinated by the fact that looking through a viewfinder allows me to see details that I would otherwise overlook. Photography allows me to express myself in an abstract way that is not apparent to the naked eye.
Has there been a significant moment in your past that informed where you are today?
When I turned sixteen, my dad gifted me his film camera that he received on his sixteenth birthday. I still use this camera to this day and feel very attached to it. The moment I received it and started shooting on it, I knew it was something special and that I was onto something.
How would you describe your creative process?
I shoot very intuitively and try to really take advantage of moments when I feel inspired and not force something when I’m not. I usually work on several series at the same time and after a while, notice that one of them is becoming more important and then shift my focus on that specific one.
How do you bridge the creative side of your work with the business side?
I think it’s quite hard to bridge both sides. I try to dedicate different times of day to each because I need to be fully focused on each and have a hard time working on both the creative side and the business side at the same time.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love visiting art galleries and museums, as well as collecting art books. Nothing compares to seeing a beautiful or thought-provoking show and the feeling of inspiration that comes with it.
I also get inspired by my general surroundings on a day-to-day basis. Since my work focuses a lot on small abstract details, I love to look around and practice the art of noticing elements that I could turn into abstract subjects in my photos.
What does a day in your studio look like at the moment?
I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and take advantage of the caffeine rush to work on emails and start planning my shoots. I usually get so impatient that I pick up my camera shortly after. I listen to music and let the inspiration take over. I don’t like to interrupt my creative flow and will usually shoot everything I need in one long session without taking breaks. Finally, I head over to my lab to drop off the film and patiently wait for the results.
How has creativity played a role in your life? Did it always mean making something or has creativity been more of a way of life?
I am lucky to always have been surrounded by creative people and people that encourage creativity. It will always be a way of doing life for me, and I find myself being creative in every aspect of my life.
What is something you hope to inspire in others through your work?
Seeing beauty in the little things and looking for unusual details. I just started working on a new series that transforms mundane small details into abstract, painting-like subjects. My goal is to blur the lines between painting and photography and hopefully inspire people to pay attention to interesting details all around us.
Three words that describe you:
Passionate, introverted, driven.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and listening to French music from the 1970’s.
When do you feel most yourself?
15 minutes after drinking my morning coffee—my energy levels are high and I’m excited and inspired to start the day.
What brings you joy?
Spending time with people I love, sharing memories together.
How do you stay grounded?
By constantly reminding myself not to overdo it. I tend to overbook myself and take on more projects than I can handle, so I just remind myself that slowing down is a good thing. Making sure I have downtime every day to just read, relax, and space out really helps.
Find Lea Banchereau:
www.leabanchereau.com
Instagram @leabanchereau
