You might know our long-time friend and collaborator Joe Holmes for his amazing ability to capture moments of city life in ways that both embrace the reality and fuel our most romantic notions. We think it's high time you got to know the guy behind the camera... - Jen
Studio Speak
Where is your studio?
I share a studio with my wife on the ground floor of our Park Slope home.
What's the first thing you do when you arrive in the studio?
Early in the morning is when I take care of business, so the first thing I do in the studio is stand at the computer (I have a stand-up desk) and answer email, check the backups, etc. Then I can start the more creative work without any to-do's hanging over me.
What's your favorite "tool" in the studio?
My favorite tool is good old Photoshop. I would hate to try to prepare my photos without it. I come from a darkroom background, and Photoshop runs rings around what I used to be able to do.
What's on your studio playlist?
I listen to an ever-evolving playlist of artists, constantly in search of the next addictive sound. My latest discovery is Jen Olive, and it kills me that she's not more famous.
What do you wear as you work?
Black jeans, thick socks, button-down shirts -- same as outside the studio.
What's your favorite way to sweat it out?
I walk 4 to 6 miles a day most days.
Don't lie...what's your favorite way to procrastinate?
NY Times crossword puzzles, especially Friday's and Saturday's. Also, Twitter.
Which artist's collections from 20x200 do you covet?
Please don't make me choose! For one thing, there are too many to mention. I could list dozens. For another, I have many friends among the 20x200 clan, and I wouldn't want anyone to feel left out.
We're digging the magnetic wall in the studio...makes viewing many prints so easy!
Whens, Hows & Whys
When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
That came very early. I drew and painted from my childhood all through my life, and started taking photos and working in the darkroom in junior high school. But I wasn't always interested only in graphical arts. I've published short stories, for example, and for a short time I was represented by a Los Angeles manager for screenwriting for which I won a couple of prizes.
How did you get there?
I've taught photography, but I've never taken a course. It was my first digital camera that awakened me to photography as an art and as a career. I'm very happy that I learned on film and in the darkroom, but it was digital that let me explore freely.
How do you get over creative blocks?
I've learned to be patient. I believe that a block is an inevitable and natural part of the creative process. It's a time when my creative mind is telling me to let go and stop thinking so hard.
A block is merely a healthy pause. I hope.
How did you get connected with 20x200?
I was part of 20x200 from the beginning; my first edition came out that first fall, in November 2007. Back then we not only had to sign the edition certificates, but also hand-number them!
The 411 on Joseph O. Holmes
Joseph O. Holmes is a photographer who lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. His work has been in group and solo shows around the world - his latest, "The Booth", is available as a book here. Over the years, 20x200 has released over 25 Joseph O. Holmes editions!
Professional Site: Joseph O. Holmes Blog: Joe's NYC Twitter: @josephholmes Instagram: @josephoholmes
