#VESTICollective : Creative Conversations Series 01

ALYSSA UY

Young photographer Alyssa Uy relates how collaboration and constant learning foster creative growth in an industry that is continually challenging and on the lookout for newness. Her nuanced thoughts and impressive works for a budding career shed inspiration and hope for a better and daring future. Read to take a snapshot of her story.

What is ‘Art’ in terms of your chosen career?

Art, for me, is an individual’s interpretation of a specific theme or subject. In my photography journey, I’ve thankfully been able to meet or work with individuals who have such bright personalities and broad perspectives.

Throughout the first few years, the people that I’ve met were the biggest inspiration for the images that I produced. From that basis, I was able to branch out and develop my own “style” in photography.

How does creativity lead your life?

I don’t actually consider myself a creative – I mean as compared to other people who have such quality work; so I make it a point to always take a step back and see how things could be done differently.

Creativity doesn’t mean that one should have an extremely abstract thinking process; it could be as simple as changing one aspect in a picture.

Where and how do you get inspired?

These days, social media makes it very easy to see people’s work and their inspirations. I follow a lot of photographers that have been doing IGTV sessions where they talk about how they got started or how they worked on their visuals.

It’s always good to experiment with photography so that you would find out what you like and you may not be that interested in.

A few of my inspirations include Peter Lindbergh and Damon Baker – I’m a big fan of photos that appear “raw” - where the emotions are felt through the image.

Alyssa Uy’ s sample works

In this current global crisis, what do you think is the importance of being a creative?

Given all the challenging events happening right now, creativity in general would play a big part in impacting people’s lives. Social gatherings and outdoor explorations might not be possible at the moment but there are always ways to expose onself to artistic mediums.

Creativity is one of best outlets for people; whether it’s through creating a piece of work or being a part of that art, turning innovation into action is essential in times of crisis.

In times like this, where creativity might be limited, it’s up to people to not limit their visions of execution.

What do you hope to see and accomplish in the near future?

In the years to come, I hope to have the opportunity to learn much more about photography and work on developing my technique to produce better images.

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