Interview: India Blake Johnson
Luca Curci talks with India Blake Johnson during the 12th edition of ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at ITSLIQUID Art Space – Rome.

India Blake Johnson is an award-winning photographer, writer and poet. India’s photography focuses on nature, animals and portraiture and has inspired her extensive travels. Her photographs have been shown in several galleries in the United States and Europe, they have been published in Currents magazine, one of which Arte Mondatori and have received awards from the International Loupe Awards, Windland Awards, the New Jersey Federation of Camera Clubs, Umbria International Photography Award and the Spoleto Arte International Artist Award. India has continued to be actively engaged with the arts. Her interests have ranged from acting to sculpture. As to India’s photography, some of India’s most significant showings were held throughout Italy. She presented her most current collection, “Light & Space” at the prestigious Festival Dei Due Mondi in Spoleto Umbria (The Festival of the Two Worlds), in 2018. This same collection was presented as a special artist exhibition solo at the Fondazione Umberto Mastoianni, Palazzo Boncompagni, in Aprino, bthe irth town of Cicero, in August 2019 and then made its way to Venice, where it participated in the Amina Mundi Exhibition in December 2019.

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
India Blake Johnson – I got into photography when I was 13 years old and got my first camera. I was thrilled to be able to tell stories through the lens, documentary style. I recall photographing a turtle every day that lived in a small pond in the backyard. I would relish finding and photographing him on a log, on the bank, or floating in the water and realized the pictures told the stories of the turtle’s existence. Following my passion for wildlife photography, I entered some of my photographs in contests. After winning some awards, I got the opportunity to offer some of my work for sale.

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
IBJ – I think all the best wildlife photography emphasizes idiosyncrasy and connections. The best wildlife photographs capture and emphasize peculiar traits or mannerisms of the subject while also illustrating the connection to the subject’s habitat. I believe the best landscape photography emphasizes scale, grandeur and beauty. For both, I strive to have good lighting, a strong focal point anda sense of perspective in a balanced composition.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
IBL – Environmental preservation is very important to me. I hope that both my wildlife and landscape photography will help convey how important this is to all of us.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
IBL – The world is an extraordinary, beautiful and inspiring place despite the major difficulties we face as a human race. For me, it is absolutely necessary to tell that story by capturing imagery of how extraordinary and beautiful the world is while never forgetting the challenges we have in its preservation.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
IBL – Personally, whether it’s lucky or not, I don’t believe I have been affected as much as other artists by the ever-quickening pace of changing technology and shifts in artistic values, themes and the market. My journey has always been dictated by my passion for wildlife and the environment. As much as camera technologies have advanced, the elements of exposure- aperture, shutter speed and light sensitivity have stayed the same.

LC – In which way is the artwork presented in our exhibition connected with the exhibition’s theme?
IBL – The art I presented tied well with the Exhibition theme as the said theme focused on the concept of space, body, mind and soul. My work represents inner desire and connection to nature. I wish for my work to capture the viewers and transport them into the photograph, make them one with the endless beauty and expression of nature, no matter one’s inner feelings at that moment. I’m profoundly connected to these photographs, especially the eight that were highlighted at this exhibition.

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us. Has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
IBL – The art I presented to the Itsliquid Rome International Art 2024 is a preexisting Collection that was created for participation in the prestigious Festival Dei Due Mondi in Spoleto Umbria – The Festival of the Two Worlds, in Spoleto, 2018 Edition held at the Palazzo Leti Sansi, curated by Vittorio Sgarbi. At that said Exhibition, I received the Award for International Artist. My Collection of 15 photos was recognized for its Beauty, Depth and Inner Beauty of the Artwork coming to life. I received recognition and was invited to exhibit my work further here in Italy. This collection was presented and curated by my International Manager, Dott.ssa Giulia Vallucci, as a special Solo Exhibition at the Fondazione Umberto Mastoianni, Palazzo Boncompagni, in Aprino (FR), birth town of Cicero, in August 2019. It furthermore participated in the Itsliquid Amina Mundi Exhibition in December 2019. The Light and Space Collection was featured in a Critical Essay by Dott. Luca Misiano did a wonderful job describing each picture, bringing my photography even more to life.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
IBL – I had the pleasure to present my work in two of your exhibitions. I would consider continuing future collaborations with Itsliquid.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
IBL – I love that the ITSLIQUID platform is a global one. The fact that you are present in so many countries is wonderful. Great job. Thank you!