ARETE: Meet Jessie Chaney, Featured Participant in Paris Photo 2023
Jessie Chaney's "You are exactly where you are meant to be, 2023"
76, 2 cm x 101,6 cm (30 x 40 inches)
Edition of 7
Photo credit: Courtesy of Fabrik Projects & artist
Jessie Chaney, a California native with a passion for photography, has journeyed from Malibu to London, New York, Venice, and Aspen. Falling in love with the magic of photography in her youth, she now draws inspiration from social documentaries and anthropology, capturing unseen moments and overlooked details in the magic of everyday life.
A certified Jivamukti yoga teacher, Jessie's work is influenced by abandoned spaces, details of lives once lived, and the search for love in unexpected places.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Photography and art History from Brown University and a Master's in Photojournalism from the London College of Communication, Jessie divides her time between Aspen and Venice. While ARETE couldn't sit down with her during Paris Photo 2023 due to FABRIK Projects, who presents her, only setting up an online shop this year, I sent her a friendly invitation to answer a few questions and get to know her better on this side of the world. We look forward to a longer interview next year when Paris Photo returns to its iconic spot at the Grand Palais.
Interview:
ARETE: Who has been your greatest inspiration as a photographer, and what about their work resonates with you?
JESSIE CHANEY: My greatest inspiration as a photographer has been Jeff Wall. I love his vision, references to the history of art and painting, along with the elaborate process and landscapes he envisions and creates.
ARETE: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in photography?
JESSIE CHANEY: The moment I developed my first photograph in the darkroom.
ARETE: Can you share the details of the camera you use and walk us through your creative process?
JESSIE CHANEY: I switch between cameras, using a Canon 5D and a Leica. My creative process is very spontaneous and in the moment. I like to believe the locations of my photographs find me, rather than me seeking them out. I love being in the moment and chasing natural light.
ARETE: The fascination with abandoned spaces in your work is intriguing. Could you delve into the backstory of how that interest developed?
JESSIE CHANEY: My interest in abandoned spaces first came about on a trip to India, during a visit to the famous Maharishi Ashram where the Beatles learned to meditate. It is a type of meditation I practice myself as well, and when I went, I expected to find serene, well-maintained grounds. Instead, I was surprised to see them overgrown, abandoned, and filled with graffiti and trash. This fascinated me, how such a sacred place could be left to be overgrown and left in this way. However, there was such a palpable spiritual energy that could still be felt, and from that moment, I was very inspired to keep seeking this in abandoned spaces.
ARETE: What message or emotional response do you hope viewers will derive from experiencing your work?
JESSIE CHANEY: That the light always returns when you are open to seeing it. To look for love and hope in unexpected ways and places. To be inspired to seek the mystery and beauty in everyday life.
ARETE: And how does Yoga inform your creative work?
JESSIE CHANEY: It’s a very sacred practice to me that connects me to Spirit and a higher power, which in turn inspires me to seek this in my photographs.
ARETE: Is there a specific question you were hoping I would ask but haven't yet?
JESSIE CHANEY: When can we meet in person?
ARETE: That's funny, Jessie! Thank you!
