On a brisk winter afternoon, we met up with photographer and artist Jasmine Dominique, to get a insight as to what makes her tick creatively.
What made you pursue the creative side of Photography & Art?
I know it’s a cliché thing to say but I’ve been creative my whole life, since I can remember. I’ve drawn all the time since I was small and always just experimented and tried things out because it’s just something that I’ve continued to enjoy throughout life.
If there is a reason for me continuing to ‘pursue’ being creative it’s just because being creative enables me to express different parts of myself and it’s the only thing that will always be there and always just make me feel like the best version of myself, and because it’s just something that I have an unexplainable passion for, and when you’re genuinely passionate about something you’ll chase it forever, especially if it’s origin is mysterious to you.
Where do you get your creative influences from?
I’m influenced by loads of stuff really. If I think initial influences, my family and background have influenced me a lot. My Nana and Granddad on my Mum’s side both used to travel all over the world teaching and were both interested in culture and history etc. My Nana was also an archaeologist and went to Egypt when I was really small so I’ve been obsessed with Ancient Egypt since I was 2, that comes out a lot in my drawings and other elements of my creative work.
Also, my Mum has always been crazy and creative, although art has been more of a hobby for her than a career path, but she has definitely influenced me a tonne throughout my life, in every way possible. Again cliché but I don’t give a fuck, my mum is actually the best person in the world. Sorry
Who & What inspires you?
Everything is inspiration. Life inspires me. Books inspire me. My family inspire me. People inspire me a lot, I’m always reading up about people and researching how they got to where they are, what influenced them, taking notes of their style whether it’s film, music, art, whatever.
Recently I’ve mainly been reading Machiavelli, but then also reading Angelina Jolie’s book about her UN work, so I get inspiration from all kinds of things and people. Obviously my interests like art, music, culture, fashion, film is a huge inspiration and one of the things inspiring me most at the moment along with music, politics, history, travel. I’m a big person for lifestyle and experiences and chance so I think everything however big or small counts towards what goes into your work.
Who would you like to Collaborate with creatively?
I’ve actually never thought of whom I would collaborate with if I could. I have no idea. There are so many possibilities for collaboration. Obviously if it was possible Id work with Sergio Leone. We have the same birthday so it was clearly meant to be, in another universe. I’d like to work with Insa, I’m big on graffiti because it was the biggest influence of mine when I first started getting serious about art in my teens, Miss Van & Fafi also big influences because I draw girls. I’d like to work maybe with David Lachapelle or Tim Walker photography wise, or maybe Rankin? Although as much as I like the flawless outrageous fashion editorial style I’m also big on gritty, dark images, derelict locations, anything that’s just falling apart.
Is there an Artist or Entertainer you would like to photograph?
There is a lot of people Id like to take photos of. Angelina Jolie (who wouldn’t) , Clint Eastwood (obviously) and other stars like Al Fucking Pacino, Bruce Willis, Eli Wallach, too many to name but it would be sick just to use photographing them as an excuse to just have a chat with them about more interesting stuff.
I’d like to photograph Courtney Love, M.I.A., Azealia Banks, EVERYONE Come to mine and let’s party, also Zomby just to find out who he is!
What do you keep in your Photography Kit bag?
I don’t even have a photography kit bag, as I’m not a proper girly girl with handbags. My camera goes in my backpack with all the other stuff. I currently use a Canon 7D MK2 with the kit 18-135mm USM Zoom lens.
Anyone you would like to big up?
My Mum, for her constant support, and inspiration, Sadek & Miranda.
Where can we find your work, and more information about you?
instagram: jaydominique
http://www.flickr.com/jasminedominique
http://www.twitter.com/jdominiquephoto
Interview & Pictures by Bannerworx