Frezno Photography Exhibit at Powell’s Books
October 15, 2008 8:35 pmI was born and raised in Fresno, CA, but I relocated to Portland last April, glad to see Fresno in my rear-view mirror getting smaller and smaller as I drove onto 99 North. But this story really began two summers ago, when I received an email from a photographer asking me to be a part of his photography project documenting his hometown. I agreed, flattered that someone wanted me in front of the camera, not behind it. The shoot didn’t take very long, and as I signed the release form, I never truly thought it would materialize into anything of consequence. The man I met was humble and funny, and little did I know that one day the entire project would be turned into a art book I could proudly display on my coffee table.
The Fresno I know is mostly suburbia, where the majority of the town is track home after track home, with green lawns and SUVs. It’s also an example of poor city planning with suburban sprawl, and too many strip malls and parking lots. But, New York-based (and Fresno born) photographer, Tony Stamolis, has a keen eye, and has captured Fresno in a unique way in his forthcoming book, Frezno. Like most of us who have gladly, and willingly, left our home in the Central Valley, it takes some time away to truly appreciate all Fresno has to offer. Powell’s Bookstore has a display of Tony’s photography up in the Pearl Room all month long, and his 100-page book of color photography will be available November 8th, 2008. When Tony discovered that I live in Portland, and occasionally contribute to this blog, he agreed to an interview:
Tell us how you started your career in photography?
By mistake! I started assisting for a friend who was a travel photographer, which was a total magic carpet ride. I didn’t unpack my bag for five years because we were on the road for at least 200 days a year. When I finally had an exhibition, I got such a great reaction, I thought, “I can actually do this for a living.”
Did you study photography formally?
I didn’t study photography. I think on the job training is the best. School sometimes shapes people’s “eye” too much. I can look at some commercial photography these days and pick out the school they went to.
You’ve been published in major national publications, such as, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Maxim, Urb, Nerve, Giant, Mass Appeal, Flaunt, and Black Book. How old were you when you sold your first photo and how much did it go for?
I sold my first print at age 31 (for what I was making in a week as an assistant) to an amazing graphic designer in London who contacted me. I am sure he’s quite the collector, so it was a very flattering start.
What was your reaction when you were first published?
One of my first commercial jobs was shooting a portrait of Joan Jett. I was like, “I’m getting paid to hang out with Joan Jett? Not bad for a ‘day at the office.’” Not all jobs are that fun, but I like that every assignment, and every day, is different.
How does it feel to have your collection of Fresno photography published by Process Books?
I am thrilled that my first book comes from such a personal, deep-rooted place. I left Fresno an “angry young man,” vowing never to return. Typical stupid teenage shit. It took me years to appreciate it and see that it gave me my voice. The project was extremely therapeutic as well. It’s what I did on my off-time, when I came home a few times a year, to tend to my very sick mother. The book is sort of a homage to the town, and though people may find it hard to believe, I am incredible proud that I am from Fresno.
Your photography is full of emotion and vivid color. Do you ever shoot in black-and-white?
I haven’t shot in black-and-white in years. I just prefer color.
Who are your heroes?
Nobuyoshi Araki. Most people know him for his crazy bondage stuff, but to me, that’s such a minor part of what he does. His work is so simple and beautiful. He did a book about his wife called Winter Journey, which documents their life together, her sickness, her death, and then his life right after. It is so incredibly heartbreaking, but inspirational too. A true masterpiece. And that’s just one of over a hundred books he has done!
You’ve been compared to Terry Richardson. How do you feel about that?
Flattered. I love his work, but I think our stuff is very different. He has definitely opened a lot of doors for us “lo-fi” photographers.
How have you chosen your projects? Which is your favorite?
Projects just happen. They choose you. It’s the silly little things that you are inspired to shoot, and that keep you going. It’s about keeping the cogs oiled, as I like to say. Thus far, Frezno is my favorite.
What format do you prefer shooting in, digital or film?
Film, but I have started to shoot a bit of digital. There is definitely an instant gratification you get from it. I just don’t think it looks as good as film…yet.
How do you feel about having growing up in Fresno?
Lucky and proud.
There is some ongoing effort to revitalize downtown Fresno, to make it more than pavement, concrete, and abandoned buildings. How do you feel about the diversity and gentrification that’s happening?
I have always loved the cultural hodgepodge of Fresno and was glad to see cool stuff starting to happen in the downtown area again. I HATE the nightmare developments in the North side of town. Soon you’ll be able to go to Chili’s at the top of Yosemite Valley.
Do you feel you represent Fresno fairly in Frezno? What locations stood out to you, and why?
Again, I take pictures of things or people that inspire or attract me. This is an art project–an outlet for me–and I think everyone would have their own way to “represent” Fresno. I am sure some might see it as being “unfair” or focusing on the negative…but to that I say, go and make your own book! This is such a sweet labor of love for me and I am very happy with the outcome. I think every corner in Fresno is a photo op. It’s how this whole project started…me driving around the old stompin’ grounds, snappin’ pics. I can’t believe movies aren’t filmed there. It is just location after location after location to me. AMAZING!
How and why did you choose the cover photo for the book?
The publisher, the designer, and I whittled it down to three options and went with that one because it had a great sense of place. I also love it because when I was in high school that exact spot used to be all fig orchards, and that’s where we’d have keggers…and climb those power line towers!
An Inscription in the Frezno Guest Book at Powell’s
You mentioned that you had to cut the project in half (the final book is 100 photos). How many pictures did you start with? Were there any favorites that you wish hadn’t ended up on the proverbial cutting room floor?
The publisher had allotted a certain page count for her budget. In the end, it is a much stronger book. I have THOUSANDS of pictures of Fresno and there is always a personal connection with anything you shoot, but editing is not about favorites, it’s about what’s the strongest image. It’s VERY hard to let go sometimes!
You spent six years photographing Fresno. Do you have any funny stories about that process?
I’d get coffee at 6am every morning at Fresno Donut…and the day would just snowball from there. The random run-ins, and word of mouth leads to find people. Every picture DEFINITELY has a story.
Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?
Stick to your guns.
What can the world expect from you in 2009?
A book of nudes…
For more information:
Tony Stamolis
51 MacDougal Street #23
New York, NY 10012
#646.498.4337
http://www. tonystamolis. com
One Response to “Frezno Photography Exhibit at Powell’s Books”
emgra…
After reading your The Oasis Of My Soul ” Blog Archive ” ” Another loop near Porterville, CA. article I am left with the feeling that there is more to this topic than I originally thought….
Care to comment?