Everyone please meet our newest contributor, the multi-talented, creative and clever Todd Chappell. Not only will he writing a column a month on this blog (and I guarantee they will entertain and enlighten), but his photography is so glorious that you are about to get hit over the head with a Metropolitan worthy art show and you won't even be expecting it. So, join me as we get to know a little about this artist on the rise, and after you read this post, please check out his stand alone blog:
1. So, we love your blog. Tell us a bit about how you came up with the name. How do you think that ties in your vision as an artist?
Thank you! I have an ambient music project called The Ideal Setback, and “This Room Became A Hill” is actually a borrowed name from a track off of my very first album. I really like the title, because I feel that it gives the feeling of surrealism that can be mistaken for reality. Thinking about it from a photographer’s perspective, seeing one thing and shooting at an angle or perspective, editing, layering, and going through those processes that almost makes it something else completely – it’s one of the coolest abilities you can have with art.
2. When did you get started in photography? Where do you hope to go with it?
I can’t remember exactly when I first started photography. I had a few instant film cameras when I was really young, and would take silly pictures of things like my action figures. I remember getting my first digital point-and-shoot camera in 2006. In 2007, I went on an Alaskan Cruise, and I feel like that’s where I truly fell in love with photography. It was the perfect storm for something like that, because Alaska (or at least the parts they take you on a cruise) is absolutely beautiful. I still have a shot to this day from that trip that I’m really proud of, given the equipment and know-how that I had at the time.
3. What has been your favorite subject to photograph? What makes you want to get out your camera and snap away?
That’s a really tough question. It’s so hard to pick a favorite. I really enjoy shooting landscapes. Long exposure photography has definitely become my favorite way to shoot. The entire process is so fun to mess with. If I had to pick a favorite “subject” at this point in my life, I’d say New York City. I visited this past December, and there was so much to take in. You could get so much variety from anything – portraits, architecture, lights, traffic, parks, etc. It was a lot of fun getting those shots, coming home, and literally spending weeks on editing and organizing.
4. Loaded question alert: I've sort of noticed that everyone and their mother these days are "photographers." You aren't one of those, obviously, because your artistry is so clear. Do you feel like too many people these days believe themselves to be true photographers just because they own a nice camera? What do you think distinguishes true artists from those just having nice equipment?
There are so many different schools of thought on this. I feel like with smartphones and services like Instagram, photography is becoming such an integrated and normal part of day-to-day routines, and I honestly think it’s a positive thing. It gives everyone the ability to create and, whether they know it or not, inspire, right from the palm of their hands. As far as calling yourself an “artist” or a “photographer”, just because you can snap a picture of your lunch and apply a pre-made filter, I feel like that’s really more subjective than anything, not only to those individuals who provide the content, but to the audience it’s reaching as well.
5. So excited that you are adventurous enough to try writing with our crazy team. What do you think the city of Memphis needs more of in the blogosphere? How do you see yourself contributing to our blog?
I am very excited to be a part of this awesome adventure! When it comes down to it, I really feel that Memphis would really benefit from an easily accessible blog of events. “There’s nothing to do in Memphis!” is one of the most common phrases I hear, and that’s just not true. I feel that a blog that can reach multiple generations without a lot of effort that gives an idea of things to do and events that are going on could really turn things around in a major way.
6. How long have you lived in the city, and what makes you a proud resident?
I’ve physically lived in Collierville basically my entire life, but my heart is in Midtown. At the end of the day, Memphis really is what you make it. We have a very interesting culture, and you can take a lot of positivity away from the things that are offered. Local food, shops, restaurants, and businesses make up a huge part of what I like about Memphis.
6.5. Glass half-empty or glass half-full?
Don’t worry; remember the glass is already broken.
Quick Q’s
1. favorite restaurant in the city: Bari Ristorante
2. favorite song: No specific favorite, but if I were on a desert island and could only take one song with me, it would be “Hengilas”, by Jónsi.
3. favorite local hangout: Alchemy
4. favorite book: “This Is A Book”, by Demetri Martin
5. favorite famous Memphian: Morgan Freeman
6. best street in Memphis: South Main
6.5. what would be the added bonus to this already awesome city: Safe and efficient public transportation.
To see more of Todd's amazing work, check out his blog: This Room Became a Hill. Be sure to watch out for more of his photography and writing to be featured on this blog as well. I am especially excited to share with you pics that he has taken of this city; they are punch-someone-in-the-face gorgeous, y'all.
- The New 6&1/2 Team
