INTERVIEW
September 2, 2020
SUBCONSCIOUS PATTERNS
Photography by Jake Dylan
Interview by Melanie Meggs
The art of photography is all about capturing the world around us – freezing a moment in time and preserving it for eternity. But for Jake Dylan, the American photographer from New York, it goes beyond the literal. His work is a study in conceptual abstraction, deliberately divorcing objects from their literal forms and placing them within an artistic framework. Through his thoughtful use of light, color and shape, Dylan’s photographs push the boundaries of art, transforming ordinary images into captivating works of art that explore the line between representation and abstraction. Join us as we take a closer look at this intriguing artist and his unique vision.
“Subconscious patterns begin to take shape and reveal themselves over time, and when a pattern makes itself seen, I explore it more deeply.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH JAKE DYLAN
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Jake, can you please tell us when you started getting interested in photography?
JAKE DYLAN: My grandfather was a photographer and an art dealer, so I more or less grew up with a camera in my hands.
TPL: Has your style of photographing changed since you first started?
JD: Yes. Style is a consequence, not a goal, so it is inherently ever-shifting.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists you would like to share with us?
JD: Ray Metzker, El Lissitzky (his paintings more than his photographs), Aleksandr Rodchenko, Aaron Siskind, Harry Callahan, Ralph Gibson, and Fred Sandback.
TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph?
JD: The street.
The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. - Michelangelo.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography?
JD: Although I did grow up with photography, I wanted to pursue acting for most of my teens. There came a point in time when I realised that I had far more questions about photography than acting, however, and a much stronger drive to explore those questions rather than any I had in regards to acting.
TPL: How does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone wanting to start out in your genre of photography?
JD: What matters more is what you point the camera at rather than what you are pointing with. That being said, it is important to understand and explore a variety of equipment in order to know what best suits the subject that is being pointed at.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on?
JD: I am continuously exploring the line between representation and abstraction in photographs, and that exploration shows up in various forms.
TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)...
JD: Probably something creative, maybe acting, maybe something to do with fashion. Or I would go a different route altogether and make a life out of activism for environmental protection and/or animal rights.”
Through his photography, Jake Dylan has provided a unique perspective of the world. His approach of deconstructing and assessing objects in terms of tones and shapes reveals a fresh take on the world and how it is captured in photographs. It's impossible to look at his work without recognizing the beauty and creativity of his vision. With his thought-provoking works, Jake has created an impressive body of work that deserves further exploration. Therefore, we invite you to take a closer look at this intriguing artist and his unique vision.
