The Pictorial List has the pleasure of presenting an intuitive photographer with a strong creative inner perspective that inspires. Mia Depaola is a Washington D.C. luminary whose artistry transcends borders and languages. From her earliest memory, the language of photography and art has always intrigued Mia. It focused her critical and creative thinking, shaping her perceptions while illuminating the world in poetic visuals.

Born beneath the azure skies of Portugal, nurtured and educated amidst the cultural tapestry of Belgium, Mia speaks three languages infusing her work with richness and depth. She embarked on a journey that traversed numerous countries, each contributing to the kaleidoscope of experiences that shape her visual storytelling. Mia found solace and expression in the language of art and photography. It was through the lens of her father's Polaroid that first glimpsed through the viewfinder ignited in her, the power of visual storytelling. Imagine the legacy of the hobbyist, and the photography that he imparted, transcending generations and epochs.

Initially, Mia’s photographic endeavors mirrored his, capturing the essence of travel and familial moments. Yet, as the sands of time shifted, so too did Mia’s artistic evolution. Photography ceased to be a mere documentation tool; it transformed into a conduit for profound artistic expression — an extension of my innermost thoughts and emotions.

An introvert by nature, Mia sought solace and camaraderie within online photography communities nearly a decade ago. Here, amidst pixels and screens, she found a sanctuary where creativity knows no bounds. Guided by the wisdom of online courses and the collective encouragement of fellow artisans spanning the globe, Mia embarked on a journey of self-discovery and technical mastery. Here, amidst the collective wisdom of fellow artisans, she honed her craft, experimenting with techniques and embracing the boundless possibilities of their art.

Driven by her relentless passion encouraged by the supportive and kind words of friends and colleagues globally, Mia gained confidence and started submitting her work, developing a clear dialogue, while growing as a photographer. Yet, amidst the accolades and acclaim, their artistic journey remains grounded in the simple joy of creation, a true testament to the transformative power of the art of photography to unite souls and transcend boundaries.

When the world came to a standstill due to the pandemic, it was as if someone pressed pause on our lives. Suddenly, familiar places were off-limits, and we found ourselves confined within the walls of our homes. As the days stretched into weeks, Mia began to explore the intimacy of their own space through the lens of her camera.

She embarked on a journey of self-discovery through self-portraiture. With each click of the shutter, she set out to visually captured raw emotions rather than staged poses. Mia wanted to peel back the layers of her very own existence revealing the complexities hidden within.

At first, the process felt almost too revealing, her exposure to recognizable. As Mia delved deeper into her photography, she began exploring ways to add texture and mystery to each image. Experimenting with techniques such as layering and multiple exposures, she discovered new dimensions of her self-expression. Every photograph becomes a canvas for exploration, a reflection of a complex myriad emotions.

“Most times I envision the type of feeling I wish to convey before I press the shutter button…multi layering because we’re all multilayered and complex.”

Other times, the images would take on a life of their own, revealing aspects of Mia that surprised her and had never before acknowledged.

As the weeks turned into months, Mia’s work began to gain recognition. Her photographs were published, awarded, and exhibited in galleries. What had started as a personal project born out of strange and sometimes almost impossible circumstances soon evolved into something greater than Mia could have imagined.

The “Pandemic Diaries,” was the original title of this series, it became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It was a visual diary of her journey through isolation, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found.

But as the world began to slowly reopen, Mia realized that her journey was far from over. The “Pandemic Diaries” had morphed into something new, something more expansive. It had become the “Artist Next Door,” more recently developing into “MiArt”, presently “The Art of Self”, an exploration of the art of self-discovery. Through these photographs, she invites others to join her on this journey of self-exploration. To peel back the layers of their own existence and discover the beauty within. For we are all multilayered and complex, each of us a work of art waiting to be unveiled. And through the lens of her camera, she captures the essence of what it means to be human.

We asked Mia some questions about her inspiring journey as a visual storyteller, and about her project that she has been so diligently working on for almost a decade.