INTERVIEW
July 13, 2020
ARTISTIC SPIRIT
Photography by Ovidiu Selaru
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Ovidiu Selaru is an artist with a dream. Born and raised in a family of creatives in the north of Romania, Ovidiu was inspired from a young age to nurture his love for photography, dreaming of one day becoming an artist just like his father. Now, after ten years of living in London, he has found his passion again and is paying tribute to his father’s talent and artistic spirit through his intriguing black-and-white photography. With an ‘eternal snapshot’ twist, Ovidiu is always looking for new perspectives, eagerly playing with angles and drawing on the architectural geometry of the spaces around him. He is guided by his artistic instincts and has become a master of capturing the world in an unforgettable way. A true dreamer, explore the marvelous world of Ovidiu Selaru’s photography and get lost in his captivating visions.
“I used to watch my father painting and create his amazing drawings on canvas. I first dreamt of becoming an artist, just like my father...it never happened, I felt I was never as good as he was. I pay homage to his talent and artistic spirit through my work today. I started releasing my creative flows in photography about nine years ago when out of the sudden I have began collecting emotions through the lens of my camera.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH OVIDIU SELARU
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Ovidiu, where do you find your inspiration to photograph?
OVIDIU SELARU: From movies and real life. People say that one photo means more than a 1,000 words...I like saying that beauty in photography cannot be limited by words. I do not narrow down my interests into strictly portrait or landscape niches, I just seek new perspectives, I play with angles and architectural geometry of space around me. I only rely on my instinct, I do not rationalize a move or a motion...I rarely set expectations, I just let nature do its job...The sixth sense cannot be explained, talent cannot be x-rayed, and so heartfelt art cannot be disliked...I feel inspired by many things and people around me, I learn new photo techniques every day. All of this allows me to grow and develop my skills.
TPL: Has your style of photographing changed since you first started?
OS: Yes. In the first five years of my photography career I used to photograph landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and wedding. But, in the in the last five years I’ve resonated more with Minimalist Street Photography for which I’ve found my own style and is part of who I am today. I like capturing the quintessence of someone's inner beauty and nostalgia. I feel I have a different experience than the classic stream as my models often tell me that I can metaphorically transpose their souls into black and white memorabilia, which lasts for eternity. All my portraits capture a unique artistic trait, they all, defined most clearly and more simply my creative patterns.
TPL: Where is your favourite place(s) to photograph?
OS: London. My camera is my best companion on the streets of London and I never miss an opportunity to capture the special flavour of an after-rain street landscape or the unspoken charm of a surprising sunset.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us?
OS: My favourite artist is Fan Ho because his style was unique.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the arts before photography?
OS: I was born and raised in an artsy family. My love for landscaping and passion to create things with my own hands have always been nurtured and encouraged by my parents.
Follow your heart, follow your instinct, and you will never fail to voyage your unique journey from a simple passion to the complex form of communication.
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone just starting out?
OS: No, equipment is not important. So the advice I would give is that photography starts from within. They should focus on the style that they want to photograph and a minimum entry level equipment is sufficient.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about?
OS: This year’s Special Project that I’m currently working on is photography out and around my house, discovering new places.
TPL: "If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?
OS: Maybe a fisherman."
Ovidiu Selaru is a passionate artist who is inspired by his father's talent and his own creative instincts. His unique “eternal snapshot” take on photography has made him a master of capturing the world in an unforgettable way. It is incredible to observe the beauty his creative eye can bring out of even the most mundane scenes. We thank Ovidiu for his dedication to exploring and developing his artistry, and urge everyone to explore the marvelous world of his photography and get lost in his captivating visions.
