:: INTERVIEW WITH URBAN SALIR ::
1) Why do you call your photographs cinemascapes?
It was simply a combination of the two words, Cinema and Landscapes. Both those words seem to be the best descriptive words I could find to summarize my images. Cinemascapes just sounded better than Cinema Landscapes. Right? Also, There does seem to be some confusion when people think that I just spelled the word cinemascope wrong. I've seen blogs and articles written about my cinemascopes after they changed the title, to "correct" my spelling error. I can understand the misunderstanding, cinemascope is the title given to widescreen movie format during the 1950's and 60's.2) How did you start them? Any other genres you worked with before starting your cinemascapes (portrait, nudes, fashion, etc.)?
I only picked up a camera in the Fall of 2006. So I haven't had much time to develop or work with other genres. I knew the theory of how to develop a "body of work" that is cohesive and unique to one's own vision, so that knowledge helped guide me. Even though my early images were panoramic, they were very erratic in narrative or subject matter, nothing was cohesive and it challenge me emotionally or creatively. I was just taking panos of pretty scenes or landscapes.3) Why this personal trend? What do you want to express through it?
As I stated above, I was looking for something cohesive to challenge me creatively and emotionally. What better than ones own past? A lot of inner demons and memories are stored away in some of us, and the camera was a tool to show that. Of course, some of the images are exaggerated memories or put an emphasis on how those times might have felt like inside. I never really chopped anyone's leg off... I swear, just ask my wife!4) Please explain the creative process you follow, from the basic idea to the final montage.
The basic idea comes after I arrive on location. My locations are primarily set in rural areas, abandoned dwellings, and sometimes streetlife. Once I have a setting and ambiance that I like, I simply position my character (myself) into the scene where it works best... I'm sure that doesn't help make sense, but it's hard to describe. It's almost instinctual or just being natural and myself. That is why I currently only shoot myself, because I don't have a script or pose or scenario to give to a model. Sometimes I may include friends, but rarely.5) How do you acquire that magnificient use of light? Plain camera work? Extra help from computers or other technical support?
If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Also since this is published to whole hell of a lot of folks in Spain, I don't believe I have the time for a Spanish massacre this summer, nor the heart to kill another human being. But seriously, I have one or two digital tricks to emphasize the light and dark in my images. For the most part, I tend to also stick to traditional photography techniques such as dodging and burning. I don't manipulate or alter anything other than the light and color. There are no composite images, or items inserted into frame that weren't at the real location.6) Do you work alone or with a team of assistants? In the second case, who does what?
Alone and in the dark. Just myself, a tripod, a camera, and wireless remote.7) Any big names (from photography or cinema) or contemporary colleages (the same) you look up as influences? If so, please specify who and why.
I grew up living in a commercial photography loft/studio/house. My father photographed a lot fortune 500 companies, so I always was around photography. When I was little I used to look at his book collection of Sally Mann, Maplethorpe, Joel-Peter Witkin, etc... I also had access to cable television my whole life as well. So my influence is from a large group of photographers as well as the society I grew up in. Currently I enjoy the works of so many contemporary artist (especially new emerging ones) that there are too many to mention.8) Your next exhibitions worldwide (from May on)? Do you plan to make an exhibition in Spain?
Nothing planned other than a show in September in Los Angeles, California. Which is a world within itself. I would love to exhibit in Spain. With it's rich cutural heritage and appreciation of the arts, I would be delighted to exhibit there. Not to mention how envious I am of your lifestyle...I've been pushing for America to adopt the siesta tradition since I was 4 years old and was still allowed to take one!9) Any publishing or cinematographic projects?
No books as of yet on the calendar. Considered to still only be an emerging artist, I am waiting to publish. I can't say I'll never venture into a cinematic project, because right now I cannot wrap my head around the idea of working with so many people on one project. I guess I am too selfish with my vision at this time?10) New series of cinemascapes or other sort of images you’re producing nowadays?
I may have a few more images for my winter series within the cinemascape collection. And i have a few ideas in mind for a new "mini-series", but I am just waiting until I can feel my fingers again while shooting before I start those concepts. We still have several feet of snow and ice up here in the mountains and probably another month before I can take the gloves, parka, and hat off.