Your name
Shira Gold
Place of birth
Vancouver, Canada
Place where you live now
Vancouver, Canada
3 words to describe you
Curious, sensitive and empathetic
Why do you take pictures?
I take pictures as a practice of internal reflection and a way to help me make sense of circumstances that often simply don’t.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am very moved by the challenges of ordinary life transitions that feel anything but ordinary to the person experiencing them. I am inspired by objects that are often passed over unnoticed. By isolating these objects and removing them from their traditional backgrounds I reimagine them in different forms where they can be celebrated and recognized for the value they have in our lives. I suppose I have always been intrigued by these visuals as they speak to how I often felt growing up.
Who are your influences?
I am influenced by children's books and the conversations with the people around me. I have always been fascinated by painters, particularly abstract artists such as the brilliant Canadian artist, Gordon Smith. I was introduced to Sally Mann’s work at a young, formative age, and I still return to her books. In them I am reminded of the courage she carried with her and her innate ability to take her everyday family life and create profound, deeply personal work. I am also very much fascinated by Ingrid Weyland’s stunning environmental photography.
What determines the subject matter you choose?
My subjects generally relate to personal reflections that I am trying to make sense of. My most recent series If Memory Was a Layer came about as I was sitting with the concept of aging and what it meant to me beyond the physical changes. Finding the beauty and authenticity in life’s joys and struggles is a constant in my practice.
What impact would you like your art to have?
I would like for my work to resonate with individuals, helping to connect them with others and perhaps allow them to feel less alone in their circumstances. I hope to illicit conversations about subjects that inspire further dialogue and kinship with others.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
I never get bored by my children’s paintings and drawings. The way young people are able to create without the layers or filters that permeate adulthood is something I love having around me as a reminder to be free and enjoy the process. When I assisted at a children’s arts school many moons ago I was often gifted students work. I would bedeck the little apartment I had at the time with colourful art I hung like wallpaper. Today I have a salon wall in my studio adorned with my children’s work, and it brings me so much joy.
Is there anything you want to add?
Just a little note to those who may be reading this who appreciate art and have an interest in making work. I often have people come visit my studio and confide quietly that they have been creating art or want to make art but are afraid to begin or that they would not be considered good enough. I spent too much of my early life being told that I was not good enough and could not cut it. If it were not for my camera and the strength it brings having it as my mouth piece and companion, I do not know where I would be. I am a firm believer that the calling to create comes from deep within…. but that little voice needs to be heard. Too often fear becomes an insurmountable roadblock to starting, but there is so much more risk in not tapping into that part of oneself. It needn't be precious, over thought or "correct”… simply lead with heart. The rest will come.
