Several years ago, a collection of artists pursuing various art forms found themselves in a group message on Twitter complimenting each other’s work and wishing each other a great day. This went on for some time, and out of this a few became particularly close. They followed each other on Facebook and via blogs, and their friendships became closer. Although they’ve never met (their relationships are still bound up in social media), their separation didn’t reduce the fondness they had for each other or the appreciation they expressed toward the individual’s chosen art form.
As one of those artists, I’d like to feature my friend, Rosita Larsson, and her amazing skill as a photographer. Rosita was interested and willing to answer my questions for The Artist’s Corner. The little bit of language barrier between us wasn’t a problem at all. That’s probably because her English is much better than my Swedish! Without further ado, allow me to introduce Rosita Larsson, photographer.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Rosita Larsson. I am a bighearted, international, Swedish autodidact and artist born in 1956. I am the mother for four and grandmother of five. I am a very kind person who expresses what is on her mind. In my soul and heart, I hold the freedom and beauty that is art. Creation has been a driving force and a salvation my whole life and through my own personal illness as well as my career spanning more than thirty years. The best addition to creation is to put a smile on someone’s face, to inspire, and to help out! I have always created in some form and began exhibiting intermittently for over thirty years, both as an individual and in group exhibitions. I’ve exhibited worldwide in places such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Bulgaria, and France.
Do you put yourself into your photography?
I put my soul into my photography just like when I create. And I have the eye as you might say.
What has your experience been?
I see myself as an artist first; one who photographs and does artwork, like painting or drawing. I’ve always created in some form. I worked in a laboratory with perfumes and essences, worked in stock and stores that sold beautiful things and clothes. I have worked with kindergarten children doing arts and crafts. I’ve worked in offices, the latest being the Economy Department. I’ve created brochures, layouts, etc. outside of my regular office work. These are my ‘livelihood projects,’ and as I was the sole provider for my family, I created and participated in exhibitions in my free time. In addition to the above, I’ve worked as a class Ma/PTA worker, a leader for leisure activities, in theater groups, and union work.
Did your work experience lead to the pursuit of photography?
I was always the one who photographed all the conferences, company meetings, my family first and foremost, and quite a lot of people. I seldom photograph people now days except my family, of course. But I held back my passion for photographing abstracts and flowers, etc. It was very expensive with film in addition to the specific camera I wanted.
How did you develop your passion for photography?
From when I was eight years old, I loved to photograph (borrowed my grandmother’s Kodak Instamatic). I got my first camera a couple years later. Since then, photography has been one of my major interests. But things happen, and I had to limit photography to my wonderful family, a flower, or a stone or brick wall now and then. I have always written, created, and primarily painted and drawn, but when the digital camera made its entry, I began more and more to photograph. And guess what I always have with me: my camera.
What or who is your inspiration?
Everything! The experience rich life, and then I have a passion for flowers and architecture. I see motivation and beauty in almost everything which makes the ordinary seem extraordinary. I look upward and see angles to construct photo art. I see subjects everywhere to the extent that it can be difficult which is why I prefer to be alone when I photograph. When I’m with others, I give them the focus, show consideration, and listen, but when I photograph, I give the objects the focus!
What do you enjoy photographing?
Multiple POVs in reflections, in water, mirrors, windows. Wherever I am on earth, I always have a camera with me. It’s like a treasure hunt: which designs, patterns, funny things, or flowers does my eye find today? It doesn’t matter if it’s on a trip abroad or to the local grocery store; the treasure hunt is always there. This applies to all aspecst of my life, too, when I’m in the woods searching for sticks and material to create with, searching for the best recipes or creating my own personal best. At flea markets, secondhand stores, and vintage shops, I’m always looking for treasures.
That’s why my photos can be about almost anything. Some things are my absolute passion such as flowers and stone in all forms (such as walls), water in all forms, and buildings (especially old houses and churches). I get a lot of inspiration for my photographs, and a lot of people get inspired by my photographs. It’s a win/win situation!
My photographs are completely true as you see it. I don’t use Photoshop or other programs, no manipulation, alterations, or processing.
Where can someone find you online? Do you have a website?
You can find me here: Rosita Larrson
or here: Rosita Larsson Art Collections
In which contests have you competed? What awards have you won?
Awards won in Design/Crystal Chandelier/Krebs 2006
Botanical and floral photographs have won awards in Sweden 2012
Photographers Forum/Sigma USA Awarded in 35th Annual 2015
Premio Drops from the World, National Civil War Victims Association
Culture and Peace Education/Honorable Mention
Witness of Peace and Solidarity, Italy, September 2016
Attestato di Meriot Artistico 2012 – 2017, many exhibitions in Italy
Conferisce il titolo di laurea ad honorem, Globalart Galleria, Italy, June 2017
Have you been featured in a magazine or other publication?
The book is in English. I have three works in this anthology along with other poets and artists from several countries. The purchase helps supply filters to purify water in Bangladesh. So far, it’s yielded pure water for three villages.
Right now, I am the Featured Artist of the Month in Sanctuary Magazine on the Internet.
Do you take photos for people? How does a client contact you?
Yes, and I participate and use my art in different charities. It’s a passion! Potential clients may contact me here: larssonzita@hotmail.com
What is your process for photographing people?
I rarely photograph people nowadays. I go into photography focused as if in another world. It’s calmer and almost like meditation for me.
How is what you shoot for yourself different from what you take for other people?
It’s painting with the camera, so no difference.
Has your work ever been used for commercial purposes?
Not that I know of!
What’s your favorite photograph that you’ve taken?
Oh, dear—so many favs! I have about 25,000 photos on my computer. Not all of them are favs, of course, but many of them are in different ways because I photograph many different styles and objects, abstracts, macro, still life, nature, etc., etc. Three is a charm, so I’ll take one of my still lifes, one macro, and my latest from this summer, a multiple POV/reflection photo. (View Rosita’s photographers throughout the post.)
What’s your dream photograph?
The Aurora Borealis/ Northern Lights and the pyramids without the tourists.
What’s your biggest complaint with photography?
I take too many photographs, and I see too much motivation everywhere! Also, I need a meaning with everything, so that’s a paradox.
Would you like to work full-time as a photographer? If so, how do you see your business growing?
No, but as an artist whether it’s with a camera, brush, or pen. I would like to do book illustrations and covers for example.
Do you work alone or with a partner?
Alone, but after I have done my artwork, I like to work on different projects with others.
hl gibson, author 