Interview with Tom Potisit
“There is power in images. The ability to educate, sway emotions, and move people’s hearts. ”
Tell us about what motivated your artistic pursuit?
Simply answered, I love creating.
I realize that my profession is something that purely belongs to me, and it is my language, my beliefs, my vision, and my experiences. I used to be very bad at expressing myself through words. The art of photography enables me to communicate with others in a different way, without words. Art opens so many doors and opportunities for me to meet amazing people who think differently and have unique abilities to express themselves through art.
What influences your creation processes, and how is that reflected in the final artworks?
Our world is in such a strange place now, it seems so surreal on some days, and it is hard to deny that there is something that every one of us can do to contribute to help.
I am inspired mainly by things around us that are so small that we neglect them in our daily life, but they have a significant impact on us in one way or another. It can be something intangible, from feelings and mental illness to something much more tangible such as endangered marine mammals. These motivations can seem pretty random, but they reflect the issues in our generation, and through my photography, I can amplify these issues to make a change and raise awareness
Tom Potisit
What is the best way to get the word out and make those changes happen?
The best way to get the word out is to keep doing what you do, love, and believe in. Keep practicing and sharpening your skills and your thoughts in the process.
Take it slow, one step at a time. There is no need to rush to get the word out. However, it would be best to be sure of the main story you want to tell to convince others.
Change does not happen fast; on the contrary, it takes time. But I believe it's worth the process. I have to do something, not just only think and imagine it in my head. I spent a year developing The series of the Lover I. It took quite some time, but I am sure of the visual and behind message story. Consequently, I am so grateful that I got a chance to exhibit with See Me at Scope Miami. Thanks to everyone, my art and massage could spread around beautifully and without boundaries.
Tom Potisit, The King
Which artists are you most inspired and influenced by?
That is a tricky question, I've spent a lot of time looking at photobooks, and when I travel overseas, I usually look at several museum exhibitions. I enjoy all types of art, and fortunately, I had the chance to work with Steve McCurry and closely see how he works; hence his way of capturing the subjects' feelings and how detailed-oriented his process is inspired me a lot.
Same with Damien Hirst, I feel deeply moved by his work. When I first visited London, I got to see some of his artworks at Saatchi Gallery, and I was pretty blown away by the experience. The man turned dead animals into art...got to give him some credit.
WHAT WAS OR IS AN ARTWORK THAT YOU ENJOYED CREATING AND WHY?
I believe in photography as a whole, especially the one that impacts society and makes people think. I want what I do to be more than just something beautiful. I want it to be meaningful. I do enjoy the research before working on the project, connecting all the dots and exchanging thoughts and ideas with people involved in the process. I love the challenge of turning and tunning my ideas into a single photograph.
How does your art create meaning or deliver your message?
There is power in images. The ability to educate, sway emotions, and move people's hearts. Photography alone has many functions, from documenting history to expressing the feelings of the one behind its viewfinder.
Before I start working on a project, I conduct profound research to help me understand the topic from different perspectives. In that same way, it allows me to explore how to deliver the message I intend to through the details, colors, and compositions.
Everything I place in my images has the means to tell a story. It is like a novel; they are interconnected, which I understand like a mystery.
I like the opening and ending of every story because it allows people to see it as they want to. For example, The Lover I is an artwork with such a deep story behind the image that the audience is invited to interpret the information given in their terms through the visual information I'm providing.
Tom Potisit, The Lady
Do you have a dream project? What might that be?
I have always been obsessed with the environment and technology since I started my career. Moreover, I have consistently dreamed of creating an environment where art, science, and technology can come into one place.
I have been thinking for years about creating an underwater learning center, working closely with marine biologists to develop an aquatic haven for ocean lovers to come and for people to learn, be inspired, and connect with the underwater universe. I would love to create multi underwater art sculptures made from construction waste for the coral to grow on using clean energy to stimulate the growth of the corals to grow faster. That is just one aspect of the project, but it can tremendously benefit education, conservation, and tourism.
This project will need a great deal of collaboration between the government, the marine biologists, the scientists, the local community, artists, and everyone who shares the same vision and passion. It sounds utopic, but in art, there's always a possibility.