Pope Saint Victor: 2010

interview TRANSLATION

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Could you introduce yourself in a few words, (where do you live etc.) tell us about your journey?

My name is Victor Samuel Huckabee and I live in Nashville, TN USA... East Nashville to be exact. I make that distinction because East Nashville and West Nashville, while still the same city, the each carry quite a different feel. I've been living in Nashville off and on now for about five years. I love this small city. I think when most people hear Nashville they instantly think of country music, but you'd be surprised by the diversity, amazing art, music and culture that dwells here. East Nashville in particular is just a haven for so many talented artist and musicians. I think after living here for so many years i sometimes take for granted the amount of talent that surrounds me. Plus, Nashville in a very friendly town and I am a very friendly person... so it just works out.

How do you find inspiration, and what are your influences? What drives you in life?

I know it's overused, but I really do get inspiration from everywhere... sometimes from the most simple things in nature, sometimes from a painting, lyrics from a song or an old photograph. It's funny the small things that can spark ideas. I also follow the work of lots of talented designers and photographers all over the world. But sometimes I just need to sit down and read or watch old cartoons.

Do you travel a lot?

I do travel quite a bit. I spent about four years of my life traveling all over the world, and I was based in Switzerland. But my curiosity, sense of adventure and love for culture have taken me many places that I am sure have influenced who I am today in many ways. I have spent months at a time in the Middle East, South America and traveling through Europe.

It seems to me there are two large areas in your art: On the one hand a lot of photographs in the musical universe, live photos, a lot of rock'n'roll and some musicians pics, and on the other hand travel and everyday life pics... Anyway always a lot of spontaneity and finesse. Can you tell us about those universes?

I think by living in Nashville and constantly being surrounded by so many bands and talented musicians it just naturally comes about that I would be using my photography in the music scene. Plus I am in a band and I love music and always have. I am sure that my photography and design will involve my love for music for a long time. But I also love photography just for the simple nature of capturing moments in time. My Father was a studio photographer and but as my Mother would tell you she took all of the photos. I grew up surrounded by photography, and developed a love for visual arts from a young age... But as far as photography goes, I would much rather capture a gorgeous day in the park with my friends than take head shots of some random person i've never heard of. That's why I am very selective about the work I do... if I don't believe in what I am photographing or designing I will not put my heart into it.

I saw you were involved in a charity, can you tell us about it, and explain us about your role in this action?

My full time job is the Brand Design Architect for a non-profit organization called Blood:Water Mission (www.bloodwatermission.com). Blood:Water Mission is a grassroots organization that was started by the grammy award winning band Jars of Clay. We exist to empower communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa. I have always believed i have the talents that I do for a reason, and that I should use them to be a catalyst for change not only in my community but in this world, and working for Blood:Water Mission has opened such a huge door for me to do just that. As their Brand designer I was given the opportunity to work from the ground up and help an already growing organization take a new look at their brand and help them understand what a brand even is. It has been a big job, but it has also been such an honor to see where we have come in the last few years. Blood:Water is doing such amazing things in so many people's lives in America and Africa everyday, and i am so glad that I can be a part of their story.

Could you tell us about how start a project? Do you wander around with your camera in your pocket or do you schedule sessions?

Usually, when I start a project i just dive in. If there are things i need to learn, study or become acquainted with for the project I will do that. I really like starting projects when I spontaneously get a creative idea. If I am about to do a photoshoot I usually like to pick a general location, then just take a walk with whomever I am shooting and see what inspiration awaits us... there are times when I have things planned out in advance, but I would say a majority of the time I like to start with a blank canvas and see what comes out.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am almost always working on a multitude of projects. As for Blood:Water Mission we are starting a new Lemonade campaign the summer called "LEMON:AID" so right now I am starting to brand that specific campaign. Once i come up with the look and feel we will launch it on the website with print and video resources.

I am also working on a "claymation" music video for our song "summer legs" with my band Bravo Max. I have wanted to make a claymation film my whole life and doing this video with my band has proved to be the perfect outlet. We are really excited and are hoping for a late spring release.

And I am always drawing, when I feel unmotivated or when I have a free moment I will always start an illustration. Illustrating has always been my first love. I love using the quirky art to make people think and smile. I don't know if I will always be photographing and designing, but i can surely tell you that I will always be drawing.