Meet Penelope James | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Penelope James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Penelope, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the creative muse and the sense of urgency that often accompanies it. I recently heard on a radio program that the creative muse circles the world looking for that one person willing and ready to become the outlet it needs, and if you aren’t ready or willing, it will move on to the next person. That really resonated with me because oftentimes a project comes out of nowhere and there is no clear purpose, but the need to focus on it and complete it becomes so intense, as if nothing else in the world matters at all. If we step outside of this creative realm, we can start to question it; what will people think, is this a ridiculous idea, etc. But I’ve learned that by remaining enveloped in that warm creative energy, we ultimately learn so much about ourselves. By embracing the vulnerability, we are learning bravery. By allowing ourselves to freely create, we are giving voice to our deepest truths; those little truths that remain so hidden and difficult to discover but guide so much of who we are. And perhaps, that is the ultimate purpose of the creative spirit. By finding and releasing our own voice, we are helping others connect with and find their voice also. So, in answer to your question, giving up is not an option when the project stems from your deepest self. It can be grueling, confusing, maddening, and perhaps not even successful, but the attempt is what will ultimately be the reward, for the next time the creative muse goes circling the world, she will remember your dedication and desire, and will gift you with another opportunity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began shooting photos as a way to process the grief and trauma life so often throws in our path. It was the only thing that would completely empty my mind if any and all problems. I would be absolutely absorbed. From shooting, to editing, to finding quotes or writing captions. It was a way to explore and give voice to the complicated feelings and emotions I was experiencing. When the pandemic hit, I was terrified and filled with nervous energy. I live alone and, like everyone else, was basically quarantined. I decided to turn the camera on myself for lack of a better subject ( or any subject at all). What eventually transpired was a series of self portraits. This is where that creative muse comes in and you realize it had to be something outside of yourself directing the project because there was not a specific theme in mind when creating these. In fact, there was not even a plan to have more than one. But time and circumstances demanded the energy be released and eventually the theme became astoundingly clear: A hope to fly away. To escape. To be free.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Revelers Hall. Hands down. The happiest place in North Texas. You have to go on a Saturday or Sunday from 2-5 to catch the Reveler’s Hall Band because they will reinvigorate your soul and your spirit. It is impossible to leave that place without a smile and feeling ten times lighter and happier than when you entered. Everyone there is your friend. Fantastic place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that deserve recognition and exposure for their amazing friendship and encouragement! Bonnie, Ruth, Dinah, Jaymie, Shooky, Travis, and Jim just to name a few. I would also be remiss to not mention my dear friend and photography mentor, Harvey Stein, a brilliant New York street photographer who has been gracious enough to take me under his wing and coach me through not only the art of photography, but also the art of life. I’d also like to give a great big shout out to Lori White who presented  me with an amazing opportunity when she asked me to display my work in the upstairs gallery at Arlington Museum of Art. That little ask had a powerful impact on my acceptance of myself as an artist. I will be forever grateful to her for the opportunity. I could go on and on because there are so many people that I am inspired by daily. They are creating their world through writing, painting, dancing, singing, cooking, creating music, and really just making the world a more beautiful place. I wish I could name them all, but if you are reading this and have an inkling I’m speaking about you, I probably am.

Website: Penelopeace.com

Instagram: Penelopeace

Facebook: Penelope James Photography

Other: https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/1200/penelope-james