I remember bumping into Collin at a second hand store in St. Louis during a visit to my hometown with my mom. It was one of those days when I was trying to keep a low-profile. My edges were so far from being laid that day it’s almost embarrassing to think about and I kept my head down, but at the cash register I heard someone say “Hi, is your name Leah?”. I held my head up and was greeted by a sweet smile and it was none other than Collin Elliott, today’s feature in the Conscious Conversations series I’m doing on my blog. Shortly after that run-in, I asked him to shoot a few photos of me for my blog after I realized he was a photographer. Little did he know, I was struggling with serious anxiety at the time, and even leaving the house felt daunting — which is why I flew home (hey there’s no shame in self care!).
We took photos at my grandmothers house and in those pictures I felt confident, beautiful and strong. I felt like I could hold my head up, just like I had to do when he said hello at the second-hand store. A photo he took of me, was the first one I posted after a month long social media hiatus. So I have a special place in my heart for this kind human being, who played a part in my journey to self-care and acceptance; without saying much at all. Long story short: be kind to people, even the simplest of interactions from a smile to a hello to a stranger or friend could make their whole day!
Collin is an incredible photographer and St. Louis creative. I’ve known Collin, through several degrees of friendship separation, for a few years now and it’s been nice to see his craft grow and how’s he’s acclimated himself in a very rad and beautifully black group of St. Louis creatives (many who are good friends with my sister). It’s dope as hell, but I won’t hold you any longer. Below is a snippet of my conversation with Collin Elliott here for you all.
Q: What was growing up in STL like for you and what has it taught you?
St. Louis (one section of home for me) is a complex space. A majority of my life experiences are rooted here (family, youth, work, etc.). I’m thankful for the circles and spaces I’ve grown up in. At times, the infrastructure of this city makes it difficult to expand like other cities I’ve had the privilege of traveling to. I have family members and friends who haven’t had the luxury of exploring those outer spaces, so there’s challenges in explaining what’s possible. Despite those challenges, I work to expand upon the archaic ideologies of this city’s “gatekeepers” and loved ones. I think social networks like Instagram are great for seeing how communities are approaching relatable challenges. I’m inspired!
Q: What's a piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?
To set the scene, we would be in a space similar to the one in Men In Black l when Will Smith screeched the table across the room. That conversation might sound a bit like this: “What’s up lil dude? I want you to imagine your ancestors having a conversation with a future version of yourself; aka me! We’re proud of you and are reassured that you’re doing well. We’re suggesting how important it is for you to be present right now. Explore options, work to understand and trust the process! Ight imma head out.
Q: What inspires you to be creative and what does creativity mean to you? What would a life without art feel like for you?
I identified myself as a visual artist at age 17 when my father passed away. I took my therapist's suggestion to write out what I was experiencing, and ended up gravitating toward my camera (I started with an iPod touch). There were ideas that I could express better in one photograph (frame) than I could with words. Words sometimes felt finite, and an image appeared more open to possibilities. I would share my photographic essays, or discoveries on Facebook and received encouraging responses. I was intrigued by the idea of someone feeling connected to an image that was personal to me. For some, my work has been healing and relatable. I’ve always enjoyed helping people. I’m sure I get that from my mother who provided inspiring examples of what positive communities and giving back looks like. My father, who I connected with through technology, educated me on the possibilities of the internet. My parents made sure I had a well versed approach to life, and it’s complexities. My work as an artist & designer has been a combination of their parenting. For me, creativity means finding a strategic approach to a problem (at scale). Life without art would be stale.
Q: What's your favorite building or space in St. Louis (other than my grandma's house)?
(I love your grandmothers house! Definitely a favorite in the city.) Architecture in St. Louis is beautiful! The St. Louis Public Library on Olive St. downtown is one of my favorite buildings. Each visit, I feel like I’m in a contemporary Hogwarts. It’s been an incredible resource for research driven projects. I prefer a comfortable, quiet space to work in so if I’m not working from home, this is a great substitute.
Q: Do you feel like black identity is a focal point of your work and if so, how?
In part, my work has contributed to understanding the expanding identity (and my personal responsibility) of being Black. I’ve grown to appreciate that part of my identity even more! St. Louis still feels very segregated. Crossing bridges, both physical and metaphorical, my identity as a Black man has travelled with me. Each side of the bridge display unique social challenges and immaturity. In many ways I identify with the bridge. I find enjoyable and useful information on either side of the structure. I work to connect the best of both sides. My mission for those who share my identity as a person of color, as well as other underrepresented identities, is to help echo their voice and provide support. Many courageous people are presenting innovative solutions to the limited structures we are living in. I choose to stand amongst them.
Q: What's a project you're working on that you'd like to share?
Recently, I’ve presented work in a group exhibit titled ‘Soft Scrub’ at The Luminary, curated by the incredible Katherine Simóne Reynolds. I’ve held on to some of this work for several years now. ‘Soft Scrub’ was an appropriate space to house the work. Releasing it has been a continuation of my journey of self care. The installation of my work was titled ‘In Memory’. It’s a presentation of my experience in attendance at family funerals. The display is designed to activate the 5 senses of a participant in the gallery, as well as in extended virtual space. Peppermints. Growing up, my grandmother kept peppermints in her house. I’d stuff my pockets with them for upcoming weeks at school. During loooong Baptist church Sunday’s I would ask her for some to pass time. I encouraged visitors in the gallery to take a peppermint and recall memories with their loved ones who’ve passed on. The peppermint represents recollection, process (unpacking) and revitalization. Vaughn Davis Jr., a fellow artist in ‘Soft Scrub’, mentioned how it was refreshing to taste and smell the peppermint throughout the gallery in the opening ceremony. The visual focused aid were five photographs communicating common colors, attire and posture at the funerals I attended. For those able to visit the exhibit, I recognize that experience as touch. I make some work to be experienced in physical space so that participants can step outside of their electronic devices. As mentioned, I’m also interested in how our physical world meets our virtual one. There were people who weren’t able to attend the gallery to see the work in person. I developed a fresh approach to extending my work virtually. I made a music playlist titled ‘In Order’ that paired with ‘In Memory’. It’s streaming on three platforms for accessible usage. This playlist inspired ‘In One Wav.’ which locates the final sense, sound. ‘In One Wav’ is a space encouraging artist to construct intentional music playlists that express one's headspace through the collection of relatable songs. Some participants who’ve made playlist have found the process to be constructive and soothing. I’m excited to see this community grow.