Gallery Talk - Alisha Hacadurian

Alisha Hacadurian, based in the Blue Mountains of Australia, is a still-life stylist and photographer whose aesthetic is influenced by everyday life whether it be sunlight streaming through a window and casting shadows on a wall, the shapes and textures of a vase, or the colour and form of a piece of fruit. 

Observing everyday objects in different lighting and settings inspires her to see past a commonplace item or moment to create something unique. In her signature style of minimalist aesthetic, Alisha experiments with different arrangements, lighting, and compositions to create balanced and visually compelling images. 

Can you tell more about your background and how you became an artist?  

I always had a love of drawing from an early age, however it was when I studied art and photography in high school it really developed and I knew that I had to have a career in the creative industry. I started out as a graphic designer specializing in branding, however my love of photography never wavered and I would always find myself taking photos at every opportunity. It quickly became clear that my true passion was still life photography and here I am today creating unique images for my clients and pursuing my own personal projects. 

How do you start a creative process? Do you write down ideas first, sketch them out, or use objects to create a 3-dimensional sketch?

I am constantly looking at things in my everyday life for inspiration and ideas for my shoots. This could be scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest and magazines or everyday objects found in my home and nature with unique shapes and textures. I do however typically put together a mood board of my ideas when I start a new project. 

Much of your work is derived from capturing everyday objects in natural light which perhaps leaves a small window to find the perfect setting. Is this a spontaneous process or does it require planning? 

For all my client work I definitely plan out my shoot, however for my personal projects I find that the majority of these are spontaneous. They may start out with a spark of an idea, but can turn into something completely different. I often find that this is when I do my best work. 

When is the moment you realize you shot a perfect image? 

It is hard to describe, but I always have a feeling when I haven’t quite got it right and will keep adjusting the scene or lighting until I just know. Sometimes I don’t end up pursuing the original idea and stumble onto something else. Something special. 

Do you have a favorite camera and do you use different cameras for different projects? 

I originally started out using a DSLR, but now I only use my mirrorless camera. On the odd occasion I will use my iPhone when there is a random opportunity and I don’t mind that because sometimes the unexpected can happen and you capture something special, even if it isn’t perfect. I think that adds something special to an image. 

Are there other artists who inspire your work? 

Yes! Carl Ostberg, Sophie Jane Kirk and Tom Baril just to name a few.