Sometimes it only takes a few words to describe a work of art. A photo. Those who can capture a moment, the artists, create a whole new way of seeing and imagining the world. Through the eyes of Mon Levchenkova, an inspiring London photographer, and through those of her camera, we move past her innermost self and into a dreamy and colourful atmosphere, where light is mixed up with caresses, and acid with purity.
On her blog, she showcases her three projects: Hotel, places and glimpses; Better Here, water, skies and shadows; Stuck to me, moments of colour. Plus, a collection of shoots taken between 2013 and 2014. Lots of shades. Lots of brightness. Lots of art. We introduce you to Mon Levcenkova’s VLVELVET: ambiguous, clean, simple.
I think trying to define when my passion started is impossible. I guess I can say that I've tried other forms of creative outlets but I was never really good at any of those, or enjoyed any of those - apart from photography, of course. As far as talent goes, I don’t feel that way. It’s nice to hear that other people might feel that way about my work, but I like to focus on other things.
I thought it was about time. As always, I have hundreds of photographs that are waiting to be used. Sometimes with projects like Stuck To Me, I’ll capitalise on what I’ve been feeling and turn it into a project. I feel like photographers aren’t very good at organising their work, especially when it comes to finalising projects. It can take me anything from a week to a couple of months.
I’ve been asked this question a lot recently, actually. I’m always stuck for words when this happens – it’s like a slap in the face that makes me think I should be ambitious and have a thousand goals. Right now, I’m comfortable with where I am with my work. I’ve started a project this month that I’ve put a lot of thought into. I’m really pleased with it so far and I hope people like it. That’s it for now.
If I’m shooting and listening to music, it makes me very curious and excitable. When that is the case, I will often try to experiment with light, reflection and colour. At other times, I’ll be dissociating. When that happens, there isn’t much feeling behind my photos at all – I’ll be looking at everything as objectively as I can. You could probably see me scanning my environment for clusters of colour or things that look out of place.
I love reading, especially anything by Sartre. The way he writes - especially in Nausea - is beautiful. That book is an inspiring work of art. As it remains, most of my photographs have a hidden message behind them. However, those messages are personal and I hope that people find their own in them.
A person who would let me into his/her life to photograph absolutely everything.
My first camera was probably something like a tatty disposable in the 90s when I was still a kid. However, my first memorable camera was a Canon AE-1. Right now I’m using that along with a Olympus XA-2, a Polaroid, Canon 5D mk 2 and a 7D.
Aren’t dreams vivid and intense?!
Not at all. I’m not a big fan of postproduction at all! And why would I be? When you’re shooting, you’re in a place that you find inspiring and beautiful enough to take photos in. I’d rather be shooting than sitting in front my computer.
I’ve had a few opportunities to but I’ve never taken them.
Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised to find out that one of my most obvious inspirations is William Eggleston. I also love Juergen Teller, Brian Vu, Susannah van der Zaag, Tyler Sueda, Garrett Lockhart and Nickolay Dyadechko. As far as artistic movements go… I don’t belong to any and I plan to keep it that way for now!
I’d love collaborate with anyone who’s been a part of outsider art projects. I think it would be amazing.
Ambiguous. Clean. Simple.
