Today we’re joined by Orlagh. Orlagh is a phenomenal young photographer who specializes in nature photography. Though young, Orlagh plans to continue pursuing art. His work captures the beauty of nature, filled with vivid colors and capturing plants and animals native to Wales. It’s clear he’s a dedicated and passionate artist with a bright future ahead of him, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
I have been taking photos for around 4-5 years, and have been drawing for much longer than that. Mainly my photos are of plants and animals native to my area, and my other works are of anything and everything! Currently I am pursuing a GCSE qualification in art, and am working on my theme of highlands.
What inspires you?
I have grown up in a house with a big garden, quite overgrown and sprawling with wildlife. I have found a lot of comfort in spending time there because of the privacy it provides, and that has given me a real appreciation of nature. I also have family living in a rural area, and the frequent visits throughout my childhood involved a lot of hiking!
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
My dad has a subscription to National Geographic magazine, which is filled with detailed photographs. I never read the articles, but would look through the images accompanying them. It was always quite clear in my mind that I wanted to go somewhere with my art, be it the drawings or the photos, but I have never been certain what that would be.
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?
Sometimes I wish I did! I can admire someone who puts so much time into making their work unique in such a subtle way.
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
I would say that, no matter how unhappy you are with something you have made or done, you will have finished a better artist than before you started.
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
Asexual, plain and simple!
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
I have not had any significant experiences, but there are always uneducated people in my classes who will pick on any minority. I have found a group of LGBT+ people who I can spend time with in these classes, and I think being in a group helps a lot.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
I think, because I’m quite introverted, people assumed my identity is caused by a lack of interaction with other people – which is very frustrating.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
You are allowed to be uncomfortable with any references to or sexual actions, especially in TV shows or books. It is not a problem that you don’t enjoy watching the things other people do. Try to find more representation online of asexual people instead, for example the webcomic Under the Aegis by vimeddiee.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
I have sparsely filled a National Geographic’s Your Shot account: Orlagh Williams. Other than that I don’t have anything…
Thank you, Orlagh, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 