Today we’re joined by Mia, who also goes by Aljoscha online. Mia is a phenomenal photographer. They specialize in nature and architecture photography. Their work is brimming with life and an astonishing amount of detail. Mia truly captures snapshots of life and places with their gorgeous pictures. They are an incredibly talented artist, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
Basically, I’m interested in any kind of art, because my family has an artistic disposition. I tried several things like drawing or making music but photography is the one field where I see my qualities. I do this as a hobby but I try to specify my work to nature and architecture photography.
I love to travel and I want to show other people what I have seen on my journeys. And of course photos are the best way to do this. 😀
What inspires you?
First of all, nature is a huge inspiration for me. It just offers the best subjects. Also cityscapes are incredible amazing. You just need to visit other towns and you see such a difference. It’s the diversity I want to capture and that gives me the inspiration to do my hobby.
Other huge inspirations are several photographers, e.g. Olaf Heine and Farin Urlaub. They both are in really different fields of photography but their works are impressing as heck. Their works give me a self-confidence boost à la “I can do this too!”
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
As I said I saw the works of Olaf Heine and Farin Urlaub and I wanted to do the same. First I thought I couldn’t do this because these people have a good qualification and worked in their field for years. I was nearly giving up when I saw that my brother autodidactically learned how to photograph and it turned out really well! This was the moment I got the self-confidence to also start photographing.
When I was a child, I was actually really annoyed that everyone in my family was so talented. I think it was because I am by far the youngest one and I wanted to be able to do all the art stuff my family did at the first go. I took me some time to realise that it takes time and patience and that you have to practice a lot. Now I’m happy with what I’ve already achieved and that I make people happy with my art.
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?
I’m currently working on a signature. 😀
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
Take your time! And don’t be sad if it doesn’t turn out well immediately. It’s hard work but in the end it was worth it, I promise. Also share your art everywhere you’re comfortable with. And always stay positive! When you see other peoples’ works don’t get sad – tell yourself you can do this too! Because you really can 🙂
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I identify as polyromantic (sex- / touch-repulsed) asexual.
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
Luckily not. When I’m taking photos / traveling I’m alone or with people who don’t know I’m ace — and that’s fine.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
The most common misconception I heard about is that asexuals are broken and need to be “convinced” to have sex. People don’t seem to understand that you can be totally fine without having sex and that this is not bad.
And of course that asexuals wouldn’t belong to the LGBT+ community.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
Keep calm. There’s nothing wrong with you and your identity.
Also make sure you have someone you can talk to – on the internet or in real life, doesn’t matter. If you’re sex-repulsed immediately tell your partner and talk about it. It’s important that they accept your boundaries and that you don’t push yourself into something you don’t want and / or you’re uncomfortable with. And don’t be afraid that you won’t find someone when you’re asexual! You’ll and so did I. It may be hard sometimes but life would be boring otherwise. 🙂
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
All my works are on DeviantArt: https://fdjpunx.deviantart.com/
Also I have a blog about photography where I post my works too: https://wuestenkind.tumblr.com/
Thank you, Mia, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 