Waxing nostalgic with photographer Juan Pablo

Hailing from the mountain city of Monterrey, Mexico, photographer, and filmmaker Juan Pablo (JP) now calls Calgary home. We connected with JP to learn how he explores emotion and nostalgia through his landscape photography that will be shown at our Pride In Art event.

Pride In Business: What inspired you to become a filmmaker and photographer?

Juan Pablo: I would say I was first inspired by my grandfather; his name was Mario and he also worked as a photographer. He would bring me to his darkroom and develop film. I think that’s what really first inspired me, he was a great role model for me in that sense and that’s kind of how I first caught the bug.

PIB: How long have you been working in Calgary?

JP: Since 2012, but professionally since 2018.

PIB: How did your experience living in Monterrey, Mexico influence your work?

JP: Mexico has had a lot of influence in my work. I consider myself a very emotional and nostalgic person. So, I try and involve my memories or just like nice anecdotes or feelings of remembering the past. I like to portray that in my work. I have been living in Calgary for five years. So, I sometimes get very nostalgic and emotional and remember when I lived in Mexico and try to put that into my work.

PIB: Your submitted work focuses on landscapes and the natural world, what draws you to this style of photography?

JP: Okay, so the city I come from in Mexico, it’s called Monterrey. Its name in Spanish means King of the Mountains, the city is surrounded by mountains. It’s as if we lived in a cauldron and like the city was surrounded by the mountains. Now that I live in Calgary, it reminds me a lot of my hometown. Looking at the beautiful landscapes in Calgary and Canada, it has just been nice to see where I come from and where I am now. And I just really like landscapes

PIB: When people view your work what do you wish they take from the experience?

JP: Well, I’d say I want people to look at my work and feel a sense of calm and relaxation. I’d say I try and make my photos not as crowded and complicated. I try to make them visually as simple as possible.

PIB: You have worked on several film projects that involve musicians such as Calgary’s L’omelette for their song “Imagination” and Nate Lesco’s “Gone Ghost.” How do you approach a project like that?

JP: Of course, before starting a project like that I try to make a connection with the artist. I love hearing their stories and try to portray what they're trying to communicate. I try to say their point of view for the musician I’m working with, it's really, really important

PIB: What would you tell new up-and-coming artists trying to make a name for themselves in Calgary?

JP: I'd say be patient and keep creating no matter if you don't like it or what people say, just keep creating because it will stimulate your creativity. It's really important to keep creating and doing stuff. No matter what happens, just keep doing it and also don't be afraid of yourself because as an immigrant I was like really intimidated. And, honestly, just be open.

Website: jpthedop.com
Instagram: @jpthedop