Capturing the landscape's essence with Kyle Marquardt

The travel photographer sets himself apart with bold and bright colours.

Kyle Marquardt is a Calgary-based travel photographer. We connected with Kyle to to learn how a shift toward seeking out fascinating subjects has brought deeper meaning into his work.

Pride In Business: Who are your biggest artistic influences?

Kyle Marquardt: As a child, my fascination with postcards began my love for travelling. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, I was fortunate to visit many breathtaking places. We would stop by the gift shop every time, and I would be mesmerized by the postcards. The way the big blue skies of Alberta were captured in deep dark hues and the water looked like a tropical paradise, despite being bone-chillingly cold any time of the year, always left me in awe. I always identified with the cheerful and optimistic outlook portrayed on the postcards. It is a look that expresses how I feel or aspire to feel instead of how things look as a camera sees it.

PIB: Where do you find inspiration?

KM: As a creative person, my work is deeply rooted in my emotions. When I stand before a landscape, I strive to feel its essence, to capture the emotions it evokes-be it a sense of coldness, darkness, or any other feeling. Similarly, when I encounter a harrowing tale of survival, I delve into its essence, seeking to convey the raw emotions it carries through my art. This emotional depth is what fuels my creativity and connects me to my audience.
At times, I am presented with specific assignments that push me outside my comfort zone, imposing constraints I wouldn't typically choose. While initially challenging, this process has proven to be a catalyst for personal growth. It compels me to think differently, to explore new ideas and approaches that I might not have considered otherwise. And as I integrate these fresh perspectives into my work, I find myself expanding my creative horizons and honing my skills.

PIB: How do you define success as an artist?
KM: I’ve often heard people come up with many qualifying statements as to who and what a photographer is, and I think this is limiting. I like to think of it in terms of cooking. Someone could be a fantastic cook, and their own audience might be their immediate friends or family. It’s natural to say, “my friend is a great chef!” and despite that person not being a professional chef, they’d deserve the title. What I’m getting at, is that it doesn’t matter how big of an audience you have, you are artist if you create at all, and you are successful if you still enjoy it.

PIB: How has your style changed over time?

KM: Previously, my artistic style had a strong focus on conceptual ideas and involved a lot of manipulation to create visually interesting pieces. However, over time, my approach has shifted towards seeking out fascinating subjects and allowing their unique stories to take center stage in my work. This new approach has allowed me to create pieces that are not only visually appealing, but also have a deeper meaning and connection to the world around us.

PIB: What have critics and collectors said about your work?

KM: A lot of people are often struck by the fact that my work doesn’t typically look like everyone elses. For a long time, dark depressing tones with no highlights or shadows have been mainstream, and I come along and make everything look colourful, hopeful and bright. Half the time, people wonder why I’m not doing what everyone else is doing, while others notice the primary intention of my work is to brighten the mood and feel joy in the moments I have felt.

PIB: How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

KB: I don’t. Therein lies the problem of liking what you do, and enjoying doing it for others. It’s not like people will ask for my work on my schedule and somehow not all do it at the same time. Accommodating unexpected workloads means sometimes some sacrifices have to be made.

In the past I’d often rely on certain seasons to make sure I have enough downtime. I consider a lot of our spring and fall “mud season” that comes with dead looking brown landscapes and terrible skiing and hiking. This is when I’d find time for myself. With summer now taking up more months of the year I’m finding my relaxing seasons to be shorter every year. I’m finding taking enough time for myself to be a changing target, something that I still need to adapt to.

My most successful strategy for taking time for myself is to arrive at events, appointments, or work sites hours or days early and take a leisurely pace. Stopping at a cafe and extending my visit, or merely going for a walk in a place I’d normally be doing something else in.

To experience Kyle’s work and the work of other featured artists, get your tickets for the Pride In Art event on May 24, 2024, here.

If you want to see more of Kyle’s work or to get in touch with her:

Website: http://www.kylefoto.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meghan Huchkowsky
*PIB — Sponsorship & Membership Director*
Doodle Dogs
Instagram: @doodledogsyyc
Website: doodledogsboutique.com

Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Meghan Huchkowsky

Capturing the landscape's essence with Kyle Marquardt

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