New York photographer Jimmy Fontaine believes in black and white. 

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that we tend to put a lot of things colorful. This outtake is an exception. Yeah, catchy colors tend to stand out, and although Jimmy uses a few in his shots, we’re more amazed at how he uses black and white. We also can’t wait for his solo exhibition at COMUNE gallery in Costa Mesa, CA this February.

STATUS: Hey Jimmy. How are you? What’s keeping you busy besides work?

Jimmy Fontaine: Things are good, thank you.  Other than work, things are pretty mellow around here. Looking into getting a dog and going through that process.  Im enjoying the fall weather as well, looking forward to winter.

S: Give us the 411 on the Lower East Side Project. What’s it all about?

JF: The Lower East Side was a two day project shot for VICE about 4 years ago.  It was basically just portraits of some iconic figures and trend-setters from New York’s Lower East Side of Manhattan.

S: What was the greatest risk you’ve taken in order to advance yourself in the field of photography, or in your craft?

JF: I can’t think of anything too risky, well, other than putting everything I have and own into trying to build myself as a photographer.  I’ve never done anything else professionally so I don’t really have a fall back plan if things don’t work out.  I’m usually very motivated though, so hopefully that will never be the case.

S: You always talk of success in terms of collective consciousness and support, for your peers or from your peers. How important is the Area Collective to your growth as an artist?

JF: I mean, growing up I was surrounded by so many talented people—artists, photographers, filmers, athletes, etc.  I grew up in the subculture of skateboarding and snowboarding before it had hit the mainstream market head on.  So, at the time there was very little opportunity for talented people within those scenes to break into mainstream money, advertising or exposure. Hence, The Area Collective, which was started to showcase the efforts and work of a small group of artists through exhibitions, web, and other mediums.  We were all hungry to make big moves but frustrated at the lack of outlets.  I can’t honestly say that The Area Collective directly did anything too beneficial to the success of those involved, other than provide the emotional and creative support  we all needed at the time.  I think it’s very important to be genuine and stay close to friends and acquaintances who you professionally admire and respect.  Here in New Nork, there are a few other photographers who I consider good friends and that are also in similar places professionally but that doesn’t hinder any of us from offering support, advice, or help when needed.  No one wants to be at the top one day surrounded by people who view you as nothing but a competitor.

S: Do you believe that the subject transforms the setting? Or the setting transforms the subject?

JF: It’s definitely a mixture of both.  Sometimes you can walk away with a powerful photograph just by shooting someone amazing against a plain wall.  Other times the right setting just brings out that needed touch to turn something good into something great.  It’s always a combined effort on everyone’s part to create the very best.

Introduction by Sereena
Interview by Toff de Venecia
Photos from Jimmy Fontaine, misanthropicpulp, thecomune
For the full story, grab a copy of STATUS 16!

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