Inspired by my own "hustle" and the constant need to photograph in order to keep my creativity alive - I want to document other people like me: emerging talent fighting for a voice and an ear to listen. When I experience a moment that makes me re-examine my work as a photographer and director, I remember the struggle that it took to get to where I am, making me more than ever thankful for the opportunities I continue to receive. Each person (of any creative background) featured as part of The Pretty Rough and Tough is really whom ever I come across: in studio, on a job, at an event, recommended by a friend of a friend, or just someone I meet randomly. They are people that I admire, people that I want to work with, or that inspire me. When it comes to the shoot, I ask them to choose the location: a place they love, live or spend a lot of time at. A place that represents home or inspires their creativity.
Born in Mountain View and raised in Los Angeles, California, Field Sells spends his early childhood collecting fashion photography magazines, deciphering Alfred Hitchcock films, and playing his family’s complete Motown vinyl collection.While attending The Los Angeles Film School in 2005, Field develops his technical applications in lighting design with the motivation of telling dramatic stories. At the end of the term, he writes and co-directs Polymer with filmmaker Yolanda Luisa Jimenez, a coming-of-age story that shares insight into the world of two siblings desperately holding onto their youth. Filmed to emulate the varied-historical influences of each parental generation, the movie explores periods from the 1920s silent film genre to the 50s film noir, 60s technicolor and modern 35mm contemporary styles.
Field Sells
Photographer & Creator of The PR&T
http://www.fieldsells.com
With an early interest in storytelling through cinema, Field begins to experiment with still photography while working behind the scenes as an art director on his friends’ films, music videos and commercials. Quickly realizing a new passion for photography, he moves to New York City in order to develop his work. The kinetic energy that stems from his collaborations with Mynt Magazine and Supreme Model Management allow him to define his identity as a still imagery artist.
“During that time I was able to formulate a true voice through my aesthetic, education and experiences. New York City gave me a modern edge which I could apply to my early inspirations of romantic Hollywood films.”
Moving back to Los Angeles marks a change in Field’s art direction, initiating a movement towards conceptual portraiture, emotive aesthetic films, and documentary projects. At the end of 2009, Counting Couture, his first solo multimedia exhibition in San Francisco – showcases multi-disciplinary arts, photography and fashion – and benefits “Very Public Arts,” a Community Initiatives of San Francisco endeavor.
Throughout 2010, Field collaborates with Smashbox Studios, contributing content for their Yello! project, and starts The Pretty Rough and Tough – a series of photographs and filmed interviews with the intent to capture the current pulse of the artist and define a new sense of self by being “pretty rough and tough” within a creative industry.
View a selection of Field's work below: