While the face is the foremost element of individual identity and gives cues of our socio-cultural background, we rarely look close enough to know a person’s entire story. Time and experiences often leave emotional traces in the way people express themselves through their face. And it takes quite an artist to capture that.
Photographer Tanvi Jaiswal’s series, ‘Finding Traces’ is a beautiful ode to the untold stories on people’s faces. Trailing through the city of Bangalore, Tanvi’s passion to click people’s faces has turned into a rather engaging portrait series. From a warm twinkle of an old lady to a cheeky grin of a youngster, ‘Finding Traces’ explores faces and identity in a rather unique way.
We had a chance to talk to the young photographer where she told us more about the project and the things that inspire her. Check it out!
Tell us about your project.
“Finding traces of the beauty and untold stories upon people’s faces I meet.
Angels are not from heavens but heaven is where we live... souls to be loved as love to be your soul.”
Finding Traces is a portrait series of people I meet in my daily life in the city of India, Bangalore. With my passion for clicking people’s faces and the process of clicking picture ends up with a smile on their face makes it a complete joyous idea.
What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?
Life cycle of nature. Nature, God , mythology, surroundings and symbolism are my great greatest inspirations. Apart from the film The Man Without Past by Aki Kaurismäki.
Describe your creative process and the purpose with which you create.
My creative process is very spontaneous and truly unpredictable, it seems more like an accident when I create something out of just a few thoughts like humming a song in mind could be sounding like. It just comes up like wow for me when I finish that piece of work. I just enjoy the process of making and go with the flow. I am yet to break free and that is my purpose behind creating art.
What is the first piece of art/photograph/film/music that impacted you deeply?
Hills of Munnar and “Oh Daddy” by Fleetwood Mac.
If you could propose and lead a project with the Indian Government, what would it be?
It would be to design public toilets with airbnb outside nightclubs and pubs cause when it acts late at night, people insane and need a comfort zone where they can leak, or make a call, or have a quick selfie, book a cab, etc.. I would also like to do fashion documentary around them. I know it sounds filthy.
Which is your favourite piece of work of your own & why?
Have not created that yet.
On a personal note -
One track you’re currently listening to?
Roja - A. R. Rahman.
A project you wish you were a part of?
Grime’s music video performances.
Your favourite midnight munchies?
Walnuts with milk chocolate.
Your greatest vice?
Not thinking before speaking, which people confuse for rudeness when it’s just me being straight.
If you liked Tanvi’s work, check out his Instagram here.
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