Interview with Petra Cvelbar
What do you find most compelling about the job of a jazz photographer? Is it the love of music or photography? Can they be separated?
Music to me is something magical and healing at the same time, as it gives me the strength to live. I cannot imagine life without music. I could say the same about photography. Photography and music have entered my life quite spontaneously and I have never imagined they would grow to become a compulsive dependency. I guess I am attracted to the numerous possibilities and variations they offer. They are sort of liberating, leading me into a certain special world that I hold especially dear.
When taking a photo, do you concentrate on the portrayed subject or wish to capture the subject’s music, sonority?
I never know in advance what will catch my eye. I work rather spontaneously. I live for the moment. Naturally, I know whom I am going to photograph, as I usually listen to at least some of the music by the musician or group in question. I find it crucial to know who is on stage in front of me. But I nevertheless allow the music to speak for itself. And this is how my photos emerge. They are rather subjective, it’s my interpretation of the moments experienced in front of the stage. At times I don’t even know what I’m doing there, especially when music is very overpowering and that is when the best shots are made. Actually, taking photos is a sort of a game to me and that is why it is so appealing.
Does “taking photos of jazz” enable expression of a certain level of art which couldn’t have been captured without the music dimension?
Jazz appeals to me on account of improvisation, to which I feel strong affinity. Improvisation is not only restricted to stage, it’s a way of life.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I am especially fond of free jazz, although I like diverse types of music. I like to surrender myself to discovering new things, and prefer not to keep within certain bounds. I like listening to world music, some rock, also good pop…
How did you think of the title for your show?
It was devised while chatting with a very dear friend and teacher of mine, Žiga Koritnik, when almost on the brink of despair we contemplated the title for my exhibition. He asked me what music meant to me and I explained that I was addicted to it, that it was a sweet addiction.
Could you share with us which of this year’s musicians you especially look forward to capturing on film?
That’s a hard question… I really like this year’s programme and I believe that there are deuced many musicians worth listening to… Well, perhaps I might mention William Parker, since I am interested in the projects he’s involved in, and Charles Lloyd. I especially look forward to finding out what the Ken Vandermark and Jason Moran combination will sound like… actually, the entire evening devoted to the tenth anniversary of the Clean Feed label.
