Bean Nickerson

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.

I’m 26, grew up in the mountains of North Georgia as a weird little homeschool kid (lol), now I just make as much art as I can. Primarily through photographs but I also love making music, it just seems crazy to want to be a full-time musician… i think one day I’ll be a painter though.

How did your interest in art begin?

My mom showed me some of her drawings from her one and only year as an art major, I was probably 6 or 7 and it made me want to be good at drawing. Slowly over the last 20 years its evolved into the thing I’m doing now, I guess???

What kind of imagery are you drawn to?

Visceral, emotional, dreamlike and sometimes a little abstract. Something that makes me empathize with the subject no matter who or what it is…

Can you tell us about something that continues to influence your work as a photographer?

Hatred for the American government and the desire to be a part of seeing all systems of oppression dismantled… one of the first photographers I really got obsessed with was Gordon Parks. He has a quote essentially describing the camera as his weapon of choice; a philosophy that I’ve lived by ever since. The majority of my work centers around the all the queer people I’m surrounded by, hoping we (and my perspective of us) can be a beacon now and in the future. To me the only reason to be an artist is to be a vessel of change.

Which camera do you find yourself reaching for most often and why?

For the most part of the last year and a half I’ve been obsessed with my F3, I fell in love with the look and the feel so quickly. My family all pitched in to get it for me for Christmas two years ago, there’s such a sentimental value to it as well. Also, when a photo comes out right, there’s just such a magic quality about the way it renders.

How often do you take photos, do you work spontaneously, continuously, something in between?

Most definitely somewhere in-between, usually depending on how well the last roll came out… the better I’m feeling about the things I’m capturing the more likely one of my cameras will be on my hip or in my pocket. When I am in a period of being obsessed with making pictures, I find an ongoing flow of spontaneity to be how I work, if that makes sense.

What is like living and working in Atlanta?

There’s a very specific energy here, it’s hard to fully describe… but it’s special, Atlanta has raised me and it’s really only been like 5 years. There’s a strong sense of community that is really not that hard to feel, among artists but also engrained in the culture of the city. Due to the insane surveillance measures taken by the state, I think people of all walks of life are really forced to rely on their neighbors and loved ones, it’s quite beautiful barring the bleak circumstances.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do and are working towards achieving?

At the moment, the forefront of my pursuits is adding darkroom printing to my practice, it’s something that for some reason has daunted me for so long, but I think I’m ready 🙂 In terms of career dreams and landmarks I think a book/gallery is something that is at the top of my list of goals. I also desperately want to be given assignment work!!!

Who’s a photographer whose work should be talked about more often?

For me, without a doubt it’s Deana Lawson, I was able to catch an exhibition of hers at the High here in Atlanta a few years ago and it most definitely changed my relationship with life in general but also how I saw image making. I could be wrong with my read, but so many other names especially from the generation above me so much more often than hers and it’s insane to me!!! Also, someone closer to me in age would be Sara Messenger, the level of emotional intimacy she’s able to communicate is a goal I strive desperately for.

Could you share some recent, current, or upcoming projects you’re working on?

My practice is sort of all over the place; it’s sort of the reason I don’t share much. I’ve really just been shooting and shooting in moments it feels right and trying to find a through line in all of it. The only clear “project” is my relationship with Sword ii, I’ve been taking pictures of them for a few years now and recently went on the east coast stent of their tour. I hope to continually compile pictures of them to share with the world. I believe in them and everything they do!

What have you been reading or watching recently?

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it but I did keep up with Euphoria throughout this final season :/ quite the waste of time…

What do you collect?

Photos lol

also musical instruments

Interview by Paul Fitzpatrick.

Search

Spotlight

Bean Nickerson

Sign up for our newsletter