By Christopher Harrity

Originally published on Advocate.com March 23 2013 6:36 AM ET

Alex Kemsley is an 18 year old photographer, based in London, England. His work, which he identifies as fine art, explores the relationship between mankind and a natural environment, and transcendence of life and death.

In his own words: "My very first experience with photography when considering it seriously as an art form was at school. And it was horrendous.

"I decided to experiment with some macro photography without even knowing how to focus a camera (because I'm technically handicapped yet I chose to take IT as a subject in school). So yes, inevitably, I got an awful mark for the homework and I was determined to repeat the homework task and learn how to use a camera properly.

"I had been inspired by Sam Taylor-Wood and Rosie Hardy for a few years, and decided I should buy a DSLR camera to work with. I settled with a bridge camera due to a small budget (the same camera I still use), and I got to work learning the basics. I ended up get an A+ for the homework, but at this point still wasn't in love with photography because I find taking photos of architecture and lampposts boring.

"But by now, within less than a year, I am COMPLETELY in love with photography. I've dreamt of becoming an artist since the age of 6, and now that I have discovered conceptual portraiture, there is nothing else I want to do."

A few questions for Alex:

The Advocate: Tell us the advantages and disadvantages of being your own model.
Alex Kemsley: Having worked with several models on different projects, I find that the greatest advantage of modeling is the connection with the art's concept. No matter how well you direct a model, the thought process behind the work can never truly be conveyed to them in the same way I experienced it. It's obviously much easier to create a certain expression or pose yourself if you have something specific in mind, but this often means a lot more trial and error. I usually end up taking twice the amount of photographs if I'm modeling, purely because of a wrong angle or being out of the frame.

Overall, it's a matter of choosing between practicality and artistic purpose. While a model can make a finished shot more aesthetically beautiful, is that what I want from my art? Do I want or need the polished and attractive alternative? Art is ultimately about a connection between the artist and viewer through the medium itself, and I find it easier if I'm connected with the photograph in every possible way, including the modeling aspect.

The emotion in your work could be interpreted in many ways, but “happy place” would not be one of them. Tell us about the emotional aspects of your photos — are they self-portrait as well?
The large majority of my work is self-portraiture. I occasionally use models, family members and friends to model for pieces, but find myself returning to self-portraits whenever possible. This is largely due to the emotional aspect of the work, and I feel more connected with it if the work is self-portraiture.

In some ways, I concur that "happy place" is not an adequate way to describe my work; not because happiness is absent, but because to me it encompasses much more. I always try to portray a person or space in a way that is not considered typically beautiful, because after all, life isn't perfect. The underlying theme of my art is temporality. I feel that everything is relative, inconstant, and life is temporary. Whilst some people would describe this as a morbid concept, and something with which the word "happy" can never be juxtaposed, I think that this incredibly simplistic and timeless understanding is fascinating, and can ultimately be applied to any environment. I suppose, in many ways, the characters in my work have accepted this concept, which is something I feel that many people cannot - or will not - do.

You have a very developed talent for being 18. How long have you been taking pictures? How supportive, or not, was your family?
I've been taking pictures for just over two years. Before that, I literally couldn't focus a camera. My first attempt at photography was awful and was never something I considered as a hobby or career. I looked at the medium in a very reductive way: as a means of documenting something, as opposed to an art form. Now, after falling in love with photography, partly due to studying Fine Art, I can appreciate the medium as both.

My family has always been very supportive in regards to my artwork. My flair for more traditional art forms was acknowledged from the age of 7, at which point I decided that I wanted to be an artist as a career. Since then, despite the occasional doubts, my family has supported me in becoming the best artist I can possibly be.

Links:
flickr.com/photos/alexkemsley
alexkemsley.tumblr.com
twitter.com/alex_kemsley
modelmayhem.com/alexkemsley