Bryan Schutmaat, an acclaimed photographer from Austin, Texas, shares his journey through the American landscape and portraiture. He unveils insights from his new book, 'Sons of the Living,' highlighting the dignity of marginalized communities along desert highways. The discussion dives into the misrepresentation of collaboration in portraiture and the ongoing nature of artistic work. Bryan also reflects on navigating creativity, the impact of time on artistry, and exciting future projects, including an exhibition at the Rijksmuseum.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Winogrand's Road Trip Inspiration
Bryan Schutmaat was inspired by Gary Winogrand's 1964 exhibition and book showing simple road trip photography as an achievable art form.
He realized that roaming with a 35mm camera made photography feel doable and accessible.
insights INSIGHT
Curiosity Fuels Discipline
Curiosity and inspiration are linked and essential but do not always come naturally to Bryan.
Discipline pushes him to keep shooting even when feeling uninspired, trusting that something good will eventually emerge.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Balance Rest and Discipline
When feeling unproductive on the road, Bryan advises allowing yourself rest to recharge.
Accept that not every day will be productive, but discipline and breaks both play roles in artistic work.
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While not explicitly titled in the transcript, the context strongly suggests a reference to a book or catalog of Gary Winogrand's work from 1964. Winogrand was a highly influential American street photographer known for his candid and often humorous depictions of everyday life. His work is characterized by its sharp observation, dynamic compositions, and insightful portrayal of American culture. A 1964 collection would likely showcase his early career, possibly featuring his signature style of capturing spontaneous moments and unexpected juxtapositions. His work continues to inspire photographers today.
PhotoWork, 40 Photographers on Process and Practice
PhotoWork, 40 Photographers on Process and Practice
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Sasha Wolf
Sons of the Living
Sons of the Living
Bryan Schutmaat
Bryan Schutmaat's "Sons of the Living" is a decade-long photographic project capturing the essence of the American Southwest. The book masterfully blends intimate portraits of individuals encountered along the way with expansive landscapes, creating a powerful narrative of human interaction within the vastness of the desert. Schutmaat's work explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the impact of human presence on the environment. The photographs are rendered in both color and black and white, enhancing the emotional depth and visual impact of the project. The book is a testament to Schutmaat's dedication to capturing the raw beauty and complex realities of the American West.
In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha reunites with her very first guest on PhotoWork, the photographer and publisher, Bryan Schutmaat. Bryan and Sasha talk about his new book, Sons of the Living (Trespasser) and Bryan's love of being on the road and exploring the American Landscape. Sasha and Bryan also discuss how the idea of collaboration in portraiture may be misrepresented and how a book doesn't mean a body of work comes to an end.
Bryan Schutmaat is a photographer based in Austin, Texas whose work has been widely exhibited and published. He has won numerous awards, including a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, the Aperture Portfolio Prize, and an Aaron Siskind Fellowship. Bryan’s prints are held in many collections, such as Baltimore Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Pier 24 Photography, Rijksmuseum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. He co-founded the imprint, Trespasser.
PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf