PE Interview: Stocker, Salsolastock!

What were your first artistic influences, and did they have a hand in the development of your resources?

We both had been involved with traditional art, drawing and painting, from a very young age. We developed an interest in photography in 2006 and discovered DeviantART shortly thereafter. Our art exposure influenced the composition and subject matter of our photography. Seeing how the photos were actually used by artists here at DA has further informed the technical aspects of how we shoot stock images such as angles, focus and lighting.

Whats one of the most rewarding aspects for you as a resource provider?

Interacting with the users of our stock and having what has been made shared with us is THE reward for posting images. The collaboration can be fun and full of surprises. We are thrilled when a user's work is financially successful and also enjoy a beginning artist learning a new technique. Logging on and seeing what our users have been up to can really brighten a day.

Whats the one thing you find the most frustrating about being a resource provider?

Feeling taken advantage of or taken for granted is very frustrating. We spend not only time and money to get the images we provide but there is personal effort exerted and artistic considerations taken. These aren't just discarded images for us, we made them deliberately. There are memories tied to images that give them another layer of meaning for us. So when the images are used without bothering even to read the license much less share what has been made, it can sting. We don't understand the sense of entitlement that causes such behavior but it can suck the fun right out of things.

Do you have a favourite resource in your gallery, can you tell us why its a favourite?

We don't really have a favorite so far. Our gallery consists mainly of animals and scenery in the US (and a bit of Canada) taken as we crisscrossed it in our RV. Each image has a memory of a place or a time attached that makes them special. Some have been very popular and we're happy about that. Two have been daily deviations which was an honor. But the images we think of most are the ones we haven't uploaded yet. We think of how we can improve and we think, "I can't wait to see what they do with this!"

Your stock gets used for a huge variety of artwork, do you have any favourites?

There are too many fine things to choose from! We are impressed all the time.

One work does stand out though, and once again it's about connections and layers of meaning. The stock image was of horses belonging to our family and it had also received a daily deviation. It was referenced in the painting by artistwilder

But it doesn't stop there. While staying in Canada we found out that the painting was going to be shown at an event we already planned to attend. Under these happy coincidences we were able to see the painting and meet Linda in real life.

Art and life are about connections and meaning. We look forward to sharing both, reciprocally, with artists at DA for a long time to come.

Last but not least, what flavour cupcake are you?

Tequila… with sprinkles.

Project Educate Stock & Res 19 - 25th March

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