Interview | Scott Csoke
Interview
Scott Csoke
Brooklyn, New York based photographer and painter Scott Csoke was born in Rockville, Maryland in 1993. Having lived in four different states before the age of 14, self-reflection and inward thinking quickly became a way for him to understand his changing environments. Personal experiences are essential to both of his art practices and allow him to navigate both bodies of work. Deconstructing stereotypes and expectations are just a few of the themes he explores. Scott recently obtained a BFA in Photography from Virginia Commonwealth University.
About Scott Csoke
Favorite thing to do besides photography or design?
Paint
Describe yourself in three words.
Humorous, anxious, and obsessive
Favorite app to use?
VSCO
Favorite quote?
Anything Fran Lebowitz has said.
About Scott's Work
When and how did your journey as an artist begin?
I think when I would visit my grandparents’ house in Silver Spring, Maryland. My grandfather was a painter and I was basically in awe of what he could make. From then on I remember always wanting to draw or paint. He painted portraits so that’s what I wanted to do too and that’s what I did.
What camera(s) do you prefer to use?
I typically use three different types of cameras. I have a Nikon D600, an old Pentax point and shoot 35 mm, and a Polaroid.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Whatever is around me. I love photographing my environment and putting my perspective on it. That’s what’s so thrilling to me about photography—no one’s viewpoint is the same.
What artists in your field have influenced your work?
Susan Worsham, Juergen Teller, Ren Hang, Miles Aldridge, Awol Erizku
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Clean, dark, humorous
Are there any projects you are currently pursuing or would like to pursue?
The project I’m currently working on is entitled Fantasy. I have been working on it for a little over a year and I’m still not quite finished yet. The project focuses on my battle with anxiety, specifically a byproduct of that anxiety that is Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome. The project covers a broad range of subject matter, portraits and still life, revolving around unwanted or intrusive thoughts that I have had.
What general process do you undergo to produce your work?
It is really important for me to just make photos. Even if I don’t know what they mean. I find that my concept comes later and sometimes that is scary to just be making images without a concept in mind, but it always seems to come full circle.
