Photographer based in Locust Valley, New York
Marisa Chafetz, Portrait of the Photographer.
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I'm from a small seaside town on the north shore of Long Island, NY. I started taking pictures at 11 after my parents bought me a cheap digital camera for a school project. My original interest was in fashion photography because my mom did some modeling before I was born, and I was obsessed with the prints and contact sheets from her portfolio. I'd make my friends dress up and we would take pictures around the neighborhood. Eventually, I started shooting on film and bringing a camera with me everywhere.
New works made on the beach on Long Island
“While I do think there is an underlying cohesion to my vision, my goal is to be open to whatever approach best suits any given project. I always try to approach my subjects with generosity, tenderness, and curiosity."
New works made on the beach on Long Island
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I'm working on a project making portraits and landscapes in cemeteries, and additionally starting a new project focused on the coastal culture of the Northeast US. I moved back to my hometown 8 months ago, and this re-connection with the landscape and my childhood is currently fueling my work. I'm also elbows deep in my family's photo archive tucked away in the attic!
New works made on the beach on Long Island
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
Since I moved out of Brooklyn, I spend time outside as much as possible. Usually every day, even in the winter. I like to sit quietly and listen to the sounds of nature. I've been trying to learn to identify bird songs.
My recently published collaborative book with Morganne Boulden and Pommegrante Press, "Whispers Against My Neck"
Recently, I've been making sequences of images from my archive of iPhone photos from the last 10 years. Making sequences and collages helps me distill ideas and understand my own natural visual vocabulary.
I also look at a lot of photo books!
From "Whispers Against My Neck"
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
I just allow myself to follow my interests. I’ll get really into one topic for a few months at a time. Last fall, I was obsessed with American folklore and Gothic architecture, which led me to spend a lot of time in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn (an iconic site of incredible Gothic beauty!). That’s how I got the idea to make a project focused on cemeteries. Right now, I’m fixated on tornadoes.
Work in progress, scenes from the studio
From "Whispers Against My Neck"
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
While I do think there is an underlying cohesion to my vision, my goal is to be open to whatever approach best suits any given project. I always try to approach my subjects with generosity, tenderness, and curiosity.
Studio view
Research images from the NYPL Pictures Collection, Cemetery folder
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
Whenever I get in the car to go make photos, I start the journey with a huge diet coke from the nearest drive-through.
iphone photos from recent sequences
Who are your biggest influences?
Tierney Gearon, Justine Kurland, Sally Mann, Joel Meyerowitz, Nan Goldin, Emmett Gowin, Mark Steinmetz, Alec Soth, Sian Davey, Larry Sultan, and Jocelyn Lee. Also, Ethel Cain, Patti Smith + Lana Del Rey!
Cherie, 2024, Scan of BW 120 film
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
I am generally influenced by writers + poets like Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver whose work centers on human's relationship to the natural world. I also love fiction. I had the most fun reading Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" last year.
Rev, 2024, Scan of BW 120 film
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The biggest paradigm shift in my practice came from "The Artist’s Way" by Julia Cameron. I resonate with her spiritual perspective on creativity - that to create great work, you must remain clear and open, allowing the current of creativity to flow through you.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Meditate!
Portrait of the Photographer.
Stay up to date with Marisa Chafetz
Website marisachafetz.com
Instagram @marischafetz
Substack marisachafetz.substack.com