From the series “The Very First Sunrise on Earth”
Michelle Norris’ photography might be making up for an unfortunate fact about Atlantans: we’re living more than four hours away from the nearest beach. A far cry from most photography captured in urban areas, her work employs bold and bright colors, often glinting underneath the harsh, shining sun.
This sunlit atmosphere could be the result of the artist hailing from Savannah, Ga. before moving to Athens to study photography at the Uinversity of Georgia. Now living in Atlanta, Norris still manages to find creative stimulation in plenty that the city has to offer (she also works as a junior stylist/assistant at The Spin Style Agency). With a list of inspirational objects including fruit, crazy flowers and fluffy dogs, it’s impossible not to have fun while viewing her work.
CommonCreativ chatted with Norris to find out more about her exciting photographs as well as her vintage clothing shop that might soon be popping up (in a yard sale or house party) near you.
CommonCreativ: When did you make your way to Atlanta?
Michelle Norris: Last year I was feeling ready to move out of Athens, so in July I put all of my stuff in a storage unit and took my first international trip. When I got back in September, Atlanta seemed like a good next stop.
Ayanna shot for Sun and Fun Vintage
CC: Bright, fun colors are a huge component of your work, but they don’t cause the overall feeling of your photographs to be too saccharine. Is that conscious or does it just happen naturally during the process?
MN: I hope to create a vibrant visual language that makes ordinary things feel exciting. I often worry about making work that feels silly or whimsical, but when I focus on the colors and content that I love, a balance is often reached organically. Sometimes it’s sugary, sometimes it’s too serious—but sketching is important too, so I like it all.
Collaboration with Forrest Aguar
CC: What kind of camera do you usually shoot with?
MN: I shoot with a Canon 6D, but my phone is also a valuable tool for me.
Powerkompany by Michelle Norris and Forrest Aguar
CC: Tell us about the first time you staged a photo shoot.
MN: College was where I really started heavily staging work. I was sick of the abandoned, rustic feel and I started making things that felt like the opposite.
CC: What do you feel most influences your photographic style?
MN: Crazy flowers, fruits, vegetables, murals, wallpapers, tiles, couches, textiles, clothing, fluffy dogs, and other artists.
CC: Sun and Fun Vintage looks awesome! Tell us more about how that.
MN: I started Sun and Fun because I have a shopping addiction! But really, hunting for special pieces has been a joy of mine for a long time, and I started the shop to share them with other people who would really appreciate them. It also gives me a great chance to collaborate on the photography with my boyfriend, Forrest Aguar. I love all the parts of running the shop. It combines all of my interests seamlessly.
CC: It’s your day off: What’s the plan?
MN: Take my dog on a walk! Try to make something (is that work?). Go to Lotta Frutta. Go on a bike ride. Go to the thrift store (is that work, too?).
From the series “The Very First Sunrise on Earth”
CC: Do you prefer to shoot “built” or “found” photographs?
MN: I love them both for different reasons.
CC: Any shows or Sun and Fun pop-ups happening soon?
MN: Nothing on the calendar right now for shows, but we’re thinking of starting a monthly pop-up/girl party for Sun and Fun Vintage, so be on the lookout for that!
CC: It’s summer, and King of Pops reigns. What’s your favorite flavor?
MN: Banana Pudding.
You can find more of Michelle Norris’ work on her site.
