With Thais Varela

Hi Thais! Thanks so much for making time to chat with us today

Hi Mish! No problems

How is it today in Basque Country?

It’s rainy here today, but it is a beautiful place where I am close to the sea and the mountains, it is a quiet place full of peace. I lived in Madrid for a few years, and after the pandemic I returned here which is my place of origin. I prefer the quality of life :) also the food is very good!

Sounds idyllic…. if we were ever find ourselves in Basque Country, what food shall we order?

A good pintxo of potato omelette, or a gilda, which are olives with chili pepper. But in general everything is so good and very homemade.

And the cheesecake...?

Without a doubt! Basque cheesecake is baked one with idiazabal cheese that is exquisite.

Yumm.... so tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you find yourself at this point in life?

I describe myself as a curious person, enthusiastic about life, and fortunate to be able to dedicate myself to what I love, which in this case is photography and art.

I have over 9 years of experience in photography, during which I have explored various styles. I consider myself an adaptable artist capable of creating portraits, still lifes, and landscapes—all infused with passion and emotion. Emotion plays a significant role in my artistry.

Currently, I am entering a new stage of life which feels fascinating to me. I am studying personal development techniques with the aim of developing a new methodology to support other artists in their journey. Whenever I delve into new studies, all my senses are awakened, and I feel genuinely excited about this new phase.

That sounds incredible, can you tell us a bit more about the methodology for artists?

I am developing a methodology that encompasses portfolio review to help artists improve their skills and discover their authentic voice. Through one-on-one sessions and self-awareness exercises, I will guide photographers to overcome limiting beliefs and establish a unique and consistent style. This holistic approach ensures that the portfolio reflects both the artistic quality and true voice of the artist. I am excited about the process and am eager to get started.

That sounds like a really valuable process for artists, can you tell us a bit about your personal practice and process?

My process and practice are very consistent, which is essential when working independently. While there are days when my energy isn't at its best, during those periods I always have a plan B to focus on computer-related tasks. Currently, in addition to studying as mentioned earlier, I am expanding my collection of flora and nostalgia. This collection, which portrays flowers, I have been developing since 2021 between Spain and Mexico. From November to February, I put this collection on hold in practice as it is winter and there are no flowers available. It is in spring and summer when it reaches its peak and my inspiration blooms again with the flowers.

Is there a particular flower that you're fond of?

My favorite flower is the poppy. I always look forward to February so I can have it in my studio. Its curved stems and extravagant petals aligned with vibrant and varied colors reconnect me intensely with the floral world. When poppies bloom, my floral journey begins anew.

I can see a repeated theme of intimacy in both nature and people through your work..can you tell us about that.

I would describe my style as very visceral. I'm very aware of my emotions, which means that whenever I take a photograph, I connect with the emotion of enthusiasm from a particular light, or a specific idea, in order to reflect my inner world. I always feel in touch with my authenticity, which is why my style is quite versatile. Additionally, my background in the stock photography industry has given me a broad perspective, and over the years, I've developed many styles while remaining true to myself.

Has your style changed over the years?

Yes, my style has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, I focused on capturing moments with a documentary approach, aiming for authenticity and raw emotion. As I gained experience and explored different techniques, my style became more refined and artistic. I began experimenting with light, composition, and storytelling, which added depth and creativity to my work. Moreover, my foray into stock photography exposed me to diverse aesthetics and client needs, further broadening my stylistic repertoire. Overall, while my core passion for capturing emotion remains unchanged, my style has definitely matured and diversified with time and experience.

And which cameras do you use?

I use a few different ones, the Canon 5D Mark IV I mainly use it for photographing flowers or specific assignments I love its weight, low noise, and size, even though it’s a big camera I always pair it with the 24-70mm lens, which gives me a lot of confidence when taking photos. I use the Fujifilm X-T4 to record video clips and for everyday life. My Yashica T3 (analog) is perfect for daily use and the Canon AE-1 (analog) I reserve it for more professional projects. The combination of digital and analog cameras allows me to adapt to different types of projects and daily needs

What do you enjoy about working in a creative field full-time and likewise, are there themes less-enjoyed?

That's a great question! We're all inherently creative beings, but speaking specifically about the world of art, it means being in constant contact with that part of yourself. Currently, what works best for me is understanding my rhythms. This isn't your typical office job; in my case, emotions play a significant role. I strive to align everything in my life to navigate them effectively, maintaining balance through personal care like physical exercise or meditation. It involves consciously seeking inspiration from other works and training my focus to prevent social media from consuming too much of my time. Ultimately, being creative is fascinating, but in recent years, I've realized it's a deliberate act that requires discipline.

What I like least about being creative is the uncertainty inherent in the artistic world. For instance, I have an extensive portfolio on the Stocksy stock photo platform that provides passive income. However, I'm always alert and ready to collaborate on various creative campaigns, which involve extensive preparation and creative direction for proposals that may not always come to fruition. This can be quite draining of energy.

What has been a career highlight to date?

I couldn't really pick just one. My career has been filled with varied and standout moments. Artistically, I consider starting the "Flora and Nostalgia" project, where I photograph flowers, as a major achievement that is now beginning to yield results. Additionally, I fondly remember my time teaching and conducting workshops in different parts of the world, from New York to Mexico, during the early stages of my career.

What's next for Thais - in life and work...

In my venture, I'm focusing on increasing my awareness. As I mentioned before, the constant uncertainty in hiring is something that wears me down. That's why I'm looking to steer my business towards new directions. While I'm still in the process of defining exactly where I want to take it, I'm working diligently to ensure that the methodology I mentioned earlier yields positive outcomes in all aspects: personal, artistic, and economic.

Additionally, I am actively seeking opportunities for representation by an agency as an artist. This would enable me to access greater opportunities and negotiations. I plan to continue creating new photographs consistently and remain committed to exploring and experimenting continuously in my artistic work. I'm also open to new collaboration opportunities that can enrich my practice and take my work to new levels.