Meet Maya Umemoto Gorman | Photographer, Dancer, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Umemoto Gorman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in raised in Sacramento, California! Growing up, I was raised a dancer. My parents always encouraged artistic pursuits, and I never had much of a life outside of dancing and performance. Growing up a dancer prepared me to be a full-time creative. We were always told not to expect money or stability from dancing, so when I pursued art in my adult life I was never really concerned with the monetary aspect. I just knew I would love what I do and the rest would come. My parents have also been a huge part of who I am. I wouldn’t be me without them. They were always supportive, and have been patient with me in going for what I want. If I was a parent to a child like me, I would never stop worrying hahah, but they have always trusted the process and encouraged me to always look forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work has been a journey. If you asked me what sets my work apart a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. In all honesty? I make what feels good to me, and hope it speaks to someone. When I first picked up a camera, I had no idea how to use it. I had imagery that would come to mind, but learning how to execute them was a whole different beast. I taught myself a lot of what I know about photography, and I would say I got to where I am today by being consistent in creating whatever came to mind and always being open to learning! I used to be so anxious about not having a ‘voice’ that I was adding to each photo to make it stand out, but as I continued to learn and grow I simply created what felt good to me, and my style grew from that. Nowadays, I would say my work is usually colorful, movement-forward, and fun! I love creating images that feel alive. If I had to give one piece of advice for maneuvering life/career as a creative, I would tell everyone to water things that feel true to who they are and what they like. Working with people, or on a project that you are genuinely excited about is what makes creating worth it. Being an artist is an inside job. If you do things for the sole purpose of being successful or doing what seems to make others successful, you don’t always walk away feeling as fulfilled as you could feel. The connections, income, and opportunity will come, and when you’re surrounding yourself with people/projects you care about, what comes from it will be that much sweeter! I am getting more and more comfortable in the process of creating, from idea to finish, and everything I make is simply a physical manifestation of something I see in my mind’s eye. I’m getting used to letting my work talk back to me, and I’m still learning and growing! I’m grateful to have so much support and the space to create because there is nothing else in the whole world I would rather do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ouuu, I’m a have little adventures during the daytime kind of girl, so we would have to start early in the morning at Canyon coffee! Love their coffee, the people are so friendly and it has the cutest outdoor seating. After coffee, I say we could hit a few thrift stores around town. We would HAVE to stop at Magma Vintage in Chinatown. The best clothing selection ever, it’s affordable, and the owner, Sin, is the sweetest ever. I would say lunch at All Season Brewing, because I love fish tacos, or grab some food and snacks and head to the park! My favorite is Lake Hollywood Park for sure. Bookstores are always a great option, I love Reparations Club and Book Soup. Los Angeles has a million and one things to do, so I could probably list a hundred more spots, but these are my tried and true.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my parents, community, and the book Art&Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland!

Website: www.mayaumemoto.com

Instagram: @mayamoto_