Meet Austin Irving | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Irving and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is such a thoughtful question – and one I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. A year and a half ago, my husband and I were blessed with the most beautiful baby girl. Like most new parents, we’ve experienced time in an entirely new way since her arrival.

Before she was born, I carried a lot of fear and anxiety about how becoming a parent would affect my artistic practice. I had heard so many warnings about how difficult it would be to continue creating after having a child that I built it up in my mind as this massive, possibly insurmountable roadblock. But I’m proud to say that, while there have absolutely been challenges, I’ve worked really hard to stay grounded in my vision and have continued making and showing my work.

Maybe we got lucky with a joyful, easy baby – or maybe I simply can’t imagine a version of my life without making art – but the transition hasn’t been as overwhelming as I feared. In fact, I’d even argue that motherhood has made me more efficient with my time than ever before. It’s shifted my perspective, sharpened my focus, and made me even more intentional about how I show up for my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always considered myself incredibly lucky to have known from a young age that I wanted to be a photographer – and even more fortunate to have had a deeply supportive family behind me throughout that journey. I’m a passionate advocate for analog photography, and I make all of my work using a large format camera with 4×5 color negative film.

My approach is project-driven, and for the past fifteen years or so, I’ve been developing multiple bodies of work concurrently. One of these projects is NOT AN EXIT, a photographic series that invites a closer look at the often-overlooked, utilitarian spaces we pass through every day – hallways and doorways designed for transition, yet depicted here as strangely sealed or inaccessible.

Another long term project, SHOW CAVES, examines how contemporary tourism reshapes natural environments. The series focuses on caves, both in the U.S. and abroad, that have been altered to accommodate visitors. Through these images, I aim to explore the tension between the raw, natural beauty of these spaces and the human interventions that turn them into attractions.

WINDOWS is a study in natural light – specifically, the way daylight filters into darkened rooms through curtains, blinds, and shutters. Using only the available light that leaks through these coverings, I expose my 4×5 negatives over periods ranging from eight minutes to an hour. The result is a transformation of ordinary windows into glowing, almost surreal light sources that appear to float in shadowy interiors.

NIGHT LIGHTS is a time-based photographic study of urban light pollution that entered into the spaces where I was staying while traveling – hotel rooms, temporary bedrooms – liminal spaces between time zones and states of consciousness. Photographed in New York, Hong Kong, Bangalore, and Los Angeles, these long-exposure images – some up to seven hours – transform ceilings and walls into luminous records of insomnia, jet lag, and circadian disruption. My 4×5 film becomes a vessel not just for light, but for time: the time spent adjusting to a strange room, the time hovering between sleep and wakefulness, and the deep physiological effects of a world that never goes dark. NIGHT LIGHTS is currently on view at Wilding Cran Gallery from March 31st to July 5th, 2025. The gallery is located at 607 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Over the past few years, I’ve been developing the series mentioned above called HIS MINECRAFT, which uses analog photography to document the virtual architecture of my husband’s personal Minecraft city that he’s been building since 2012. I devised a custom technique for photographing these computer-generated interiors using a traditional analog process. This approach allows me to navigate between digital and physical forms of representation, shaping our perception of these spaces through the interplay of media.

In my latest series, ROCK SAFARI, I’ve been photographing desert landscapes using long exposures and a high-powered flashlight to paint light onto rock formations. This process transforms natural features into glowing, surreal forms, merging light painting techniques with the stillness of the desert at night resulting in luminous, otherworldly landscapes.

What I’m most proud of is the sustained nature of my artistic practice. Early on, I recognized that being an artist was a long-term commitment, and that understanding has provided me with a consistent sense of purpose – even during periods of doubt. Working with a large format camera feels like engaging in a repeated ritual, and through that repetition, I’ve found a powerful way to refine and deepen my form of self-expression.

I’ve arrived at where I am today professionally through a combination of persistence and the deep support of the people around me. The encouragement of my family and friends has been a steady foundation, helping me stay grounded and motivated through the ups and downs. At the same time, I’ve remained committed to pushing forward – continuing to put myself and my work out there, even when faced with setbacks, rejection, or uncertainty. I’ve come to see those challenges not as roadblocks but as part of the journey. Staying open, showing up consistently, and taking creative risks have been essential to my growth, both artistically and professionally.

Even with the incredible support of my husband, family, and friends – which I feel very lucky to have – no, it definitely wasn’t always easy, there were still plenty of tough moments. Creative work comes with uncertainty, rejection, and times when it’s easy to question everything. What’s helped me get through those periods is leaning on the people who believe in me, staying committed to the work itself, and reminding myself that consistency and persistence are just as important as inspiration or talent. I’ve learned not to see challenges as roadblocks, but as chances to refocus, to get clearer on why I do what I do, and to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being an artist means taking on multiple full-time roles – many of which are invisible and unpaid. Beyond the creative work itself, there’s the constant, often-overlooked labor of staying mentally and emotionally grounded. Maintaining a sense of confidence and staying positive is a job in itself. No one sees the effort it takes to keep your internal compass steady – to not let self-doubt or outside pressures steer you off course.

The truth is, it’s incredibly easy to slip into a negative headspace, especially when you’re working independently or facing rejection. Those doubtful thoughts have a way of showing up uninvited, sometimes just when you think you’re on solid ground. What I’ve learned is that it’s our responsibility as artists to recognize that inner dialogue without letting it drive the car. You have to notice it, name it, and then choose to keep going anyway. It’s a constant practice – staying focused on the work, not the noise.

What I’d love people to understand about me and my work is that I deeply believe in the value of leaning into discomfort. I’ve found that the things we tend to avoid – the thoughts, experiences, or creative risks that make us uneasy – often hold the most potential for growth and self-discovery. If something feels uncomfortable, it usually means there’s something meaningful on the other side of it, if you’re willing to face it head on.

One of my favorite quotes is by Joseph Campbell: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek.” That idea resonates with me both personally and creatively. Whether exploring a new idea or navigating doubt, I try to remember that fear and resistance are often signposts – not stop signs. My work, and the trajectory of my career, are rooted in that belief: that vulnerability, curiosity, and persistence can lead to something real and valuable, even if the path isn’t always clear.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I recently moved to View Park and absolutely love this area of LA. From our house, we can walk to Kenneth Hahn Park, which has tons of scenic trails for hiking or biking, a Japanese garden, and killer panoramic views that stretch from the ocean to downtown. We’re also near the Park to Playa Trail, which connects all the way to the beach – perfect for a weekend bike ride.

One of our favorite neighborhood spots is Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. It’s just a short walk away and has an amazing menu – their breakfast burrito is out of sight. We also love stopping by Simply Wholesome, a neighborhood staple since 1984 with great health food and in a super cool retro building.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible husband, Lance. He’s not only my best friend, but also an unwavering supporter of my career – and, more recently, the inspiration behind one of my latest projects, HIS MINECRAFT.

In this series, I’ve been using large format analog photography to explore the virtual interiors of his private Minecraft world. Since 2012, Lance has been building a city entirely on his own. Unlike many users of the game, he doesn’t play publicly or collaboratively. For him, the process is deeply personal and meditative – brick by virtual brick, he’s created a sprawling, intricate city that has become both a refuge and a kind of time capsule, quietly chronicling the past decade of his life.

Very few people have ever seen this digital space, which makes photographing it feel both intimate and significant. I’m drawn not only to the formal qualities of the architecture he’s designed, but also to the care embedded in every creative decision he’s made. The images in this project function as visual love letters – an epic shoutout to the man I love, and to the thoughtful, dedicated vision he’s poured into this virtual world.

Website: https://www.austinirving.com

Instagram: @austin.irving

Image Credits
All Images Copyright Austin Irving, 2025