Meet Archie Anderson | Photographer & Storyteller

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

Hi Archie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I like to say I was born an artist. I’ve always been creative, and making art and storytelling brings me so much joy that I don’t think giving up is a possibility for me. Having a career and pursuing certain goals as a creative can be extremely challenging, and there are times when I do question this as a career. With that being said, I’ll always be pursuing my art, taking photos, and telling stories. Making art is a core part of who I am, so to give up would be to give up a piece of myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art practice consists of photography and storytelling. I love connecting with people and exploring themes of self-love and how we exist in the world. When I photograph someone I like to learn a little bit about them and bring forward their unique energy in the images I capture. I’m extremely inspired by nature and vivid colors, so that’s often woven into my work. The overall mood of my photography has a romantic feel while still being dynamic. I believe the world could always use a little more love in it. Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph for KCRW, have my work exhibited by Lomography at the Penumbra Foundation in New York, and be featured in Byline. Achieving these milestones took a lot of hard work, and there are still goals I’m working toward. The grind never stops, but I’ve learned that it’s important to stay true to your vision, be clear about what you want to say, and continue to grow as an artist. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, because you never know which door will open when you knock.

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?
Omg, there are so many great places to explore in LA! I’m really into plant-based eating, museums, and sightseeing. You can’t be in SoCal without exploring the beach, so I’d recommend checking out Venice Beach or the Santa Monica Pier. Of course, you can’t miss The Getty, but if you’re craving more art, I also love the Bergamot Station Arts Center and the MOCA.

For great food, some of my favorite plant-based spots include Butcher’s Daughter, Green Table Cafe (which is perfect for a meal before heading to the Academy Museum), and Spitz in Little Tokyo—one of my favorite casual spots to grab a delicious bite after checking out the cute shops in the area.

If you’re looking for something low-key, you could catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, a must-visit for cinephiles if you want to see a film while enjoying a bite to eat or drink. Lastly, if you’re craving a slice of peace in the city, the Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine is a beautiful space to reflect and meditate, if that’s your vibe.

There’s so much to do in this city, but these are just a few of my favorites!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shout out to Black Women Photographers, specifically the Los Angeles chapter. When I first moved to LA in 2020 and was looking to connect with other photographers who looked like me and grow my skills, they were a major source of support and growth. They offer community workshops, opportunities, and grant resources. I’ve also met some amazing people through them, and I’m still connected with many of them to this day.

https://blackwomenphotographers.com

Website: https://itsarchieanderson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archieslens/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxsRj7puqbNbpC8a2yeJhIw

Image Credits
all images by archie anderson.