Meet Gina Cholick | Photographer & Artist

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

Hi Gina, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the countryside of South Dakota, outside of the small town of Brookings. My childhood and upbringing had a profound effect on who I’ve become. I often played in the fields surrounding our home, and I distinctly remember the feeling of joy connecting to nature and how it enabled me to live in my imagination. When I discovered photography, I noticed the light and the way the wind moved the grasses, and my connection to nature became even deeper. I felt more alive with a camera in my hands. That little girl is reflected today, in my work. Often, I photograph a figure in the landscape as if on a quest for a sense of self, just as I was so many years ago.

Growing up in a rural area, and my parents’ influence also imbued me with qualities of the value of hard work, authenticity and tenacity. My dad was very driven in his career and encouraged me to find a passion and pursue it. My mom is an avid quilter, so I had a front row seat to someone deeply embedded in their craft and artistic practice. When I was a child, I was in 4-H and I did everything from sewing to canning and raising animals. That time taught me how diverse creativity can be. The people I grew up with were very loyal and loving and I’m still very close to several friends from high school. Those lifelong friendships have given me a feeling of community and connection that goes deep.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic practice is focused mostly on self-portraiture. At times, I photograph others but it’s always close friends. I often combine this figurative work with landscape side by side to tell a more complete story. My work is drawn from my inner world and is like a visual poem, based on a feeling rather than a tangible idea. A magical, surreal and ethereal touch weaves throughout my work. I’m interested in a world that lives outside of our constructed identities’ and who we are underneath the surface. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to push myself to be more vulnerable in my work and create something deeply personal.

I’m sharing my self-portrait work here because it’s so close to my heart. I want everyone to know that I also work as a commercial photographer. I bring the same thoughtful approach to tell my client’s story. I do a range of photographic projects from capturing an individual or family’s portrait to working with a team to tell a brand’s story. I love collaborating and I hope to hear from folks who have a photographic story to tell!

What sets me apart is my vision and the way that I see and play with light in my work. Light is so important to my work that it’s like another character in my stories. Light can elevate daily life into something extraordinary. A sheen of water on sand becomes a rainbow, the wall of my bedroom becomes a painting, churning water becomes a metaphor for thoughts, a dusty mirror becomes a portal to another world. The mood and meaning of my work are illustrated through my way of capturing light.

Keeping up with an artistic practice can be challenging. I do come in and out of stuck phases. Inspiration and community are both huge in keeping me going. I love going to Photo Reviews (such as Medium in San Diego or the Palm Springs Photo Festival). It’s a creative jolt, listening to lectures, nerding out on tech and meeting tons of great folks and, of course, sharing my work. Taking workshops has been instrumental to me and the best way to get unstuck. Being a part of a critique group is wonderful as well.

My commercial career has been slow and steady. I spent many years assisting other photographers and had a chance to learn about lighting. Then I built up my client base bit by bit. I do several different types of photography (commercial and event/portrait). I like the variety as it keeps me engaged. I wouldn’t say it’s been an easy road, but I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way. Some lessons I’ve learned are surround yourself with people who believe in you and that success is a moving target so celebrate the small stuff. The biggest thing for me is continuing to make work just for myself. When I can do that, it’s like I have my own set of small treasures. When my own cup is full, I’m better able to give to my clients.

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.
One of the first places I bring my friends when they visit is the Huntington Library and Gardens. There’s nature, art and science so everyone can find something they love. I find wandering through the different environments there incredibly relaxing. My favorite moment is passing through the giant bamboo forest. Afterwards, we could grab a bite in old town Pasadena at Sage (a wonderful spot for vegan comfort food).

I also love going downtown where we could visit Grand Central for a bite, stop by the Bradbury building or the Lost Bookstore and ride Angeles Flight. We’d wander around Disney Concert Hall, stop at the Broad, then grab a New Orleans cold brew at Blue Bottle, or a cocktail and dinner at Otium. (I know, it’s a full day, but I’m a more is more kind of a person).

I also have to mention a few favorite spots in my neighborhood. We love walking in the Arroyo Seco (a beautiful nature area with pretty views of the Colorado Bridge) and eating at Cacao Mexicatessen (yummy creative Mexican) & Amara Café (great lunch & the BEST gluten free & vegan chocolate chip cookies ever!).

Here are a few other faves: Natural History Museum (love seeing the Dino bones), LACMA (art!), Leo Carillo (rocky beach in Malibu with gusty winds and whale sightings), Pura Vita in West Hollywood (amazing vegan Italian), Yoga-Urt (several locations, Vegan Soft serve).

I’m going to stop there, but I could go on forever about all the places I love in LA and beyond!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents Fred and Cathy have always been very supportive of me pursuing my passion of photography. My partner Josh is wonderful, cheering on my artistic practice and career, sitting with me and my work delving into its meaning, and proofreading my artist statements. I am also surrounded by a solid group of friends who lift me up at any opportunity.

Los Angeles Center of Photography has been an incredible hub for the community and place for me to meet like minded artists. I’ve taken classes there from Aline Smithson who is a guiding light in all thing’s fine art photography. I’ve had the opportunity to take several workshops from Cig Harvey who has a way of igniting the biggest creative spark inside my heart.

I feel incredibly lucky to have so much support in my creative life.

Website: https://www.ginacholick.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginacholick/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginacholick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginacholickphotography/