Meet Jon Dragonette | Fine Art and Documentary Photographer

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

Hi Jon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me life has been all about risk taking, wether it be my career path, life choices, or something as insignificant as ordering a new dish at my favorite restaurant. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m f*cking Evel Knievel or anything, but I try to push my boundaries, live in those uncomfortable places and push myself to the brink of potential disaster. The goal? See if I can walk away victorious, or at the least, on my own two feet.

I think finding comfort in taking risks stems from my passion and love for skateboarding.
I learned and accepted at a young age that progress is really only achieved when you are willing to say f*ck it all, commit yourself, and try to overcome any fears holding you back. As I grew older and started my career, I tried to apply that same mentality in my work and art. Sometimes it came easy, riding away unscathed. Other times it was an all out war, slamming over and over, beaten, bruised and broken. Winning becomes secondary, the real triumph comes only by picking yourself back up, giving your all and learning from the mistakes you made. They say with great risk, comes great reward and I couldn’t agree more. Stepping outside ones comfort zone becomes a test, it helps determine where passions lie, and helps determine what one is willing to sacrifice in order to achieve the goals set out on that path.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art, much like my life has taken many different twist and turns. Some were intentional, while others were completely unexpected. I can’t say there was any one thing in particular that led me where I am today, but rather a culmination of people, experiences and internal growth that placed me here.

To say it was difficult would be and understatement. There were so many times and for so many different reasons I wanted to say f*ck it and just quit, but my competitiveness and self determination wouldn’t stand for it. I learned if you give up when things get hard, then you’ll never experience what life is all about. The hard times help shape who we are, they breed creativity, innovation and inner strength. Struggle opens up space for empathy and compassion and for me, those two things are now detrimental to my art.

Currently, I am working on a long term project examining the topic of water disparity and the threat it poses to rural, native and farming communities who call the Southwestern United States home. As severe drought conditions worsen due to climate change, water issues are being further intensified by a slew of more controversial and less openly discussed problems. Many here feel corporations, politicians, and environmental groups have created confusing legislative bills, water rights acts, and environmental protection laws, which simply do not protect them, nor the rapid deterioration of their land. Many have vocalized their concerns to local, state, and federal officials, but these concerns seem to fall on deaf ears. Ignored, they agonizingly watch as unchecked urban development, infrastructure mismanagement and the increased consumption of an already exhausted water supply supersedes the protection of it. Concerns are, by lacking the context into these hardships and with over 60 million people currently depending on food, water and power generated from the southwest, we have become ignorant in recognizing that the struggles faced here today, will soon be the struggles the rest of us face tomorrow.

The power a still image has to bring viewers up close and face to face and with unimaginable landscapes and unknown, yet familiar faces enduring this catastrophe is instrumental in generating aid, promoting education, and instilling radical change for generations to come. When The Wells Run Dry is examining these narratives from within the affected communities. I feel if we all knew more, we would fight to do more, shedding light on the idea that water is life, so whoever controls the water, controls life.

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.
Thats a hard question actually, especially since I am more of a go with the flow kind of Geezer. But there are some things and places that would for sure be on the hit list, after that, I want my company to check things off their list.

First and foremost Noodle Harmony in Monterey Park, for sure taking them to get spicy beef noodle soup. 26th street tacos in Lincoln Heights. Banh Mi My-Tho for a Vietnamese Sandwhich, Shin sen Gumi in little toyko for some Ramen. Pad Ord Original Noodle house for Spicy Crispy Pork Belly. Pho 87 in china town for some Soup. Maybe a beer at footsies. Defiantly Point Mugu beach for some ocean and possible camping. Probably a few of the local skate parks and after that who knows, see where the wind takes us.

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 definitely want to take this opportunity to shout out and thank my twin brother, Thomas. He inspires me probably more than I let him know. We have a special bond that is impossible to explain so I wont even begin to try. With his constant support, honesty and inspiration he has helped keep me motivated and uplifted, without him, I would never be who I am today and for that I am forever grateful. Love you Bubby.

I also have to thank my parents, who always gave me the freedom to explore, be creative and provide guidance when I was in need. I’m certain it was hard for them at times, seeing me live without a care in the world, but that freedom allowed me the opportunity to make mistakes, learn from them and grow, constantly moving forward.

Last and certainly not least, my friends. The SPB crew, The Jerks and everyone else who has been an influential part of my life. You all inspire me, not only in what you do, but who you are as human beings. The world needs more people like you in it and I will forever be grateful to have you in mine. You know who you are, so you know how much I appreciate you. Thank you.

Website: http://www.dragonettephotography.com/

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