One of the many things we love about CreativeMornings is the opportunity to explore different, interesting subjects through the lens of each month’s global theme. The concepts and conversations that our speakers come up with never fail to spark a new perspective.
For this month’s theme of moments we’ve asked Ali Lapetina to tell us a little about who she is and what inspires her work:
Ali Lapetina
Ali Lapetina // Women of Banglatown
CM/DET: Don’t give it all away just yet but can you tell us in three words what you’ll be talking about on the 17th?
Ali: Following your curiosity.
CM/DET: Why Detroit? What keeps you inspired here?
Ali: I moved to Detroit in 2008 to attend the College for Creative Studies. At that time I was studying Advertising Design, but three years later I switched my concentration to photography. The city brought to my attention the opportunity the camera leads and how it was an excuse to explore and learn about strangers. I believe I wouldn’t have become a photographer if it wasn’t for my experience meeting the the people who live here. They continue to inspire me to capture their stories during this time in Detroit’s history.
CM/DET: What is your favorite project you’ve ever worked on? What would your dream project be?
Ali: That’s a hard one – I would say my favorite project was when I photographed and in Port Au Prince, Haiti, it really pushed me to experience a human connection with a community I was not able to verbally communicate with. My dream project as of right now would be to travel to Palermo Sicily, a place where my ancestors are from. I am curious about photographing the refugee crisis; I would also implement a similar project to Women of Banglatown for recently resettled refugee women and children.
CM/DET: Since this month’s theme is Moments, do you mind sharing your favorite one from 2016 and one you’re REALLY looking forward to in 2017?
Ali: I am so grateful for last year, a lot happened. My favorite moment was being offered a solo show, because it was on my bucket list for 2017. I can’t wait to marry my best friend and spend our wedding weekend in Detroit with all our close friends and family who are traveling from all over the country.
CM/DET: What do you do when you feel stuck, creatively?
Ali: I remind myself I am trying to hard. Taking time to go to the gym a few times a week helps me recharge, become present and breathe. I find working towards a different goal outside of my personal practice helps the creative juices balance and I begin to feel more like myself.
CM/DET: If you were not working on your current endeavors as a photographer + educator, what other creative endeavor might you be doing instead?
Ali: Architecture, focusing on how social impact design can truly nourish a community’s potential to grow and sustain itself.
CM/DET: What’s your favorite animated gif?
Ali: http://giphy.com/gifs/studiosoriginals-l0HlNPqyOk03FsSwo made by Ellen Coons
You can hear more from Ali this week during her CreativeMornings talk at the Scarab Club. Doors open at 8:30 for coffee, snacks (graciously provided by Huge’s Detroit office!), and mingling, and the talk will begin at 9:00am. As always, the event is free – just be sure to grab a ticket!
