Michael Harlan Turkell interviewed me for The Food Seen on Heritage Radio Network. We spend a fantastic hour talking about the art gallery, Wok the Dog, travel and all the culineary delights I discovered around the world as I progress w/ the long term documentary project of food markets around the world. Listen to the full interview here.

Michael Harlan Turkell, once an aspiring chef and now freelance photographer and a photo editor of Edible Brooklyn and Edible Manhattan magazines, captures the inner workings of kitchens and documents the lives of chefs in their restaurant world. On The Food Seen, he’ll further explore the amalgamation of food and art by talking to artists from a multitude of media. Guest will range from photographers, food stylists, interior architects for restaurants, industrial designers — all the players that make you want to eat with your eyes. Get ready to feast your ears!

Heritage Radio Network was started in March of 2009 by Patrick Martins and Heritage Foods USA. Built into two re-purposed shipping containers, the station is located in the back garden of Roberta’s Restaurant in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Our shows are broadcast live, and subsequently archived on our website where they can be downloaded as podcasts or RSS feeds.

The content on Heritage Radio Network is absolutely unique, no other broadcast medium is offering the range of subject matter, or the depth of interest in matters of vital importance to every day living.

Justin Lukasavige coaches people to do business better by using the power of their personal stories. Justin graduated from college with a degree in aviation and immediately became a commercial pilot. Knowing it wasn’t the story he wanted to live, he began coaching people to get out of debt. Justin travels the country as a speaker and trainer and hosts four online radio shows each week from his Coach Radio studio.

Justin interviewed me for Coach Radio. Listen to the interview here.

Teknomadics is started by Steve Roberts, for digitally-enabled people, on the move, creating a global village. Technomadic is a word we use to describe the way we are beginning to think and behave as a species. Nearly two billion people are already living a lifestyle affected by the internet.

Some are traveling first class in fancy suits to their next board meeting, trying hard to pull themselves away from their constantly-bombarded smartphone. Some have fully equipped RV’s, and bounce around from place to place at leisure, while maintaining an optimal work schedule online. Some keep it simple with a thumb, a backpack, and a laptop.

Others of us are more stationary technomads, living in suburbia with a lightening-fast fiber optic internet connection. Some are still dialing up at internet cafes, or connecting via packet radio from a faraway island.  No matter how you get here, connecting via the internet puts you in touch with your human family.  Your social circle is no longer limited to your family, co-workers, and neighbors.  The internet allows us to become more aware of the breath in others on the opposite side of the world, in cultures completely foreign to us.

Karl Smerecnik interviewed me and we talked extensively about how I travel, what I take on the road with me and how to stay connected. Read the interview here.

March 18, 2011

A feature article for Le Soir, a French Moroccan Publication.

Here is a rough translation, or you can download a pdf and read the original French here:

In line with Sebastiao Salgado and other great documentary photographers, Charlie Grosso presents “Wok the Dog” (pun between dog walking and cooking) worldwide.

You may cross without paying attention, confusing it with an off the beaten tourist classics. You may have noticed that it uses strange devices that look more like those found in the window of every shop in the world.

Charlie Grosso also uses a digital camera, but almost apologetically, preferring the accompanying film cameras for years. And especially if you cross, do not ask him to explain this choice, nor the color or black and white. It is a matter of instinct. In a world where everything moves very quickly, this silver household surprise that the immediacy of electronic killed. It was not until the return to base to find the images that were taken, with the risk they are veiled, or rather disappointing that they revive the magic of the moment of their catch.

For twelve years, Charlie Grosso, American of Taiwanese origin moves from country to country, according to her finances and desires with a special quest: capturing the soul of the sites visited through a universal institution: the market.

This world tour has a little special effort to date in 20 countries and 74 cities.

March 4, after resuming its headquarters in New York, developed and selected photos from her last journey that has led Taiwan from Morocco through Egypt and Jordan, Charlie has opened an exhibit colorful the “House Project” is expected to last six weeks before sailing to Barcelona, ​​Cairo, Amman, Kuala Lumpur and other cities whose name is as much a dream.

In Morocco, despite unfavorable weather and the proximity of Eid Al Adha she made several calls at the markets in town or in open country.

The pictures placed side by side, show a world, after all, fairly homogeneous. Whether in Asia, Europe or the Mediterranean, the actions are similar and since they are not supposed to be a representation of anything, they provide an interesting natural.

The accident of geography has meant that most of her last trip led our “globe-trotter” in a whole country of Muslim culture. Among them, she said, Morocco was the place most remarkable and attractive, highlighting his surprise to see sheep everywhere, Eid Al Adha oblige.A straddles documentary work and artistic research work is, above all, a look at the life and death and the efforts of all people to feed and continue to live.

March 3, 2011

I am honored to be named Friday Art Star by Photopol.
Here is the interview:

When and how did you become interested in Photography?

It was the summer after high school and before college. I didn’t have a summer job that year and I thought perhaps I should learn something instead. Photography seemed really appealing as I grew up watching my grandfather play with photography all his life.

What gear do you mainly shoot with?

For Wok the Dog series, I shoot with a Hasselblad Xpan and a Hasselbald 501 CW. The series has been going on for 14 years now. I started on film and so I continue to shoot the project on film for both issue of continuity and also because I really love film.
For everything else, I tend to pick the gear that is best suited to the project and what the parameter dictates.

What is your #1 source of inspiration?

Most of my projects revolve around the issues of HOME, SEX, FOOD and STORIES.
I am interested in the relationship between things / people / places / time / space, all the spaces in between, how one resolves another and re-frames each other.

Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, ending up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?

Of course finding time to make the work that you really love and are passionate about can be a challenge but if it matters, then you find a way to make the time. I spend a lot of time on the business side of my business but I allow myself large chunks of time where I take off and travel and continue to create work for WOK THE DOG. You have to make it a conscious choice to give yourself the time.

What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, documentary, commercial, etc..)?

I like shooting subject matters that interest me. Each genre has its challenges and I think its important to understand the essence of the thing that you enjoy and not get stuck in the genre. I started out practicing old school fine art landscapes in the style of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. I then moved on to portraits, fashion, conceptual, commercial, editorial and finally ending with a long term project that is documentary in style. If you had told me when I was practicing landscape that I would end up shooting in a cinematic narrative inspired documentary style I would not have believed you.

Do you have any upcoming shows or events you want our readers to know about?

I have a show opening tonight (March 4th) in NYC and you can find all the details here. I was selected to be part of “In Plain Site” with ArtBridge also in NYC. I had a small piece in a group show called “Holiday Exchange” with The Homefront Gallery. I recently closed a two person show, “EveryDAY” with Baang and Burne Contemporary/New York. What might be a thing of interest is I am running a contest while I am back out on the road creating more content for WOK THE DOG here starting Nov 2. Last year I spent 167+ hours on buses traveling across Central America and Colombia over 11 weeks. I will be on the road for 6 weeks traveling through Spain, Morocco, and India. Guess how many hours I will spent on buses / trains over the next 6 weeks and win an 8×8 print when I get back. You can find more details on the contest and track me on the road at my blog.

What is the one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?

My work is always about an idea. It is a little dark, a little ironic, a little twisted but always with a sense of humor. I find a way to really connect with the subject matter but still leave room for the viewer to engage and participate. The images are a conversation that is open and on going and not a statement that is closed and complete.

if you could photograph anyone, (past/present/future), who would it be and why?

Oh this is a tough question….the first people who come to mind are legends who have influenced me a great deal. Ayn Rand, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Mark Rothko, Irving Penn, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and alike would be some of my choices for people of the past. I really would love to photograph Eddie Vedder. Marina Abromovic and Cindy Sherman.
In terms of the future, maybe it would be interesting to have the present me photograph me at 86 and days away from my death.

what’s your dream photo field trip?

A year around the world with a continual film supply send to me at strategic locations and me Fedex-ing shot film back to NYC for processing. I would love to spent a year on the road and keep on shooting the same story and never see a single frame of it until a year later after I return.

what’s your post production process?

For WOK THE DOG, I process the film when I get back stateside. Then I do a first edit and scan the first edit. A second edit happens digitally only because I can see more details and are able to compare different images side by side better. After the third edit, the selects are clean up of dust and scratches and then we take it from there in the digital format.

if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?

That is like being a kid in a candy store. I would buy a lot of gear if money was no object.

who are your favorite photographers and why?

Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon and Sabastio Salgado.
Their work is amazing. I love Newton because he adores women and that comes through in his images in a slightly twisted way. Avedon has an interesting way of connecting to his subjects and presents them in an unexpected way. Salgado’s work is so ruthlessly human that it breaks my heart every time I look at it. Penn has this ability to melt away and allows you to see the subject matter as they are. His hand is nearly invisible yet ever so present.

what has been the shining moment of your career thus far? (or, describe your “big break”)

I cherish every little success and every little triumph. I don’t think in terms of a big career break and I am not waiting for that mythical moment of discovery where all of sudden everyone knows your name.
The moments in my career I really treasure is when I have a conversation with someone and they tell me that my work really impacted them, when they really get the work and what I am trying to achieve.

do you have any tips/tricks or advice for amateur photo nerds who are looking to shoot full time or students who are just starting out?

Think really hard on what it is that you want. A career as an artist, any type of artist is not an easy one. It takes a lot of patience, persistence and courage. If you are absolutely certain that you want to pursue a life in the arts then jump in with both feet. Do what you need to do to pay the rent but always practice your art. If you don’t then what you have is a really expensive hobby. Also remember, don’t have a plan B. If you have a plan B, it will become your plan A. Keep your eye on the goal and don’t stop until you get there.

what’s the soundtrack to your life and/or your favorite music to listen to while editing?

I like to edit to Massive Attack, VNV Nation or Pearl Jam.

best chow (meal/snack) to get you ready for a shoot? or best way to celebrate a brilliant capture?

Good food is less exciting without good friends. An okay meal could be made fantastic and unforgettable if you share it with good friends and people you love.

will you share with us one of your favorite shots? why is this your fave?

That is a tough one. Currently, one of my favorite shots from WOK THE DOG is, Once Were, San Gil, Colombia 2009. I love the light in the image and all of the negative space. The light feels like the light in a cathedral and the carcass on the hooks is the thing that is being touched by grace. It is not an easy image to love and certainly not everyone likes the image. I like images that are a little bit harder, that challenges the audiences a little.

what currently is your favorite photo by another photographer?

There really are too many to name…a couple of Salgado’s Kuwait series always takes my breath away. It is in motion yet still, it is volatile yet quiet. The tension from the dichotomy is really spectacular.

has your passion for photography changed at all since turning “pro”?

My passion for the art form itself has not changed at all. If anything being in a competitive environment where there are a lot of very talented photographers producing really amazing work makes me work harder, to constantly push myself to be better.

are you a photography nerd or a camera gangsta?

I love technology and gear but I really try to look past the gear and focus on being present. Your work is never made or unmade by your gear. I drool over gear at photo expos like everyone else but I try not to get stuck in the gear aspect of photography and focus on the magical ephemeral moments of photography.

what’s your sign? (we’re conducting a poll)

Capricorn

Janurary 2010

Formula to Success: One Part Stubbornness + Two Part Persistence + A Dash of Blind Optimism + A Little More Stubbornness for Good Measure

Hello Friends,

I woke up this morning and saw giant bits falling from the sky. I was bleary eye from a long day of scanning film and it took me a minute to decipher what is falling through the blinds. Giant snow flakes the size of crumpled up Kleenex. White, beautiful, fluffy, flakey, enormous snow flakes that could take out an eye! I guess this is the reaction to snow when you grew up in the sub-tropic heat of Taipei and the desert that is LA.

I want to share with you a recent interview I did with Michael Werner, a fantastic photographer and the editor of Two Way Lens. Michael asks the same three questions for all of his interviews and it is fascinating to see how we each came to photography and how we all deal with the same struggles, from Martin Parr to Zoe Strauss.

This is the first time I told the story of how I found photography (or photography found me), with this much detail and from this particular perspective. Is it merely stubbornness that lead me to where I am today? Or should we call it persistence? Read on and I will let you be the judge of that.

When you are done with the interview, drop me a line and let me know what you think….Stubborn or Persistence. I am gonna take a little survey here and use it as statical back up next time I get call out on it.

Oh, one last thing, the images posted along the Two Way Lens interview is a quick preview of new works from Wok the Dog. Enjoy them and I promise to regale you with tales from the road in a few weeks time!

Yours in sheer stubborness,

Charlie

Wok the Dog featured in Lenscratch

Lenscratch is a blogzine that explores contemporary photography and offers opportunities for exposure and community.

March 2010

Charlie Grosso will be discussing her work and long term project “Wok the Dog” today with NYMPHOTO. Rona Chang asked quiet a few interesting questions about the series, taking the conversation beyond what is already available in Ms Grosso’s press release and artist statement.

Nymphoto is a collective of women in photography that provides a supportive community for its artists and strives to send a positive message to the creative world. Nymphoto is a trusted and innovative resource for women photographers. Nymphoto firmly believes in the power of community; and through this principle, we hope to equalize the gender imbalance that continues to exist in the art world today. In a society where the zeitgeist encourages ambivalence, Nymphoto hopes to mobilize the art world through good old-fashioned girl power, and aims to achieve goals as unbelievable as the stuff in Greek myths.

The conversation is available at:
http://nymphoto.blogspot.com/2010/03/conversation-with-charlie-grosso.html

Four images from “Wok the Dog” were selected to be published in the second issue of Mammut Magazine. Mammut is a biannual magazine dedicated to exploring all forms of creative production that have a relationship with nature, landscape and environmentalism——or what we call ecological aesthetics. Featuring scholarly investigations, reports on current discussions and debates, and artist’s projects, Mammut is a sourcebook for readers seeking to understand the intersection of art and nature.

Check out the issue at:
http://www.mammutmagazine.org/

March 2009

While I was in New York attending The Armory Show, I had to pleasure of sitting down with writer Lorenzo Dominguez and talk to him about “Wok the Dog” for the New York Examiner.

The interview is available at:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4684-NY-Photography-Examiner%7Ey2009m4d11-In-New-York-we-walk-the-dog-but-in-China-they-Wok-The-Dog-A-conversation-with-Charlie-Grosso

It was a busy week in New York as there were many artists in town for The Armory Show. Lorenzo had just completed an interview with artists Sook Kim, Thomas Ruff and art dealer Bruce Silverstein. I was rather flattered to have been thought of and interviewed amongst such a distinguished roster of artists and dealers.