Meet Vicky Stromee | Fine Art Photographer and Lens-based Artist

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

Hi Vicky, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Someone once said “you never know your limits until you push yourself past them.” I think taking and managing risks is about exploring perceived limitations. Even when an effort appears to fail there’s still so much to learn. I’m always asking myself, “I wonder what would happen if I tried this or changed that?” And this has led to many wonderful discoveries. I’m adventurous and curious by nature and this has taken me to many parts of the globe where I’ve been privileged to witness amazing sights. The momentary discomforts fade, and the sense of accomplishment moves me forward into more uncharted territory. Artistically, this approach has been personally rewarding as I’m able to follow my muse while garnering exhibitions and sales

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was 8, my dad gave me a Brownie camera and I’ve been taking pictures ever since. My career as a professional fine art photographer began much later in life as I was winding down my career in mental health. So many people, upon seeing my images, would say “You have to talk to photo consultant Mary Virginia Swanson!” Meeting with her opened up the next phase in my development and I have continued to seek her advice and guidance throughout my career. Picture taking is so ubiquitous that the first challenge was identifying and developing my visual voice: What was my unique point of view that would set my work apart from others?
Throughout my life, I have pondered three questions: What is eternal in the midst of impermanence? What is the nature of transformation? What are the patterns that connect us? And now the challenge was to translate those reflections into compelling visual images.
I believe my success comes from a mixture of internal dedication and external supports and encouragement. I can become quite absorbed in answering these questions, and that has led to much experimentation and many hours of photographing and refining images. Beyond encouragement, external supports have taught me how to be self-critical of my work and begin to see images through the eyes of another – rather than through my history with making the image. I also understand that rarely is a piece of art universally admired, and that my work is best when it’s authentic.

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?
Activities: Tucson Botanical Gardens (beautiful urban gem and excellent restaurant)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (wonderful way to meet and understand the desert and its creatures)
San Xavier Mission (amazing example of mission architecture and excellent fry bread)
Picacho Peak (wildflowers in season)
Sabino Canyon (beautiful hike in the desert – if there’s a full moon, would hike at night)

Food
Tuk Tuk Thai (authentic Thai street food)
Cafe Luce (great coffee and chai lattes)
Guadalajara (original) – tableside salsa, Mariachis, and excellent food)
Take the trolley from UA to the San Augustine Mercado (great way to see 4th Avenue, downtown and the mercado without worrying about parking; so many places to stop along the way and wander around. Choose a spot for dinner and people watching along the way: The Hub, Seis Kitchen, Magpies

The Arts
Jazz at the Century Room (Hotel Congress)
Etherton gallery opening photography and paint
Center for Creative Photography (current exhibition: Linda McCartney)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mary Virginia Swanson

Website: www.vickystromeephotography.com

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

Image Credits
M. Barnes for picture of me