An Exclusive Interview With LUVELLI
By Catalin CROITORU
“There are many points of view.
– LUVELLI
We, as photographers, immortalize the existence of an isolated view.”
He is seen by many as a poet “of the unspoken” and an illustrator “of the unseen.” Watching his pictures taken over the years, you cannot remain insensible: the street is unfolding in front of your eyes—the romantically macabre view of The Monochromatic Master Jon Luvelli.
Through LUVELLI’s images, ordinary street life is getting a new value.
Jon Luvelli is an Italian-American street photographer best known for his black-and-white images depicting people’s idiosyncrasies in rural areas. His work conveys social messages addressing economic and civil issues. He is noted for his macabre candid photography. He coined the title Fine Art Documentarian for photographers merging documentary and art photography. His rural life work, social and environmental issues are exhibited and held in prominent museums, galleries, private collections, and published worldwide.
Lens Magazine: Hello Luvelli, can’t help but admit that it’s an honor to discuss your works. Can you share with our readers – Where did it all start?
LUVELLI: I was first introduced to photography when I was around 8 years old by my grandfather, a photographer, and a Seabee in the United States Navy. He (My grandfather) documented his tour of duty during World War II in Guam.
L. M.: A majority of your work is rural America, places such as Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri. What is it that inspires you to photograph rural areas?
LUVELLI: I’m drawn to rural locations; they seem timeless in a way. As a child, I was surrounded by small towns; they’ve always intrigued me. I find it more challenging to shoot street photography, as in the city, there are always unique characters popping up. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. I shot a lot of exciting things in the major cities when I was younger. It’s basically been there, don’t that, I find for me there are real treasures in the rural parts.
L. M.: The night is a very prominent theme throughout your work. What is it about the night that draws you in?
LUVELLI: I am nocturnal. I love the light in the day, but nothing beats the intensity of dim-lit streetlights, the adrenaline of blowing a flash to illuminate the darkness – the mystique of what’s out there hiding in the nooks and alleys. The nightlife in uninhibited; there is more of realness with a wild sense of nature.
L. M.: With such a candid approach to your work, I imagine that some people have a negative reaction to you suddenly invading their space. How do you explain to the general public that as a Fine Art Documentarian you’re documenting history, so they may have a better understanding and hopefully, newfound respect for what you do?
LUVELLI: I don’t expect everyone to understand what I am doing, nor do I seek approval. If I select a scene for my work, it’s because the view says something; there is always a message in the details. Regarding invading other people’s space, we all share space in public, there are things some might not want to hear or see, but it’s happening. I am just sharing the same space creating scenes and reflecting the light.
L. M.: Do you think being a successful street photographer requires you to be fearless? I’m particularly interested in a video clip I saw, and you mentioned having a knife drawn on you when taking a photo.
LUVELLI: It’s a choice of the subject matter. There are different aspects of street photography.
You have photographers that choose an interesting static environment and wait for the right person to walk into the shot. Others decide to shoot in a more aggressive style that requires candid encounters. I favor the latter. Each photographer must be prepared to handle what type of situations may come with being a street photographer. It can be extremely dangerous.
I have run into many encounters that ended well without violence, but some that you must be prepared to deal
with if you are dedicated to your mission. You must have a balance with the street, be one with the street, be one with your environment, understand and respect the people, and have excellent communication skills after the shot if noticed.
There are many skills you must have to be a great street photographer. I’m not sure being fearless is the correct word; it’s more of being aware and in the moment.
L. M.: After documenting lifestyles for so many years, it’s obvious you have genuine compassion for people and their stories. What, if any, emotional attachment do you feel for your subjects?
LUVELLI: I connect to the energies of the stories created. I believe that everyone is unique, and with that comes a great blessing to meet and tell the chronicles of the lives that I encounter.
L. M.: What is the most satisfying part of being a street photographer?
LUVELLI: There is no greater satisfaction than having experienced the story firsthand. Photography has helped me focus and play chess, if you will, with the elements of a scene. You must anticipate what will happen before it does. See the scene, know the moves, all of them, outside of the viewfinder, and be prepared for the opportunity. Photography is more than focusing a lens; it’s focusing your mind.
L. M.: I’ve read about your diagnosis of Low Latent Inhibition and its effects on your ability to be hyper-aware.
Do you think this gives you an advantage, and how do you think your style would be different if you didn’t have Low Latent Inhibition?
LUVELLI: It’s a blessing and a curse. I believe that it gives me an advantage. Still, it also causes significant anxiety when I am in what people think is a relaxed state. I have to be doing something, always thinking continually.
I have no idea what my style would be like unless you would like an educated guess, not a realistic answer. Thank GOD for video games. When I do have time to “relax,” I exercise and play high paced games.
L. M.: What has been your most interesting encounter to date?
LUVELLI: There are several. The one that comes to mind at this moment is when a 7-year-old came out of an RV, jumped up at me, and tried to stab me with a pocketknife. If you were wondering, yes, I did get the photo.
L. M.: With over three decades of photography experience and as a monochromatic master, you’ve seen the
industry’s fluctuation. What is your opinion about the current state of photography and the effect socials media has had on the photography industry?
LUVELLI: Photography is relevant to more people than it has ever been; everyone has a cellphone, everyone is taking pictures. I would like to see more photographers perfecting their craft and not get lost in a world of likes and dislikes.
L. M.: You are often compared to Weegee or Robert Frank, but what does it mean to be a “documentarian”?
LUVELLI: It’s a photographer that documents the present for historical reasons.
L. M.: What is your favorite camera and lens when you go out in the street?
LUVELLI: Leica M10 Monochrom, Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2, Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2. I also carry a Leica Q2 for certain situations.
L. M.: Once back home, what is your pictures’ process until they are “good to go” and ready to be uploaded on your website or on Instagram?
LUVELLI: I don’t personally upload it to my website or Instagram. I shoot photos because they’re meant to be taken, not because I’m going to get someone to like it or dislike it or leave a comment about it. I don’t put things together with the idea that people will like it or attempt to go viral; I don’t drink that poison.
L. M.: What is your main goal with art?
LUVELLI: To allow people to forget their preconceived notions of what they have thought rural America to be by capturing the people, situations, and stories in a way they’ve never experienced before. There’s a beauty that rises from the heartland people. Everyone has a story, things that excite them, anger, and worry them. I work to show, without prejudice, that every single soul matters. I have deep compassion for humanity, which inspires me to seek unsee, unspoken, and unappreciated.
“Photography is what emotions look like.”
– LUVELLI
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.jonluvelli.com
ARTSY: www.artsy.net/artist/luvelli
TWITTER: @luvelli
INSTAGRAM: @iamluvelli
FACEBOOK: /jonluvelli
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