Meet Margaret Murphy
Margaret’s work focuses on celebrating the characteristics of geographic places - usually cities - often focusing on color, form, light and shadow. She shoots in both film and digital as well as with her mobile phone, her belief being the best camera you own is the one you carry with you at all times.
Her most recent project titled HAPPY2BEHERE explores Los Angeles through her phone lens as she adjusts to her new home on the West Coast. As an East Coast transplant, she is drawn to the light of the West Coast, the mid-century architecture of Los Angeles and indigenous plant life of Southern California. The excitement of visual discovery and appreciation of those moments are what best motivate Margaret’s photography.
Margaret was born and raised in Washington, DC. She earned her BFA in Photography from SUNY Purchase School of Art+Design in 2013. She currently works as a Photo Editor in Venice Beach. Her work has shown in the DC area, including Latela Gallery and Multiple Exposures Gallery.
With each artist, we ask a few questions about their views on art, their creative process and the next steps in their career. See below for Margaret's responses!
What do you love about creating?
I love the joy of visual discovery. Photography has always excited me most when a picture can find me. It's why I love traveling to new cities and places and using my camera to get to know a place.
What are your favorite materials to work with and why?
I love shooting with my mobile phone because I have always believed that the best camera is the one you have with you at all times. The technology is heading in a direction that I wouldn't be surprised if mobile cameras reach the same quality of digital SLR cameras. Having the ability to pull my phone out of my pocket and capture a moment whenever or wherever is invaluable to my practice.
What are you thinking about doing next in terms of your artwork and future project goals?
My short term goals include publishing HAPPY 2 BE HERE in a book series. I've always been passionate about how photography functions in the book format and the accessibility photography books afford people all over the world to experience art. I also recognize the timeliness of the project as I know eventually I will no longer look at Los Angeles through the lens of a new resident and to memorialize it in book form would be a nice way to share the experience with others.
Find out more about Margaret on her website at http://margaretmurphyphoto.net and be sure to follow her work on Instagram and Facebook @margaretmurphyphoto!
Collect a print from Margaret's series, HAPPY 2 BE HERE through our exhibition Kickstarter at tinyurl.com/paradicepalaseshow1!