Arctic Canvas Submission- Fine Art Photographer Tamara Paskey
Hello Hedi, Birgit, and Pontus!
I am so excited at the possibility of returning to Iceland in March to stay at your beautiful artist retreat. I have been to Iceland 5 times over the past few years to create art for myself, and host retreats for women. Iceland has my heart in a way that no other place on earth does. I have had many life-changing realizations during my time there, as well as having made connections with women that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am known by my colleagues as “The art nude Iceland photographer”, haha. This is an incredible opportunity not only to create there again, but also to make connections with two more women (Hedi & Birgit) who appreciate art and nature as much as I do!
Answers to questions listed on the open call page:
I am a fine art nude photographer that specializes in capturing women’s awe inspiring power in beautiful landscapes across the world. I like to showcase the relationship that we have to nature in a way that makes us feel like we are returning to our roots, or that we are connecting to our origins. I have recently moved away from client based studio work so I can pursue my art career full time. I feel like I have fully honed in on my vision and know exactly where I want it to take me. I would love to produce exhibitions and pair with female owned galleries that showcase my work in a manner that inspires women to feel wild, free, and empowered.
I need a true disconnect from anything capitalist, including where I currently live in Texas (I feel very stifled here), so I can produce a new book and exhibition plan that focuses on my work in Iceland. I would also be reconnecting with my favorite local art models to venture to some more icy areas that I haven’t been able to visit in my previous trips; I have a big goal to create a specific work of art in an ice cave. I would also like to experiment with mixed media on my prints using gilding and possible natural elements to create unique, single edition works.
Apologies if this is repeated elsewhere on my application, but Iceland has healed and inspired me in ways I have never experienced before. I am able to leave all expectations from others behind when I have the harsh wind at my cheek, and I have to think on the fly when creating images in the unpredictable weather. I feel more at peace, and more true to my artistic self when I am there. I have never spent time on the Snæfellsness Peninsula so I am very excited to explore the area, especially Lóndrangar and hopefully the glacier, weather permitting.
Below are a few examples of my work in Iceland, but you can also see more current and varied work on my Instagram page @tamarapaskeyalexander
Yes, I understand that I am solely responsible for my flights, car rental, travel insurance, food, and any other additional expenses I may incur.
Please, let me know if you would like any more information, or if I can be of any assistance in social media posts, sharing, etc! Thank you so much for your consideration.
Tamara Paskey
Fine Art Photographer. Reformed Workaholic. Authentic Connector.
The majority of my adult life consisted of a “hustle” mentality to grow the most successful photography studio I could. My niche was boudoir photography for women, which is very rewarding in it’s simplest form. But along the way I completely lost myself to the rat race. I was motivated by a need to prove myself as a successful entrepreneur, and I stopped creating true art. I experienced some of the worst burnout I could have ever imagined, which included my body breaking down, and almost selling my camera equipment because I could not imagine doing it anymore. But I remembered how I felt on my first trip to Iceland in 2019, where I created just for creativity’s sake, with no pressure from clients. I went back for the second time in 2022, and again every year since. The transformation I have seen in myself as an artist, as a woman, and as a human being is astounding, and so much of it can be credited to the clarity I get when I’m in Iceland. In the past year have made major changes in my career by selling my studio and going into my art with every ounce of energy I have. I know who I am now, and what brings me joy and fulfillment. I can’t wait to return to the land that has my heart and soul.
