Artist William Josephs Radford
Congratulations to William Josephs Radford for earning his place as a Finalist in the Boynes Artist Award 9th Edition [Professional Artist category]!
Who are you?
I'm William Josephs Radford, a fine art photographer from Spain with roots in British expat heritage. Born in 1998, my early years were a mix of stick fights, bonfires, and bottle bombs. Growing up half an hour's drive from the nearest village in rural Andalucía, I spent weekends by the river, either making things or blowing them up. After years of doodling in school, I chose an artistic path, dedicating my late teens to completing a baccalaureate degree.
In 2017, I was accepted to study photography at the University of Gloucestershire, which led me on a journey back to the UK. This marked the start of my quest for self-exploration and my dive into photography studies. Through the lens, I found my voice—a medium to uniquely navigate the world and explore subjects as an outsider. Photography has become my chosen canvas, allowing me to etch my perspective onto life's intricate tapestry.
“Blue Orchid”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
What inspired you to utilize photography as a medium?
I still remember the spark from my early introduction to photography during an IT class in school. That initial curiosity led me to purchase my first camera when I was 15, which became my constant companion. I carried it everywhere!
I started off aiming for the popular shots — you know, cute cats, pretty flowers, and those picturesque landscapes that tend to rack up likes. Hours would melt away as I devoted my free time to gathering followers, eager to share my evolving work. By the time I turned 18, my efforts had earned me a community of around 20k followers on Instagram, with each post fetching up to 2k likes.
However, as time went on, I distanced myself from this platform for a while, realizing that while it was a necessary tool for marketing, it wasn't a source of personal fulfillment. I soon realized that true fulfillment extended beyond virtual approval.
So as I evolved, so did my work; I adjusted the goalposts. Now, I'm capturing condoms, crucifixes, and cigarettes. These images might not be mainstream favorites, but they're my way of sparking conversations, especially in a gallery setting where I want to create a dialogue around these subjects.
“Gypsophila”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
How would you describe your ARTwork?
My artwork journeys through the realm of symbolism and semiotics, weaving profound meanings through visual language. It possesses the power to arrest your attention with its striking visuals, igniting conversations and sometimes even controversies. I take pride in crafting thought-provoking pieces that serve as catalysts for discussions.
“Veronica”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?
My projects usually brew in my mind for months before the camera even comes into play. Take the DEFLOWERED project, for example. The title itself had been poking at my thoughts long before I figured out what to do with it. I was fixated on taking the pristine, almost ideal image of a flower and smudging it somehow. Initially, I pondered the idea of putting the flower in a condom, but I'd already explored that angle in a previous project.
The passage of time didn't dim this concept's itch to come to life. Then, in a Eureka moment, I realized I could illuminate these flowers using nothing but pornography. Once that idea hit, it was like I was caught in a gravitational pull—I had to bring it to life. It was like I transformed into a moth drawn to a flame. From there, I found myself marching to the nearest florist, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Deflowered”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?
Step one: I set the stage by placing my camera on a sturdy tripod. Then, I carefully compose the shot, framing those lovely flowers in a way that tickles my artistic fancy.
Step two: Now, here comes the juicy bit. With my camera set to a long exposure, I dim the lights and get ready for some unconventional lighting action. Here's where it gets interesting—I use my trusty phone to beam some, let's say, stimulating imagery onto those innocent petals.
Step three: Picking the right content is almost an art form in itself. I base my selection on the colors and how they'll interact with my flowery subjects. I go on a scavenger hunt through the web, seeking out adult content with intriguing hues.
Step four: Rinse and repeat. I dance back and forth, tweaking angles, experimenting with the light, and running through the process until I've got the visual symphony I'm after. It's like a silent, delicate conversation unfolding between me and the flowers.
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
So, here's the scoop: I don't always set out with a megaphone message to blare. My artwork is like a provocative question mark, it's all about planting the seeds of thought and letting each viewer water them with their own life experiences.
But let's zoom in on this particular project, shall we? I revel in the delicious tension that brews between the flawless beauty and the innocent symbolism of the flower, all up against the fierce light it's bathed in. The contrast is like a high-stakes poker game between aesthetics and reality.
You don't even need to spot the racy stuff to get its vibe. The way that light bounces off those petals, it's like a symphony of emotions waiting to strike a chord within you. I'm convinced you can feel the intensity without having to spell it out.
And now, the million-dollar question: What's the big message? If I were to toss a label on it, I'd say it's like a nudge to foster more tenderness and evolution in a world that's become a bit too numb to certain stimuli.
“Pot Marigold”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
I've either completely lost or partially misplaced entire shoots before, and I even came close to losing my entire archive once. Therefore, the importance of maintaining backups and staying organized has been a crucial lesson. It's advisable to have at least a couple of physical copies of your work stored on hard drives. I'm particularly diligent about safeguarding my RAW files, which consume more space but hold greater value. Additionally, it's prudent to consider maintaining online copies of your work on the cloud, a server, or your website.
“Rose”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
So far, my absolute highlight has been gracing the front cover of f-stop Magazine and the inner front cover of Al-Tiba9. This is a big deal because I've admired both of these publications ever since I fell for photography. Landing on those covers felt like the universe giving me a thumbs-up.
Can you share with us the best piece of advice you you wish you had known at the start of your career?
Patience is key. No matter how much you yearn for recognition, remember that good things come to those who wait. Just keep pursuing your passion! Also, brace yourself for a period of financial strain; you're going to be broke for a while. So, don't stress if you have to take up a part-time job as a waiter. It won't detract from your artistic vision. I'm almost certain we will make some money at some point!
“Safflower”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
I've got this list where I jot down all the opportunities I've applied to (including this one). If I get accepted, I highlight it; if I don't, I cross it out. Over the years, about 1 in 5 gives me that coveted acceptance nod.
Now, imagine you're a hungry spider. When you connect one silk strand, the chances of catching a fly are pretty slim. Even if you link up ten strands, you might nab a fly, but it's still a bit of a long shot. However, when you weave a complete web, meticulously connecting all those strands, you'll be snaring flies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
The point being you can't expect to connect one thread and catch a fly. It takes a lot of patience and persistence to build a beautiful web, and the harder you work, the hungrier you'll be for those juicy flies.
“Star of Bethlehem”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
I've just wrapped up an intriguing venture called "exposed." This little gem takes the idea of those classic white paintings and gives them a hearty twist in the realm of photography. I've created a set of 10 completely white images by overexposing the frames while exposing myself to the camera (during private moments like shitting, showering, or shagging).
Even though I've concluded the series, it still feels like the first chapter. You see, the real adventure lies in painting this project onto the world's canvas and persuading others of its value.
What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?
My aspirations have always gravitated towards a life chapter spent in New York City. While I can't outline the exact contours of the project that would emerge from this experience, I'm certain that the city's dynamic energy would weave its way into my creative spirit. The resulting inspiration would undoubtedly be so potent that my camera wouldn't leave my hand.
“Teasels”
Photography
By William Josephs Radford
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?
Nourish your creativity with a balanced diet. Cut back on mindless consumption and indulge in hearty creation. If you find yourself beaming from ear to ear every time you're crafting something, then it's my signal to encourage you to unleash your full creative force. Whether it's a solo endeavor or part of an exciting project, take a break from endless scrolling and reach for that paintbrush, pencil, camera – Just let it flow!
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