Si vous avez envie de plage et de soleil, les photos de Jena Ardell sont là pour mettre un peu de chaleur sur notre peau ou plutôt devant nos yeux. Pas le genre de plage ou de soleil qu’on attend, paradisiaque et trop clinquante. Ses photos me donnent des envies de vacances parce qu’elles sont délicieusement passées, fanées, elles ont une lumière douce et qui me rappelle un rayon de soleil qui voilent les yeux.

Elle travaille uniquement au Polaroid, rien n’est retouchée, ça fait un bien fou de voir des photos brutes, j’irai même jusqu’à dire « vraies ». Sa devise est « Transporting you back in time ». Les 70’s sont de toute évidence une de ces sources d’inspiration. Jena a bien voulu répondre à 3 questions que je lui ai posé, je la laisse donc vous faire découvrir son univers ::

Why photography? // Pourquoi la photographie?
It’s always been photography. I’m a very visual and sentimental person. Even when I am not using a camera, my mind still works like a camera. When I see something — anything — my eyes immediately search for the most interesting or flattering angle. I’m sure a lot of photographers feel a similar compulsion. My love for photography primarily stems from me being a sentimental pack rat who feels a constant urgency to collect artifacts of the past and present in order to keep them alive. Photography is the only outlet that allows me to literally freeze time. I’m very much in love with being stuck in the past and I often wish I lived in another decade. I create retro photography because it allows myself and others to live in/relive the past.

Where does the inspiration come from? // D’où vient l’inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere: between the hands of an old couple in a grocery store; in the deep imprint my head leaves on my pillow; among three balloons tangled in the branches of a city tree. I take pride in finding beauty in the natural composition of everyday objects. My eyes are inspired by so many things. I use a sketch book to keep track of all of my ideas. I absolutely love anything from the 1930s-1970s — old family photos, clothing, furniture, post cards, etc. I’m infatuated with old Hollywood movies and 1950s advertising. I love finding 1950s « Space Age » architecture and old hotels. And of course, I am inspired by the beach. Being near the ocean makes me feel complete. Usually an idea for a specific image will start with an object, location or person I want to use in the shot.

Any wishes, dreams? // Des envies, des rêves?
I would love for my work to be exhibited in more galleries. I also want to create fine art books; get commercial work; be published in national magazines; see my work being used for major ad campaigns; support myself and my family entirely by my photography; I want to do it all!! But most importantly, I want to own a little bungalow a block from the beach.

Retrouvez Jena sur son site ou sur flickr. Vous pouvez également acheté ses tirages dans sa boutique Etsy. And thanks again Jena for answering my questions!