I consider myself a people person, so for this post I decide to do something different. My day job surrounds me with really creative people. When I shared my passion for photography with Victoria we immediately started to brainstorm ways we could collaborate. We set a date and had a chat...oh, and we took a few photos. Check it out and let me know you thoughts. - J
Artist: Victoria Roccaforte / Styling: Victoria Roccaforte / Apparel: Adidas
1. What's the story behind your name?
My full name is Victoria Elise Roccaforte. My first name Victoria was something both of my parents really liked. My dad jokes with me that it sounded regal which is why my mom chose it. My middle name is after my grandmother, Elise, who recently passed away. I like to think I carry a piece of her with me.
2. How would you describe your creative style?
My creative style is a reflection of how I connect with and view the world, which is primarily through films. I try to emulate a dark, cinematic feel to my projects, whether that be photo or video, while still maintaining a softness. People usually tell me my work is “moody,” which I think is accurate — I tend to darken my work and make it feel like you’re inside of a dream or lived-in moment.
3. What would you like to be famous for someday?
I don’t want to be famous. I think striving for that is empty and wouldn’t satisfy me. I think it’s great to be recognized for your work and accomplishments, and if I could get to a point where I was able to solely make art for a living, I would be grateful. Ultimately I would want to be remembered through my writing and visual work and, I think I would consider myself successful if I created timeless work across different mediums.
4. What are your main sources for creative inspiration?
Lately it’s been music videos, but I’m also inspired by poetry and films. I’m inspired by great minds because I find it hard to relate to people a lot of the time. I don’t mean that to sound narcissistic, but I feel like artists who are truly in tune with their crafts operate on a different frequency. So it’s nice to look up to a director or writer I really admire, like Hiro Murai or Saul Williams, and read their words or hear their perspective. That way if I can’t get that in my every day-to-day, I can at least imagine working with them someday and that keeps me going.
5. What projects are you working on right now?
I’m writing and directing a music video for Portland-based R&B group Jealous Types. We’re about to shoot in the first week of September and I’m excited. In the midst of that, I’m working on my first book, a collection of short stories and poems. I don’t really share much of my writing so I’m looking forward to finally releasing a huge part of who I am as an artist. There’s no set date for that; I’m staying inspired and gaining experiences, all huge components of the writing process. I’m also working on a zine with Portland-based artist and graphic designer Maria Regine; it’s all about Drake. We’re both pretty intense Drake fans and had a ton of fun working on this together. I think it’s important to work on projects like that from time to time, ones that make you smile and genuinely excited, like being a kid again. I contributed the written portion of it and it was amazing to see Maria bring it to life through the illustrations and the design element.
6. What is one thing you would like to know about the future?
Where I’ll be next, geographically and in my work. I just finished up my degree, so I feel like another move is in my future soon. I haven’t really connected with Portland so I’m thinking of heading somewhere with a faster pace. But regardless of where I end up I know I’ll have good people around me, which is the most important thing. It’s so crucial to have a support system no matter where you end up.