Window dressing

Photographer: Linzie Sullivan

1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?

I would say Travel- being fortunate enough to travel whilst modelling for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many cultures, and travel to various beautiful and vastly different destinations. Experiencing differing kinds of light, and nature in general, I believe has opened my eyes considerably to what beauty lies out there.

2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?

I recently had the opportunity to shoot with a well-known model who I modelled with in Paris years ago. She too took a sabbatical of over a decade, and created her own jewellery brand. Her excitement around coming back into the industry, her creative vision, and general enthusiasm, ignited a spark in me in terms of being behind the lens. It has furthered my exploration of not only content, but specifically, my current passion which has been an exploration of myself- both in front and behind the lens.

3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?

4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?

In the last few months I have embarked on a project involving self portraiture. As both a model and photographer for many years, I have been excited to explore what might happen during the creative process, and have been pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

I have been creating each series by doing everything myself-hair, makeup, styling, photography, and being the subject; ‘Window Dressing’ is one of these series.

One challenge is obviously being both in front and behind the camera; therefore, being unable to directly see through the lens at the subject- so the technical aspect becomes slightly more difficult. It challenges my creative boundaries, as I am solely responsible for every detail of the creative process.

The result has been varied in many ways, allowing me to create through a different vantage point. It has been an interesting exploration of not only my own creativity, but also how I view myself. It’s allowed me to open up to other areas of myself as a human, and the way the world sees me.

I feel like this something that sets me apart from many of my peers at the moment, and makes my work unique. It’s challenging and exposing, but also exhilarating and enlightening. Being solely responsible for the entire creative aspect has its challenges, but I find the entire process has allowed me to see very clearly in many ways.

5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?

I would love for my work to come full circle, by shooting campaigns for designers I once worked for as a model.

I have always loved the artistic vision on Giambattista Valli, and had the fortune of working closely with him while he was at Ungaro.

I would be honoured to shoot for his designs in the future.

• Team Credits

  Photographer: Linzie Sullivan

  Model: Lindsay Sullivan

• Wardrobe Credits

  Lingerie- Agent Provocateur, Wrap jacket- Rick Owens, Shoes Rick Owens

  Hat & Boots - Vintage, Dress- Nikkie

  Lingerie - Rampage, Coat- Vintage, Boots - Rick Owens

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