Tribe Tributes Interview Series: Irene Nam
Friday, February 18, 2011 
Irene Nam is a photographer, writer and spiritual teacher. She contributes her photo artistry and wise words on her blog, at Shutter Sisters, and in the book, Expressive Photography. She also guides a creative experience {Simple Soulful Photography workshop}, inviting artful exploration and expression. I (Melissa) am continually enraptured by the way she captures beauty, romance and hope in the sacred ordinary with her exquisite eye and soulful storytelling and profoundly encourage you to journey with her via her tender and evocative images and poetry as often as you can. Thank you, Irene, for sharing your creative story.
ARTFUL REFLECTIONS
How did the arts live and breathe in your childhood? How was the artist in you born?
I am an only child so I used to spend a lot of time playing alone in my room. It was a window opened to endless opportunities to use my imagination, to create and play. I also spent a lot of time watching movies (I later graduated from film school) so I think that anything related to my personal sense of creativity, visually and emotionally, was born then with my love for films.
Who are (have been) your creative mentors?
Although a lot of artists like Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, filmmakers like James Gray and Quentin Tarantino have had huge impacts on my life and inspired me to use my eye in unique ways, my creative mentors now are my friends Maggie Doyne, Letha Sandison, Esra’a El Shafei, Marianne Elliott and others, ordinary people who are following their own dreams, passions and ambitions and doing extraordinary things for their community and for the world.
Do you have a spiritual practice that informs your art and life?
Spirituality is a very important part of my life and art. Having a deep connection with the Divine helps me focus on what matters most in life, be mindfully present and in service to others, and identify the reasons behind why I’m doing what I’m doing.
How do you nurture creativity in your daily life?
I teach my children how to use a ruler, make paper planes, spell words correctly and deal with the consequences of their own choices. I eat my favorite food. I try to find pure joy in the little details and ordinary moments that collectively provide a glimpse of what a good life is. But mostly, I do what I love and what I’m most passionate about.
CREATIVE PROCESS
Please describe your creative process.
What inspires you artistically? Where do you find inspiration?
Movies, photos, magazines, stores, parks, books, absolutely EVERYWHERE.
What do you do when you are not feeling particularly creative?
Nothing. I’ve learned early on that I work in cycles, periods of intense work and growth movements are followed by periods of stagnation and that involve doctor appointments and school activities. No matter how frustrating these moments can be, I like to think that they’re the recharging part of my work, and usually announce the upcoming birth of a new idea that will excite me and propel me forward in my journey.
How does your creativity find form?
Polaroid photos.
Why are you drawn to this media?
I love that each shot is unique, that it forces me to slow down, be more thoughtful about what I choose to shoot and mindful of details, that it focuses my intention on the moment rather than the circumstances. That it’s about the truth and not about perfection.
PLAYFUL PROMPTS
What music is on your current playlist?
The Beatles #1 hits collection. “Help” is one of my all-time favorite songs.
What is the last/best book you read?
Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. It is the last AND best book I’ve read.
What is on your nightstand right now?
Three cups of tea by Greg Mortenson and Anais Nin.
What is one of your (not so) guilty pleasures?
Going swimming every day. And strawberry cake. Actually, any kind of cake.
How do you love to pamper yourself?
Staying in bed all day in my pajamas watching episodes of “Glee”.
Favorite color: Grey
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite word: Right now, it’s Listen.
Book or movie: Movie
Ice cream or frozen yogurt: Why choose?
Reader Comments (3)
it is a tremendous honor and pleasure to have irene share her story with the 3SV community. gracias.
I am going to meditate on your word, " listen" and hold that image of the little boy holding the sun in my mind for a long time as a peaceful blessing. Thank you.
Lovely.
(and the online course sounds really cool.)