Sonny Barthley
Sonny Barthley is a British photographer from the multicultural city of Bristol with Jamaican Roots. He fuses his passion for fashion photography, performance art and distorted video visuals in a playful and captivating way. Sonny is Currently working on his FMP project at the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester. Instagram: @sonnybarthley
Where would you like your work to take you?
I would love to keep evovling as an artist as I delevlop my ideas by interwining my different art practices. This past year I've introduced body movemrent/dance to my photography and short video pieces that I maniplute by adding distortion effects in post production. I dream of combining all these skills produce live installations whilst I perform in public in front of visuals I've created.
Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?
I still have no better feeling when I've come from a successful photoshoot. If you've seen me when I'm shooting I automtically become a child again running downstairs early on Christmas day. Although in the past year I've found another love in regards to Body Movement and dance it's become enjoyable way to express myself and release my hyper energy.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I usually draw inspiration from other creatvies, nature, music and films. These outlets are so important to me because I find it very easy to refer to these when I'm looking to create a visual or when I go on a experiemental journey in post production.
What piece of music would you say compliments your work the most?
This is very cliche but I do really listen to so many different genres of music is quite difficult to in point one as being key than others but... In the past year I've really been absorbed by African and South American dance music. This is something I play on shoots, in the shower and when I'm sunbathing in the park with friends. I also think this music has shaped my body movement practice too.
Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?
I'm an artist that loves collaborating with other creatives. There are creatives that I just love working with because we have a understanding that produces beautiful work.
Kiko @kikopaint, Hannah Butcher @hannahkaycreative, Muriel Lagoutte @xoxomuriel_, Kiera Saunders @kierasaunders_
