Debe Arlook
About
Debe Arlook‘s conceptual work explores personal growth and its interconnectivity between the physical world and consciousness through documentary and landscape projects. Her photo-based works blend traditional photographic methods with mixed media, text, in-camera double exposures, and digital enhancement.
Arlook solo and group exhibits are in galleries, museums, and photo festivals, including Lishui Art Museum, Photo London, Griffin Museum of Photography, Colorado University Anshutz, and Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital. Her work is featured in All About Photo, Lenscratch, Frames Magazine, L’Oeil de la Photographie, Shadow & Light Magazine, and others. Her projects ‘foreseeable cache,’ ‘one, one thousand…,’ and most recently ‘Dreaming Yosemite’-working title, include FRESH 2024, FOCUS Photo L.A., 2023; Critical Mass Top 50, 2022; and CENTER Social Award Honorable Mention, 2022. Based in Santa Monica, California, she is a contributing editor for PhotoBook Journal, Pasadena Photography Advisor, mentor, and printer for fine art photographers. Arlook’s collaborative book, ‘Both Sides of the Table: Photography Portfolio Reviews Do’s & Don’ts,’ will be released Fall 2024.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Debe Arlook
LACP asks Debe Arlook ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Debe Arlook: I am a fine art photographer who uses multiple styles to communicate reoccurring themes about relationships with others, the world, and ourselves. My practice includes photo-based work, conceptual, abstract, text, collage, and documentary.
LACP: How long have you been photographing?
DA: Does getting my first camera at 6 count?
LACP: Where did you get your training?
DA: It began while I was studying filmmaking with studies and resumed many years later at Julia Dean Photo Workshops, as it was called then. I’ve seen taken workshops with talented artists from around the world.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
DA: Around 2012 when I was a life coach. I realized the work prevented me from the full attention my projects needed.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
DA: Never.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
DA: Financial stability is a concern for most fine art photographers.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
DA: A strong community of kind, smart and talented friends and colleagues from around the world. Waking up and looking forward to the day ahead. The gift of introspection and pause. The camera is an invitation to see deeper into oneself, others and our surroundings.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
DA: The Art of Photographic Capture for Teens
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
DA: Seeing the spark of excitement.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
DA: I can only comment about a career in fine art photography. To be an artist, you must love what you do, consume yourself in your art, and know that talent alone isn’t enough. Most of the time is spent on the business side of photography, not the art-making. It takes time, full commitment, and unending passion to succeed. Equally important is to nurture relationships with colleagues and give back to the photo community.