Interview with Koutnie Aileru conducted via e-mail by AS220 Youth Gallery Coordinator Sarah Samways
1.)How did you get involved with AS220?
I actually found about about AS220 through a google search. I was researching after-school programs at the time because I tired of being a hermit and Broad Street Studios sort of just popped-up. When I initially signed up for BSS, Merari was the coordinator at the time and when I told her how I found out about the program she was like "Wow. Really? That's a first."
2.) When did you first encounter photography?
I went to the South Side Boys and Girls Club when I was a kid. Well, my mother basically put me and and my brothers in daycare there (don't be mistaken, it was and after-school supervision program!), but anyway, they had an art class that I attended faithfully. It was more about sketching and painting but I remember this one particular assignment where I had to draw from a photograph. It was of a woman's eyes that had gems as tears. I absolutely swear to you, I was mesmerized by this photograph. I was more interested in learning how the photograph was created rather than the actual assignment at hand. I mean I drilled Ms. Sharon, my teacher, with photography questions. I think she was overwhelmed, but what can I say? I was an abrasive child.
My family is also big on photos. At family functions flashes are constantly going off and I am surprised that I am not completely blind by now (knock on wood!). I mean my relatives actually have arguments over who is entitled to which photo or who it belongs to. They even swipe them from each other.
3.) What types of things do you like to photograph? Why?
When I first started out, portraiture was my thing, especially when it conscerned my culture. Now, and it seems like it came out of nowhere, landscapes and nature shots are my new craze. The photographs still have relevence to my culture. I go to various reservations and photograph their lands.
4.) Do you plan to pursue photography as a career?
Um..... well I really want to pursue print journalism within the music industry. If I can fit photography into that mix, great! But if I can't, then I'll just do it for me.
5.) How would you describe your artwork? Why would you describe it in this way?
I believe my work has a tendency of being very critical. When I photograph people, it is on a conscious level. For example, I did a series entitled "We Are Still Standing." My intentions of those particular photographs were to change perconceived notions about what the modern indian should look like and break through stereotypes. Now on the other hand, when I photograph landscapes I tend to concentrate on the "small things" in nature that people have forgotten about or take for granted. My landscape photography still has relevence to my culture also. I like to compare and contrast my images of reservations and of the city.
6.) Do you have a favorite artist (renowned or up the street)?
My favorite photographer is Dorothy Houng. Although, she often does work for magazines and campaigns, her work still has that sort of rawness to it. Locally, I would have to say my favorite artists are my friends, Benito and Jonilka. Their portraits are fly. Sometimes I get jealous and wish some of their stuff was my own, but don't tell them that, their heads will blow up.
7.) How do you feel about the whole teenage angst stereotype? Does it apply to you? Did it ever?
Personally, I think it's a bunch of bull. I mean, yeah, yeah, teens do go through some emotional phases but that is just a side affect of puberty. I believe it all depends on the individual and their particular personality. You see, some teens handle the trials of life triumphantly, while others..... well they just sit around feeling sorry for themselves and won't get off their behinds and suck it up. Don't get me wrong, I'm not Iron Woman and I do have a heart but I've learned "life isn't fair, get over it and move on!" and "Who cares what people think anyway!?! They aren't living your life, the only person you have to please is you!" Honestly, yeah, I did go through the whole teenage angst bit when I was like 13 for like two seconds, but in my opinion, I was just vulnerable because my body and mind was out of wack while going through hormonal changes. I have been picked on all my life for my height and size and that was when it just finally got to me.
8.) If you weren't involved with art, what else do you think you'd do?
Quite frankly, I have no clue. I have always been involved with art whether it was through music or writing. My mother always encouraged it and never let me quit.
9.) People often say, "Art is life," do you agree with this statement or do you believe art is a vehicle to get away from life, or a combination of the two?
I believe that statement holds truth. No matter how much of a square someone is, through birth, love, lust, work, dreams, goals, achievement, etc., people have made choices that have formed their lives and lifestyles; even if it wasn't on purpose. Art equals creativity and people have created their own lives. If that makes any sense to you.
10.) Budgets in school districts across the state are being cut all the time and often the arts programs are the first to go. If you were ruler of the world (or at least Rhode Island) what would you do to remedy the situation?
I would create more safe spaces that are easily accessible where the materials and resources are available to all students to be creative and uncensored. That's how I was able to get into what I'm doing today and I love it. I never had the money to pursue art on my own and I am grateful for the people and organizations I was able to go to.