The O.X. Project
An interview with Ethan Pombo of The O.X. Project by Felton Kizer.
How would you describe your relationship with photography?
It’s an addiction that I have no desire to be rid of. I can’t imagine where I’d be without it.
Could you please introduce yourself, tell us how you started in the arts, and your first experience in art-making?
My name is Ethan. I create art via The O.X. Project. I started photography while studying architecture at UIC. A class I took required me to take photographs of buildings and describe the architecture of Chicago. This allowed me to explore the city. The metropolis, bustling with life, is a photographer's dream. With each project, my love of photography grew.
How do you want people (the viewers) to engage with your work?
I want people to engage with their subconscious in determining what draws them toward my work. Since all artwork is subjective, it provides a wonderful opportunity for introspection. My artwork is mainly a form of therapy for me, a void I can aggressively pursue with everything that I am. It’s been quite a journey to see where it’s taken me, and I can’t imagine what it does for others. Art allows for the immersion of a new form of communication beyond spoken language. When you see a piece that presents a thought you weren’t able to articulate, I hope you feel less alone, to see that someone else feels the same way about the world.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
I wish there was a great way to determine that. Sometimes my eyes will deceive me and make a photograph look complete. Mostly it’s just finding the balance between being meticulous with my editing and trying not let it appear completely artificial.
Speaking from when you started to today, what are you most proud of about your craft?
I’m quite proud of all of the amazing editorials I've done. It is always amazing to get to work with such talented artists. I am forever grateful to have many eclectic influences elevating the creation of our artwork.
How are you working through social distancing? Since you primarily shoot people, how difficult has this been for you?
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve been cursed with loving a career that requires me to engage with people at a time where self-isolation is required. Maybe I'll start painting! The terrifying part of all this is, is that quarantine has the potential to postpone any progress I have been making. I have to find a new avenue to pursue photography in order to come out of all this with vigor.
Are you currently working on any projects right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artwork?
Due to the amount of time I have during self-isolation, I've been going through my archives. I've been re-editing photos, fine-tuning my editing skills, and testing out new techniques. I’m also currently working on product photography and still lifes.
