Dubai-based photographer Marta Lamovsek had the region mesmerised with her Icon Booth series of portraits transforming her subjects into the most empowered and majestic versions of themselves, so it comes as no surprise she also has her own unique vision of life in the time of COVID-19 – and it’s as inspiring as you might expect.
How are you finding the transition to a new way of working/life?
As 90 per cent of my work is working with people: styling, portraiture, art direction, organising photo shoots, sourcing materials and making Icon Booth installations – none of this I’m able to do from home. But what I can do is: dream bigger. I am enjoying doing artistic research, getting inspired by movies, books, documentaries. I’ve been “pretending” that I am developing a new concept for my Master’s Degree show and the results of the final project I may have to await a bit to create or I may have to be channeling self-portraiture queen Cindy Sherman, if I’m unable to contain my creativity anymore. And I’ve also started making some DIY accessories – sewing is so therapeutic.
What have been the biggest challenges?
For me, as an portrait photographer and artist, personal connections with my subjects and intimate setting where I’m creating someone’s portrait gives me a sense of connection, purpose, and incredible joy in life. I’m so grateful that with my work I am able to feed my own soul and the other person’s soul. My work comes from the heart and my intuition, and because it’s spiritually healing, I believe during this time “the magic” will bring it to the next level.
What’s been the most pleasant surprise?
Establishing some routines – meditation twice a day was my goal ever since I did a 10-day Vipassana meditation course a year ago, and now I finally ran out of excuses why I can’t do it. It’s becoming my habit twice a day for 25 minutes – I am so grateful I have been able to do that and I don’t ever want let this go. My inner compass is aligned.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope this time brings to people clarity what is the important in their lives and what is an unnecessary distraction. Most of the world lived with way too much mind clutter and distractions, that prevented them from taking a break to ponder the essential questions about what is necessary in their life and how they can gain some balance and be more kind and compassionate to themselves and others. Going through quite a transformation in the last few years myself, I realised how much of my time spent before wasn’t in alignment of my truest self. I believe the change has to come internally from individual’s inner workings and only after that the world will become a more kind and safe place. I truly hope that we can more understand the importance of respecting Mother Nature, and that the virus teaches us how to be more balanced – and that we will be guided towards living with alignment with our inner truth and universal wisdom.
What message do you have for Grazia readers?
Take this time to heal your soul. Art heals, doing what you truly love – this heals. Invest in finding out who you truly are and what is your life’s purpose. Read books, cook, meditate, connect with your family and good friends, pray and listen carefully to the wisdom that whispers to you. Wait for the blessing in disguise.
Photos: Courtesy of Marta Lamovsek
