This month's Photographer of the Month is world travelling, currently Portland-based, artist Wick Sakit. In his globe-spanning travels, there runs a consistent theme of awe and curiosity. His images hint at a multitude of layered happenings, and invite us to sample a glimpse of the larger unfolding narratives of our world. With no further adieu, it is my pleasure to invite you to go on a journey of wonders with Wick Sakit.

 

As the mother teaches her children how to express themselves in their language, so one Gypsy musician teaches the other. They have never shown any need for notation. Franz Liszt.  Wick Sakit, in India

 

And the Sky Exploded.

 

A Frozen Multinomah Falls. During the freeze that is passing the falls turned to ice.

 

How did you get interested in photography?

For me, photography began when I was in the 5th grade. There was a program back them called College for Kids, which took children gifted in the arts and gave them a summer curriculum to further develop their skill sets and interest. I based my studies on photography, including dark room technique as well as videography. From there, my interest shifted more into drawing and illustration at a magnet school in St. Louis, until leaving home at a young age and traveling the country for years on end, primarily hitchhiking and riding freight trains. I always carried a camera, whether it be a point and shoot or disposable, and took photos by the handful. People constantly asked for copies of the photos I took, but it never dawned on me then that I might actually have a knack for photography. 

I had stopped for a period of time in my late 20’s to early 30’s and aimed my main focus on sculpture. Working on small personal projects and assisting on larger ones in Oakland, California, such as the Big Rig Jig, an epic art piece by the genius Mike Ross.  Not too long after that project was complete, I suffered a serious physical injury and my sculpting days were over. 

While seeking necessary medical treatment in Thailand following this accident, I was in dire need of a creative outlet. So I picked up a camera and took it with me (why not?). By the time I returned, I was hooked and my life hasn’t been the same since. 

 

 

 

 

How long have you been a photographer?

I would have to say that I have been a photographer since the summer of 2008 with that trip to Thailand. That is when a mere interest transformed into a passion.  I have considered myself a photographer ever since. 

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

What is my favorite place to photograph? Man, that is such a hard one to answer. I have seen so many wonderful corners of the world, and have been lucky enough to immortalize the memories with my camera. It is a toss up between Japan and Oregon. In Oregon, I can have high desert with fossil beds, magnificent waterfalls, ice capped mountains and volcanos, and a gorgeous coastline all within a few hours of Portland. 

Japan? Well... Japan is just awesome. Everything there seems to be photogenic.

As for subject. All of them. In one day, I can be found shooting the sunrise over a bay, then photographing flowers in my yard at lunch, from there I will go shoot some models for friends, and finish it off photographing a riot while dodging tear gas canisters.   

 

 

And when all the wars are over, a butterfly will still be beautiful. Ruskin Bond.

 

 

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

By enlarging individual's perception on how small the world really is. When I display my work, I often receive comments on posts, as well as in messages/emails, extending gratitude for showing the commenter parts of the world that they will “never” get to see for themselves. I often reply questioning them as to why they will never experience that location personally. Often times they respond with an excuse. It generally involves money or work. I come back at them with the same question after this and generally a “I never will” turns into a “maybe I can.” It makes this expansive planet of ours shrink just a little. A place like Kyoto suddenly feels more in reach.

 

 

Mt Hood

 

Mt Hood Reflections

 

Shaker Shack

 

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

Every country has its rules and values. I will study them quite extensively before heading there (in most circumstances). I also have a knack for learning how to bend them once I figure them out. Use your gut instinct most of the time, and you will be fine. Oh, and border patrol agents do not like having a lens in their face.

 

 

 

 

 

Any photography tips you want to share?

Shoot, shoot, shoot. Then edit. Then shoot some more and challenge yourself when you do. That really is the most important way to grow and refine what drives you to take the photos you can sit and stare at. Also, one tip I find to be important is when you are getting ready to take out a CF card (for Canon bodies at least) - make sure you see the red light on back of the body blink before you take you eject the card. You will thank me for this one day. 

Wait, I almost forgot! Have tons of patience, and as a friend of mine says, composition matters. Except the rule of thirds, I love breaking that one.

 

Step Right Up

 

Zebras

 

 

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

First I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. I recently returned from India and got quite sick from mold while also picking up the flu so if any of this seems like listless rambling that is because it is.  :) 

Honestly my biggest inspiration is you. I scour the internet (mainly Google+) finding new and incredible photographers almost daily. You all rock! That and never compromise your dreams. Take them to your grave and do so with a smirk on your face. You define you.  

Now back to daydreaming while listening to Philip Glass's Music in 12 Parts. 

 

Shibuya

 

 

The Eye of Gideon

 

Fallen Angels

 

Learn more:

Website: http://www.wicksakit.com
Google+: http://www.google.com/+WickSakit
Instagram: instagram.com/wicksakit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wicksakitphotography
500px: 500px.com/wicksakit
Twitter: @wicksakit
Exposure: wicksakit.exposure.so/
Stipple: stipple.com/users/24631