Photographer of the week: Westley Werner

The “Photographer of the Week” series is dedicated to highlighting photographers within the SCAD community that demonstrate unique abilities behind the lens. This week, Westley Werner, a fourth-year photography student, shares his recent projects and personal insight.

1. When did you start your creative journey and what trials have you experienced being a part of so many artistic paths?

I’ve always had an interest in art and how art allows us to speak things with more power than words. However, I began to take photography seriously as a career for about 5 years.  I would say my biggest trial as an artist was just believing in myself enough to start the journey. 

2. What and or who is your muse?

My muse is a fascination with self-exploration and how I connect with others.

3. What is your most successful piece of artwork?

My most successful piece is “Untitled 4” from a landscape series I did in Arizona called “Fire in the Sky.”

4. What impact do you want to have on the world or even yourself?

I want to put together a series of work that is recognized as successful and exhibited. For me, the purist of understanding what makes me myself and how that can coexist with others feeling a connection to me from my work is the impact I’m chasing.

5. What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a project called “Déjà Vu in the shadow of the moon”. The project is still developing, but at this point, it’s about making images that create a feeling in the viewer that I felt at that time. I want the images to create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. It should feel like a place somewhere between a dream and reality. The other project I’m working on is a portrait series called “I love you so”. It covers my family and the complications of family.

6. Is there any advice you’d like to leave to other aspiring artists or SCAD students?

Find the story that you want to tell through your art. No matter how big or small, if you are passionate about it, start making the work.

To see more of Werner’s work, visit his Instagram.