How Katya Brook Captures the Ethereal Realm

Katya's artistic journey has been a testament to the power of diverse influences. Hailing from a Siberian town near Lake Baikal, she brings a unique lens to her work as a fine art photographer and AI imager.

Her upbringing nurtured her keen observation skills and empathy and eventually would shape her captivating approach to portraiture. From a marketing agency in Moscow to a fine art photographer in New Zealand, Katya discusses the transformative moments that propelled her towards her true passion. 

LBB> Your background growing up in a multicultural Siberian town near Lake Baikal has undoubtedly influenced your unique perspective as an artist. How do you think your upbringing has shaped your approach to photography and art?

Katya> My upbringing taught me to be observant and curious about the world around me. I was an empathetic child and watched human nature very closely. It influenced my interest in portraiture, where I can connect with people through the process of art. Growing up in a Siberian town also made me resilient, I guess. I can create in various conditions if I have a drive and passion for a project.

LBB> Your journey from a marketing agency in Moscow to becoming a fine art photographer and AI imager in New Zealand is quite intriguing. Can you share some key moments or experiences that led you to pursue your passion for Photography?

Katya> It was a rollercoaster of self-discovery! When I was younger I loved math and poetry. I used to write fairy tales for a local student newspaper and song lyrics for a rock band. I have a degree in economics and worked in a bank for one year before I realised that working in finance would never satisfy me. Later I found a job in marketing and quite enjoyed it. But then I made a decision to move to New Zealand, which turned my life upside down.

I always enjoyed visual art, but back in Russia, I never thought that photography could be my job. The culture and environment were quite different. I started my journey as a photographer in New Zealand, where for the first time, I felt that I could sustain myself financially by doing something I really love.

LBB> Your work is often described as having a timeless and otherworldly charm. How do you infuse this distinct quality into your photography, and what draws you to explore these ethereal themes?

Katya> Agnes Martin once wrote: ‘’When I first made a grid, I happened to be thinking of the innocence of trees, and this grid came into my mind, and I thought it represented innocence, and I still do, and so I painted it, and then I was satisfied.’’

It always starts from an underlying feeling that I long to express. I think of my work as little dots I leave behind and one day hope to connect them into something that will hopefully make sense.

LBB> You mentioned being inspired by artists like Goya, Van Gogh, and Agnes Martin. How do these influences translate into your work, and how do you balance your artistic inspirations with the demands of commercial photography?

Katya> I am inspired by many artists. Some, like Goya, inspire me by the strength of their views and beliefs. Goya was open about his political views and never hesitated to express his disappointment about the Spanish church, even if it cost him a career and a comfortable lifestyle. Some, like Van Gogh, inspire me by their passion for colour, which is one of the main tools in my work. Van Gogh was also an explorer, he wasn’t afraid to experiment. I love finding new approaches and tools!

Regarding commercial projects, it is about finding the right balance – that space where my perspective aligns with the brand's vision, creating a symbiotic fusion.

LBB> Your fine art photography has been exhibited in prestigious venues like the Image Nation Exhibition in Paris. Could you tell us more about your fine artwork?

Katya> I have been lucky to find like-minded creatives who love their medium as passionately as I do. My fine artwork (apart from my self-portraits) is about a successful collaboration between myself and a team of creatives I’ve been working with.

LBB> The intersection of fine art photography and AI imagery is an interesting and emerging field. How do you see AI enhancing or transforming the way we create and perceive visual art in the future?

Katya> AI's role in the future of visual art is fascinating. It's not about replacing human creativity but enhancing it. AI offers a range of possibilities, sparking new dimensions in visual art and challenging traditional norms. It is dangerous to underestimate the influence of AI. I am being very careful and quite intentional with creating visuals that would never question human history. I think it is important to realize how confusing AI-generated imagery can be. My intention is to use AI as a tool in a creative process, to get inspired by visuals, not discouraged.

LBB> Your exploration of AI processes to create surrealistic worlds inspired by filmmakers like Tarkovsky and Kar-wai is fascinating. Could you share a bit about your creative process when blending AI technology with your artistic vision?

Katya> It’s been only a few months since I started exploring AI. My process usually starts with a concept, a little story of a non-existent reality. I enjoy taking the most impossible concept, such as, for example, a hundred pink cats on a deserted street in New York, and writing a little story about it. Working with AI takes patience, as the result can be quite unpredictable. It is about learning the most effective tools that would lead the bot in the right direction.

LBB> Collaborating with global clients on complex shoots like Aoraki/Mt Cook showcases your ability to navigate challenging environments. How do you approach such projects and maintain your artistic integrity while fulfilling commercial goals?

Katya> As a descendant of Mongolian nomads, I love travelling and exploring new places. As I mentioned before, growing up in Siberia made me quite resilient to the challenging environment. A good team and vision alignment are always the keys to a successful project, no matter where it takes place: a warm cosy studio, or the top of a snowy mountain.

LBB> Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as a fine art photographer and AI imager? Are there any specific themes or concepts you're excited to explore in your future work?

Katya> In the future, I hope to use AI as a tool to create bigger projects offline in real places, capturing real moments of the worlds created by real people, where the impossible becomes possible.