Interview with
KIMBER DEVANEY

SUMMER ISSUE #09 PHOTOGRAPHER

Kimber DeVaney is a Brookyn-based visual artist, curator, and healer inspired by nature, science, time, and memory. Her artistic process involves working with double exposures shot on 35mm film which layer light, texture, and pattern to express emotive spaces. For DeVaney, film photography is a form of magic that captures true essence. She uses her camera as an artistic tool, striving to push the boundaries of visual communication by creating cinematographic portals that interplay with different realms of reality. By combining various elements into a single frame, the multi-compositions invite the viewer to decode hidden stories. DeVaney enjoys New Orleans jazz, forest bathing and is an aspiring beach bum. Connect with her on Instagram @mybegonia.

“In the Beginning”

“Pluto in Aquarius”

Tell us a little about how you got started with photography.

My artistic journey began with a black and white photography class at Pratt Institute in Manhattan. I was captivated by the tactile process of developing prints in the darkroom, which became my sanctuary. Photography allowed me to explore the city solo, express myself freely, and find my state of flow.

Can you describe your preferred medium(s) and artistic style, and what do you hope viewers experience or feel when they encounter your artwork?

Most of my art is experimental fine art photography; my artistic style is deeply rooted in the realm of the unknown. I am inspired by quantum physics. My ongoing series of double exposures on film delves into the concept of stacked time, where every moment is interconnected and influences the others. I aim to transport viewers to a realm where past, present, and future converge, encouraging them to question the boundaries of reality.

How do you typically find inspiration for your artwork, and are there any recurring themes or motifs in your pieces?

Nature and flowers, particularly roses, have been a significant source of inspiration for me. I find solace in capturing their beauty at every stage, from peak bloom to decay. This process has become a meditation on growth, change, and the fleeting nature of life. I’m drawn to the energy within these moments, which I tap into, transmitting my own vibration and seeing what emerges. This theme has been a recurring motif in my work, symbolizing the cycles of life and the beauty in impermanence

Could you walk us through your creative process while shooting?

My creative process embraces the playful element of surprise and spontaneity that is present in film. I have been working exclusively with double exposures, which gives me the freedom to shoot freely without overthinking shots. I let the overlapping of images merge organically creating their own unique pattern and structure. 

Can you discuss any collaborations or projects you’ve been involved in that have been especially meaningful to you? 

Being part of the photography collective, Camera of the Month Club, has been a vital aspect of my artistic journey. Sharing my work and being vulnerable with like-minded individuals has been incredibly hopeful and inspiring. This community has provided a platform for me to express myself and pushes me to continue growing as an artist.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming exhibitions, projects, or goals you have?

I look forward to curating more art exhibits this coming year in the New York City area! I am also excited to explore alternative photographic processes such as chemigrams, as well as liquid photographic emulsion and analog collage techniques in my upcoming projects. These new mediums will allow me to further push the boundaries of my art, continuing to explore the depths of human experience and the mysteries of time and reality.