Paloma Tendero: Failure is Part of the Process

SheClicks Women in Photography

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson interviews the talented visual artist Paloma Tendero. Known for her unique exploration of themes such as heredity, illness, and identity, Tendero's work captivates audiences by blending photography and fine art to create powerful visual narratives.
Paloma shares her artistic journey, beginning with her childhood fascination with photography. She recounts how her passion for capturing moments started when she was gifted a compact camera at the age of ten and later inherited an old SLR camera from her grandfather. These early experiences fuelled her love for photography and inspired her to pursue a degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Photography.
In this episode, Paloma delves into the personal experiences that shape her work, including her own health challenges and the impact of her family’s medical history. She explains how these experiences inspired her to explore the complex relationships between health and illness and the ways in which they intersect with identity.
Paloma also discusses her current project, 'Shifting Bodies' which was developed as part of the 70:15:40 Project. This project challenges the conventional notion of health as the natural state and explores the dualities of the human experience. She shares her creative process, including the innovative use of expired film and sculptural elements, which add depth and texture to her work.
Throughout the episode, Paloma Tendero provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by female photographers, highlighting the importance of confidence and persistence in pursuing artistic goals. Her advice to aspiring photographers encourages them to seek opportunities that align with their vision and to embrace failure as a vital part of growth and creativity.
Takeaways

• Photography can be a cathartic process for exploring personal experiences and emotions.
• The creative process can involve both planning and freestyling, allowing for flexibility and spontaneity.
• Female photographers may face challenges in promoting themselves and putting their work out there, but programs and competitions targeted at women can provide extra encouragement.
• Photographing oneself can present challenges and a remote cable or an assistant is useful depending on the specific requirements of the project
• Paloma's project and image titles and captions are often developed after the images are created, but in some cases, they may be determined beforehand to guide the creative process.

Connect with Paloma
Website
Instagram
MPB
This podcast is supported by MPB, the world's largest platform for used photography and videography kit. MPB has transformed the way people buy, sell and trade equipment, making photography more accessible, affordable and sustainable. MPB is proud to partner with SheClicks to help support women photographers and their work.

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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Why Fine Art? (00:02:21)

3. Working on the Themes of Heredity, Illness and Identity (00:03:33)

4. Applying for the 70:15:40 Project (00:05:19)

5. Shooting on Expired Film (00:10:29)

6. What Can We Expect to see from Paloma at the 70:15:40 Project Exhibition? (00:13:51)

7. The Difference Between Male and Female Photographers (00:15:04)

8. Advice for Other Female Photographers (00:17:13)

9. Six From SheClicks (00:17:57)