Meet Ariel Crocker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Crocker.

Hi Ariel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking photos when I was 13 with a film camera. I took photos for six years and then became very interested in music. I gained traction with my music very quickly and got deemed “Best New Artist of the Year” by Brian Eno for Noise Fest. I began touring around the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Japan extensively for eight years. For my last tour before the pandemic, I created an installation to go with every show with my friend and collaborator, Samantha Decarl.

I wrote two books during this time. The first was a stream of conscious type format documenting touring, trauma, love, and the difficulties of poverty. This book was called “In North America.” My second book came out in 2019 and is a collection of short stories and poems. This book is called “No One Likes Us.” When the pandemic hit, I decided to start taking photos again and wanted to incorporate installation into the photographs. I begin building sets and drawing up concepts to create more striking images of the subject and encompass art and fashion. I am now shooting photos almost every day and have many concepts in work and many new projects coming out this year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha, no. Trying to create and live off of art is extremely difficult. I do not come from wealth and have had many experiences of living out of my car for long periods of time or struggling to get my work out due to a lack of finances. Financial struggles also, at times, makes it very hard to create.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, an installation artist, an author, a musician, a sound tech, an auntie, a friend, a sister, and a community member. I love creating spaces for people to be themselves and for me to express myself as best as I can through different mediums. I am proud that I allow myself the fluidity to create whatever art is, helping me feel like my truest self for the time that it serves me. I do not know how to answer what sets me apart cause I kind of feel like that is for others to decide.

Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Yes, I love taking risks. My mom used to tell me that if you start feeling comfortable, you probably aren’t doing the right thing. I have taken a lot of risks in life and I do not know how I could sum up one of those experiences are being the most risky. Probably the most risky thing I have done is being vulnerable even when I am afraid to be.

Pricing:

• 150 – Basic Outdoor shoot
• 200 – Outdoor shoot with lighting
• 350 – Basic set design shoot
• 450 – Complex set design

Contact Info:

• Email: arielrcro@gmail.com
• Website: rarielphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r__ariel/?hl=en
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rarielmusic