Berkley Martin Lynn

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Phenix City, Alabama but was born in Columbus, GA.

How did the south influence your work?Growing up in Alabama was a huge influence on my work. The biological diversity of the state has always been so attractive to me. It definitely pulled my focus toward nature and the natural beauty of this planet.

What was your exposure to art and photography? I have always had an interest in doodling and painting as a child. I had an easel in my room for years and even took art lessons for a short period of time around age 9. I first discovered photography around age twelve because some of my peers had begun using their cellphones to take still life images of their sodas or sunglasses. I didn't have a phone of my own at the time, but once I realized I wanted to give photography a try, I quickly asked for a digital camera for my upcoming birthday, and that sealed the deal.

Who were your early influences? I've never really had any idols, though some of my mothers friends were hobbyist photographers and they definitely inspired me to explore the realm of portrait photography.

Digital or film? So far in my photography career, I've preferred digital. It is how I began my photography journey, so naturally I just stuck with it. Recently, I've been exploring the film world a bit more. I've collected a few vintage cameras through the years and decided to do a test roll of 120 film with my Agfa Isolette II. I think it's safe to say I will be working my way deeper into the film world. Film is a very beautiful and delicate process and I have a great respect for it.

You have been moving into the fashion world a bit? Once upon a time, I wanted to be a fashion designer. That dream died, but the fashion photography world has always peaked my interest. It isn't often that I get a chance to dive into fashion photography, but it is a very colorful world and I look forward to exploring it even more.

Whats your favorite subject matter and why? My favorite subject, without a doubt, is nature. It was my first love when I began my photography journey. I eventually ventured into the portrait world, working on everything from senior portraits, conceptual shoots, to weddings. I've now come full circle and focus most of my attention and energy to nature photography. I consider myself a conservationist through art. You can learn a lot from plants. Plants are the foundation of our existence. My goal with my art is not only to convey emotion through my imagery, but also to give you a moment to enjoy some of the wonderful parts of this world that are often overlooked in our day-to-day lives. My work brings me peace, and I only hope it can do the same for the viewer.

Whats it like being a mom? How do you find the time to create? Being a mother is very exciting. You never understand what motherhood is like until you experience it for yourself. The opportunity to give another human being a thoughtful and beautiful life experience is priceless. Finding the time to create is another story. Quite frankly, it’s difficult finding the time for my creative endeavors while having a small child to care for. I am still working on the balance between raising my son, maintaining my home and creating. It has been a challenge, and thank goodness I like challenges.

You recently moved to Alaska, thats a major jump from Phenix City. Tell us a little about your journey. Moving to Alaska has completely changed my life and I've only been here now for 3 months. I have never experienced a climate like this, so not only was it a mental shock moving away from my family and friends but a physical shock as well. The winters here are below freezing most of the time. Every inch of the ground is covered in snow, and everytime you go outside, you're gearing up in 2-3 layers of clothes (at least I am.) Taking photos in the snow has proven to be physically challenging as well. It's not a casual walk through the woods, it's trying to avoid frostbite in my fingers and falling through snow that you didn't realize was that deep. I am loving every minute of it.

What is the gear you have used in the past and present? I started shooting with a hot pink Sony point-and-shoot, progressed to a Canon Rebel XS, then the Canon T4I, and am now working primarily with my Canon Mark III. My lenses consist of a Canon 50mm 1.4, a Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 and a Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro. Occasionally I use a Fujifim Mini Instax film camera and a Lomo Instant Square film camera.

Do you sell prints? At the moment, I do not have a print shop available, but in the very near future I will have one to share with you all.

You are the brainchild of Artists Anonymous. Tell us how and why you created this group. Co-founding Artists Anonymous was one of the easiest, most natural experiences of my life. I had finally found myself connecting with other artists in the Chattahoochee Valley and it was painfully obvious how the art scene was only catering toward the elite demographic. There was and still is an abundance of creative minds that are waiting to be seen, so Sammie Saxon and myself decided to target the issue. We created a platform for creatives of all mediums and levels of talent to showcase their work in an inexpensive fashion. At the same time, we decided to raise money for local charities, so we were not only lifting our fellow peers into the spotlight, but we were offering aid to those in need. It is a project that I am very proud of and I am excited to continue creating growth in the community. An all-inclusive art scene is the way an art scene should be. Simple.

How important is fine art to your career? Creating fine art IS my career. It's the only thing I have interest in aside from helping fellow creatives grow and flourish. I'm not certain that creating fine art will meet my financial needs, but I am certain that it is feeding my soul and that is enough for me.

What are you working on now? Currently, I'm working on my first photobook which is centered around my family home in Phenix City, AL. Upon beginning the project, it was going to be a sort of heirloom that I would gift to my family, but as the project has progressed I've realized just how moving the body of work is and I believe that residents of the Phenix City area as well as art collectors will thoroughly enjoy this book. Once it is released, it will be available to the public for purchase. Aside from that, I am working toward a series of botanical still life images, shot in studio, on film.

Any advice for new artists? If I have any advice for an up and coming artist, it would be to keep creating. Create art that is true to you. Create art that fuels your soul. Your art will not touch everyone, it isn't meant to. Art is entirely up to the viewers interpretation and some people will simply not enjoy your work, and that is okay. As long as you are enjoying the process and the work you create, that will reflect in your pieces. Never stop creating.