In 2023, it's safe to say it was a blast for me. The year brought a wave of creativity that swept through both my personal and professional realms. Balancing a hectic workload, I found time to experiment, delving into uncharted territories and embracing the joy of discovery and learning. It's been a year of hard work, but also one of exciting exploration.
Jumping into the professional rewind, my lens captured a multitude of projects in the realm of visual arts. From studio and on-location portraits that demanded precision to the immersive world of event photography, each frame tells a story of dedication. The streets became my canvas for candid moments and the vast landscapes witnessed my exploration through travel photography. My digital arts journey unfolded in unexpected ways, with experimentation leading to newfound techniques and styles. Let's delve deeper into these professional chapters before we navigate the personal passages.
Returning to the studio was a nostalgic yet invigorating experience. The click of the shutter echoed through sessions focused on crafting compelling portraits, often destined for the portfolios of actors and artists. Venturing beyond the confines of the studio, on-location shoots took me to diverse settings, capturing portraits that told stories fit for editorials and interviews. Each session was a unique journey, blending technical precision with the art of storytelling through imagery.
During my moments of leisure, the vibrant streets of Athens became both my sanctuary and canvas. Engaging in the art of street photography, I immersed myself in the ebb and flow of human stories, experimenting with a more minimalistic approach to capture the essence of fleeting moments. Despite time constraints limiting extensive travels, I seized the opportunity to explore various corners of Greece, capturing snapshots of landscapes and cultures. These ventures allowed me to test and refine new methods, adding a layer of experimentation to my photographic journey.
Expanding my creative horizons, I delved into the world of videography, capturing the dynamic energy of various events and conducting insightful interviews. The lens transitioned seamlessly from photography to videography, offering a new dimension to storytelling. Beyond individual projects, I found myself engaged in collaborative efforts, producing short clips with a focus on travel videography for a travel agency. These ventures not only enriched my portfolio but also added a dynamic rhythm to my creative pursuits in 2023.
Diving into the realm of experimentation, I dedicated significant time to exploring alternative methods of photo manipulation. Through the use of various software tools, I transformed ordinary photographs into digital works of art, each adorned with unique styles and aesthetics. The manipulation extended beyond conventional boundaries, playing with colors and forms to breathe new life into my visual creations. This journey into the digital realm added a layer of abstraction and artistic expression to my evolving body of work.
Beyond random experimentation, I engaged in a structured dance between creativity and logic by delving into the realm of mathematical digital art. The meticulous precision of Radials, the intricate patterns of Spirographs, and the pixelated charm of Pixel Art became my canvas for a different form of expression. This intentional fusion allowed me to balance the free-flowing creativity with the structured analytical side of my artistic endeavors, resulting in a diverse and harmonious collection of digital artworks.
In a return to the written word, I rekindled my passion for blogging alongside visual production. "Multilayered Exposure," my revived blog on the official website, became a space where I explore diverse facets of visual arts. This platform allows me to delve into the depth of my thoughts on photography, videography, and beyond. Simultaneously, on Tumblr, I embarked on a journey of concise expression with a microblog, capturing ephemeral thoughts and ideas in a more immediate and fleeting format. Balancing visual and written narratives, these outlets became complementary canvases for my creative expressions in 2023.
While my website stands as the central hub for showcasing my work, I recognize the significance of social media as a valuable tool for connection. On VSCO, I maintained an active presence, sharing a plethora of photos and videos, actively contributing to Spaces, and drawing inspiration from the remarkable work of fellow artists. Celebrating a decade on the platform marked a milestone in this digital journey. In December, a fresh chapter unfolded as I decided to revive my dormant Instagram account. It became a space for more personal glimpses, behind-the-scenes insights, and the occasional how-to content. The activation of Threads added a direct channel for verbal communication, enriching the interactive dimension of my social media presence. This blend of central and peripheral platforms allowed for a dynamic engagement with the vibrant online creative community throughout the year.
My physical journey in 2023 was nothing short of a marathon, both metaphorically and literally. Commuting for work and leisure became a daily exercise as I traversed the city on foot, turning errands into walking adventures. Long street photo walks unfolded naturally, intertwining my passion for photography with an active lifestyle. Adding another layer to this, I embraced long-distance running, conquering 10km and half marathons at least three times a week, tallying up to an average of nearly 30 km per day. Complementing these feats, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions focused on my core became a regular ritual, contributing not just to physical strength but also to mental resilience. In a profession where I often wear multiple hats, being a one-man band demands a robust physical foundation to carry the load and stand tall for extended hours.
In a conscious effort to break free from my introverted tendencies, 2023 became a year of reconnection with the world outside. The pandemic, while a necessary time of self-preservation, had unintentionally turned me into a recluse. Determined to rediscover the art of being a social being, I made a conscious decision to step outside my comfort zone. Whether it was engaging in outdoor activities, striking up conversations with strangers during my street walks, or actively participating in social media platforms, the goal was clear: to rebuild and strengthen connections. Being more present in the online creative community, especially in social media spaces dedicated to visual arts, allowed me to foster meaningful connections with fellow artists and enthusiasts from around the globe. It's an ongoing effort to balance the introverted core with the joys of social interaction in both physical and digital realms.
Despite the scarcity of free time in my schedule, I made a deliberate choice to allocate it to a source of inspiration beyond my usual realm. Museums and art spaces in Athens became my haven for moments of respite and creative rejuvenation. By exploring and revisiting these cultural treasures, I sought inspiration from art forms distinct from photography. Immersing myself in the diverse expressions of artists across different mediums fueled a stream of fresh ideas, acting as a catalyst to boost my creativity. These visits became a valuable investment, enriching my artistic perspective and infusing a renewed vigor into my visual storytelling endeavors.
Nights in 2023 unfolded as cinematic journeys, with a focus on European and Asian films that provided not just entertainment but an immersive study in photography and the art of filmmaking. Each movie became a canvas for learning, offering insights into diverse visual narratives and storytelling techniques. Beyond the educational aspect, I found genuine enjoyment in these cinematic experiences. It served as a therapeutic way to decompress at the end of the day, allowing me to unwind and absorb the artistic nuances before embracing the serenity of sleep.
Embracing the technological wave of 2023, artificial intelligence seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming a reliable ally rather than a source of fear. I've adopted AI to assist with everyday tasks, streamlining my professional workflow and allowing for more efficient time management. Its capabilities extend beyond mere utility; AI has become a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic projects. The ease with which I can experiment visually and explore new ideas has added a dynamic layer to my creative process, reinforcing the belief that technology, when harnessed mindfully, can be a powerful tool for artistic exploration and efficiency.
As I bid adieu to 2023, one thing that undoubtedly went missing was a bit of shut-eye. With days brimming with activities, it seems I unintentionally traded sleep for a bustling schedule. Here's to hoping that in 2024, the elusive quest for a good night's sleep becomes a priority. Despite the occasional yawns, I'm genuinely grateful for the whirlwind that was 2023, a year packed with creativity, exploration, and meaningful connections. As I pen down this reflection, I eagerly anticipate what the coming year has in store. Here's to a well-rested 2024, with new adventures and resolutions waiting to unfold in the chapters that lie ahead.
Until next time,
Efthimis Papapaschos