Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Tortellini.
Hi Don, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2020 during the height of COVID 19, I was furloughed from my job and forced to find another way to support myself. In that process, I knew that I wanted to be fulfilled in the next job that I took. I applied for jobs in different fields and industries, and nothing resonated with me. I tried to be creative through different mediums such as art and music. Nothing obliged. One day I went into a camera store (Don’s Photo Equipment). I met a man by the name of Todd who taught me the basics of how to use a film camera and the simple basics of how to take pictures. When I first started, I was not good at photography, actually, my camera had a slight defect in it which I quickly found out that I had light leak in the body of the camera causing my images to come out bad. Quickly fixed that issue and came back out into the streets. Prior to picking up a camera, I had a rapport and relationships with the homeless community around where I live. I decided that I wanted to create space consensually for them to be able to express themselves and their struggles and give people context of what they face on a day-to-day basis. So, I started photographing them and telling their stories. Fast forward I created two other powerful subject matters that resonated with people and I’m here now continuing to tell stories with my images.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it’s a new day and age when it comes to photography. The barrier of entry for the craft is so low that anyone can buy their way in and call themselves a photographer. I think people have lost the respect for the art of photography which led me to have more story-driven images. Another struggle, at least in the Dallas area, is the lack of collaboration amongst photographers. I am in no competition with anybody but the older version of me. I want to see everyone succeed in their own right. Dallas just has to be better with collaboration and being supportive of one another.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a fine art documentarian. I’m known for telling stories with my images and then presenting them in a fine art setting. I’m most proud of being able to weather the storm which was COVID-19 and survive and be able to do impactful work with my photography. I think what best sets me apart from other photographers or creators, in general, is my intent behind my work. I know that what I do is bigger than me, I know that I represent not just myself but a whole community of people that need representation and contextualization. I am their voice. So, my responsibility is a lot heavier than others because I don’t exploit for my own gain, I use the gifts God gave me to amplify narratives through images. There are a lot of people that I don’t even know that are rooting for me to carry that torch and educate people of different demographics through my work. I am art, I am education.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God number 1, he gets 100% of the glory. God is my biggest cheerleader, advocate, supporter & teammate. I don’t really have anyone that has been consistent that I can say has been there, but I will give a shout-out to my mother for helping when she can by connecting me to people that she knows to help me tell more stories in the community. I want to shout out Emma Rogers, a pivotal person who has been in my corner helping me behind the scenes with The Village, connecting me and cosigning for me, making my job as a photographer a lot easier. Peter Brodsky for supporting my vision when it comes to The Village as well and taking a chance on a project and piece of art that will speak volumes till the end of time. To anyone that I didn’t mention, that knows that they have had a role in anything that I’ve done, no matter big or small. I’m appreciative and grateful for your help. I truly am.
Pricing:
- Art Work that has been featured at the Dallas Arboretum, very valueable, and pieces start at 1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shyaboutmyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villageoakcliff/
- Twitter: @shyaboutmyart
- Youtube: Shyaboutmyart
Image Credits
Artavius Cash
