SOMA Living January 2022

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Claire and Jeremy Weiss are photographers; at the heart of their relationship, the pair are story tellers. Their work has a sense of honesty, authenticity that comes through in every frame. They have been shooting together professionally for the past 15 years, and describe their work “bringing ideas to life, visually.” In addition to the art they create, they have collaborated with a range of clients and creative partners, including: HSBC, Levi’s, Microsoft, Pepsi, Samsung, Converse, Nike, Intel, Apple, Adidas, American Express and others.

Please describe your work, your medium/media, and your tools.

I’m a photographer, a storyteller and an observer. I hope that the casual intimacy of my images evokes both a sense of familiarity and mystery.

What is your process of creation?

What did you do before?

When I’m taking pictures, I look for interesting light, composition and emotion.

I was a waitress at several different restaurants for over 10 years.

What is your inspiration?

Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I’m inspired by creative people, human connection, nature and seeing the world through my children’s eyes.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an athlete. Being active energized me. After meeting Jeremy, I had an urge to create and surround myself with creative people. The struggle has always been finding the balance between participating and documenting. I’m always present, but sometimes I have a camera in front of my face.

Do you work at home? If so, do you have a dedicated studio space?

All of my editing, printing and retouching happens at home. I do not have a dedicated studio space. I like to take pictures of people in their environment.

What are you working on now?

Do you collect/barter with other artists?

I’ve connected with a bunch of local business owners, and am taking portraits of them in their space. It’s an on-going project that I don’t see ending anytime soon, as there are so many interesting people in this town that I still need to meet and photograph.

I love to barter. I’ve photographed many small business owners and in return they’ve gifted me with their art/products/services.

What other artists do you draw inspiration from or are you interested in?

When I was studying photography in school, I loved Diane Arbus. I wanted to find the type of characters she found. The people that stuck out. The weirdos. I’ve been lucky to have made friends with so many interesting people throughout the years and draw inspiration from all of them. Musicians, painters, chefs, athletes, gardeners, film makers, writers and anyone who’s kind and passionate.

Elizabeth Harrison Kubany is founder of KUBANY, LLC, a communications firm established on her lifelong belief in the power of architecture, design, and art to make the world a better, more beautiful, and more equitable place. She is also the co- founder, with her husband, of Winterhouse Projects, an online gallery platform that promotes the work of emerging artists. @ElizabethKubany

How long have you been a full-time working artist?

It has been more than 15 years without a source of income outside of my photo career. I started taking pictures after meeting my now husband Jeremy in 1995.

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