Getting to know Theodora Richter, and get magic lens
It is Sunday morning and after drinking a good cup of coffee and in the midst of moving to New York City Theodora Richter takes a few minutes to talk with me about her life, work and ambitions. I first encountered Theodora through a stylist friend in Miami, I then became a fan of her artwork and trajectory.
“My main inspiration comes from everything that surrounded me when I was little in South France... Picasso, Picabia, Dora and many other geniuses that lived and worked there” she shares. Similarly, exhibitions of surrealists like Max Ernst and other great artists that she used to visit in the Maeght Foundation in St. Paul de Vence have stayed through all her artistic stages… even during her past years living in the vibrant city of Miami, she confesses that the diverse exhibitions such as the ones of de la Cruz and Margulies in different museums such as the PAMM, riding her bike down the beach, exploring the botanical garden and the diversity in cultures truly keep the city and her discoveries alive.
While in Paris a few years ago, the French / German artist decided to make a change in a moment, in a desire for change… in need of light and space. That´s why since moving from Paris, Theodora has taken most of her photoshoots to the exterior, she has dedicated more time to creative collage combinations and in each project, show the diversity, the vitality of a color scheme, and the spontaneous passion that drives her in every role. Also, the colors and culture of the city has inspired her to venture into cinematography; a few of months ago she recorded her first commercial films and directed her own short film.... Starring Esther Garrel in beautiful dresses with a dreamer spark living contemporary situations of our society. Also, it talks about greed, violence and moments in which we should have more compassion and humanity... ending with the question why values and behaviors led by love can actually turn into weaknesses and unrealistic beliefs?
Now that Theodora has explored the South of Miami to the fullest, and spent most of her days biking on the beaches and being inspired by the botanical garden, she has left her cozy house on Coconut Grove, and switched her view to the beautiful NYC skyline, in search of new challenges, sources of inspiration and of course… putting first and foremost her family’s well-being and her creative passion afloat.
But, how did all begin? After graduating in Political Science, Sociology and Literature, she worked as a journalist. She assessed the works of other artists like books, movies and artistic pieces. After five years, she decided it was time to create and not only be critical... it was her chance to satisfy the obsession for crafts manipulation, cut, paste, and, naturally, take pictures. In that moment, she bought her first Canon camera and analyzed the type of photographer she wanted to be. So, she started to take pictures of the people she interviewed and experimented in different ways to create the images with beauty accessories and products.
“Sometimes I didn’t have beautiful elements to take pictures of, so I cut magazine images and did my own set with jewelry or small toys like cars or Barbies, it was so much fun...I think that that was what I liked from magazines; then, these started to call me to make and design their accessory pages” she confesses. Afterward, she became a member of the Getty Image Countour team. There, she worked in big teams and took pictures of the movie and music industry related celebrities. These activities contrasted perfectly with her hermit girl style locked in her studio, surrounded by different photographic elements that resulted from her own type of laboratory... “it was so cool!” she smiles while reminiscing.
Today, brands like Sephora, Marc Jacobs, Roger Vivier, Chanel and Coach are some of the firms that Theodora has conquered. Which is one of her most exciting jobs? The first time that Chanel asked for a set of 12 animated collages for its cosmetic line. “One of the biggest and most creative houses of the luxury industry was asking me to do exactly what I liked... I felt blessed just like I do with each one of my works”. Nowadays, her greatest wish is to express her ideas in a stronger way. “To be involved and to talk about things that are important for me... that’s what I am interested in… To express my ideas a bit more! That is my deepest desire”.
After so many highs and lows throughout her career, I had to ask for some advice for the artists reading this post and without trying to sound cliché she highlights the importance of strength and determination... “You have to be around people that you truly trust, do not take advice from anyone, and do not listen to so many people. Do your best with passion and never give up” Theodora.
Special thanks to Theo for giving me the opportunity for this interview, even on a distance, your essence and geniality is transmitted in every step of the way. Can´t wait to meet soon and see your next pieces!
x
M
Original interview for Traffic Mag.