March 2020 Artist in Residency: W.D.Floyd
W.D. Floyd is a Chicago native/based multidisciplinary practitioner. With over 10 years of experience as an educator and developmental practitioner, his body of work focuses on the exploration and utilization of cultural assets as a means to promote self-determination. W. D. believes that real change comes from empowering others with the agency to shape their existence. Therefore, he promotes critical consciousness and the obtainment of creative and technical skill sets as a means to promote will, self-determination, and critical expression.
A major focus of W. D.'s practice utilizes photography as a means to document Black culture on the west and south sides of Chicago. He believes in the collaborative practice of street portraitures and its ability to grant him the opportunities to celebrate an existence that has contributed greatly to his development. His work is grounded in the desire to illuminate the dignity of those who have traditionally been framed through a lens of degradation. The thinking which derives from his lived experience greatly informs his concept of beauty and originality.
Q & A
Q&A with w.d. floyd, interviewed by Lucy McDonald
Your bio mentions the collaborative practice of street portraiture. What draws you to this style of photography? How much of a collaboration between you and your subject is there?
I choose to engage in street portraits for 2 reasons.
1- My work is grounded in the philosophy of relationship building. Therefore, street portraits grant me the opportunity to build relationships with people.
2- Permission must be granted in order to take street portraits. These portraits grant dignity to the people I encounter.
W. D. Floyd
You capture your images exclusively on film. Why is the analog process so integral to your body of work?
Film allows me to operate with care and intention. I feel my work is rooted in stewardship and service, so I treat it as such.
What will you be working on during your residency at LATITUDE?
I will be conserving and printing images for an archival project at Sumner Elementary. The images will become a permanent installation in the school and will be accessible to the surrounding community.
W. D. Floyd
How do you approach people on the street for a photo? How often do people say no to your request?
It is the simple magic of just approaching and talking to people. Maybe 25% of people tell me no.
You describe yourself as an educator and developmental practitioner. How do you use photography as a tool for personal development?
It is a practice that allows me to actualize as it pertains to being an artisan. It is more the analog practice that informs my personal development through the practice of care, patience and resilience.
W. D. Floyd
What are you currently reading, watching, listening to?
Reading: Various writings around Black liberation psychology, deep African philosophy, and Black existentialism.
Watching: The Watchmen, Just watched the Irishman twice and reruns of the boondocks and Dave Chappelle.
Listening to: Jinsang, Fela Kuti, Mainly 90s Hip Hop
W. D. Floyd