Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Szudy.
Hi Jim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in the hard-working city of Cleveland. Because of my deep Cleveland roots, I have always been fascinated the large industrial steel mills and surrounding warehouses. I find beauty in the wear and tear of this urban decay, and the tradition of the strong surrounding buildings. This city has given me unlimited inspiration that started from a young age and contiues through my adult life – whether it is an image, poem, painting or music track.
The love and passion I have for the arts, particularly photography, is a simple story. I found my father’s older model Nikon camera he had used for his work one day when I was helping my parents clean out their basement. It still had film in and was in great shape. After I changed the batteries, I just started taking pictures outside their house. After the film ran out (yes, film) I picked up more and I haven’t stopped taking pictures, although I have had some upgrades in my equipment (digital camera). I still use that old Nikon camera from time to time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenges and struggles are a part of everyday life; they are constant and usually unavoidable. However, how you react to them is what’s important. As an artist, I have the freedom to interpret my own private challenges and struggles into a universal theme, which is liberating physically, mentally, and spiritually. When you manifest your personal inner struggles outwardly, you tend to find there are many people in the world who might face these same struggles. When you express what they cannot, it is a special connection that can lead to hope and survival.
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 have been deeply rooted in the Cleveland art and culture community for over 25 years. As a freelance photographer, writer, musician/noiseician, filmmaker, music producer, and graphic artist, I have had the great fortune to connect with the most creative minds, souls, and energy, especially in Cleveland. My photography in particular has given me the opportunity to document so many important moments and people – not only in my life but also other people’s lives.
I would not be the person or artist I am today without having the organic surroundings Cleveland has gifted me. From the portraits of artists, musicians, famous, infamous, acquaintances, strangers, and family to the concerts, events, and the fellaheen’s I encounter every day.
These encompassing experiences have lead me to being a co-founder and Director of the Cleveland Photo Fest, a nonprofit organization whose theme of “Unity Through Photography” and mission is to unify and uplift the human condition through global photographic collaboration and partnership.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I helped design a concert hall that might one day be built so that it one day may be enjoyed by the people of all races, genders, and ages.
Contact Info:
- Email: 440photocle@gmail.com
- Website: http://440photography.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/440photocle/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/440photocle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/440photography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8RsSMQ74hPgMkddBMhVXhA
Image Credits
Jim Szudy
440 Photography
