Tira Khan
When did art become a pursuit? I stumbled into photography later in life. I had always admired photographers, but never learned photography myself until taking a photo class in my city’s community education program about nine years ago. I was determined to learn the intricacies of f-stops and exposure: basically how to make the camera do what I wanted. I aspired to use the camera as a tool to say something, but I didn’t know how to express myself visually, nor was I sure what I wanted to say. I’ve learned it takes time to figure that out — a process that, for me, continually evolves.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I might be considered self-taught because I have no formal degrees in photography or the visual arts. But I love taking classes. In a way, I’ve created my own makeshift MFA program but without the advisor, the pressure of grades, or a thesis.
How did you first become involved with CAA? Several friends were members of the Cambridge Art Association and encouraged me to join. I find the CAA and its director Erin Becker very supportive. CAA offers many member shows and juried exhibitions and, if accepted into one of the CAA juried shows, you can sign up to present your work. In the past, I felt I was a terrible public speaker, which is why I signed up to speak. It’s great practice to talk about my photography in a relaxed setting in front of fellow artists.
What is your creative process? At times I struggle to come up with ideas for my photography because I need an idea to really resonate with me. Sometimes I will photograph a subject for a long time before figuring out what I am trying to do, and why. Right now, I am photographing the people and environment around me, as much for practice as for idea generation. My three daughters and nieces appear frequently in my work, specifically in my Growing Up Girl series.
One great thing about photography is that there is always discovery — different ways of looking at a scene and approaching a subject. I can take photographs, and come back home to see what the camera actually captured. I am currently working on a series based on a 19th century short story that combines wallpapers and portraits. It’s very different than my previous work and I find it much more measured. Needless to say, I spend many hours at the computer in my basement studio.
What are your goals for 2018? To get more organized! Ugh. There is so much to keep track of: equipment, software, social media, juried contests, portfolio reviews, framing and shipping photographs, and emails. For me, the hardest part is keeping up with paperwork and emails. I work best with a clear deadline.
This summer, I plan to take some formal lighting classes and work on my technical skills.
Do you have any upcoming shows? I am very excited to be one of 11 photographers included in the Photographic Resource Center’s Exposure Exhibit, juried by Christopher Rauschenberg. The show runs July 11 to Aug. 18 at the Vandernoot Gallery at Lesley University. There is an opening reception on July 12.
I am also one of 21 artists selected by juror Kelly Sidley for the FOCUS 2018 Fine Art Photography Winners Exhibition at the BJ Spoke Gallery in New York. Sidley is a Curatorial Assistant at the Department of Photography at The Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit runs August 1-26.
See more of Tira!
Website: tirakhan.com
Facebook and Instagram: @tirakhan