Inspiration Feeder: Bella Kotak

Our “Inspiration Feeder” presents to you short interviews with interesting visual artists from around the globe. Today in focus: Bella Kotak

Where do you come from?

I grew up in Mombasa, Kenya, in a land of 2 seasons, sun and rain, and with the beach a few steps away. I now live in the English countryside, which is a world a way from my sunkissed childhood days.

Growing up in such a wild country, I developed a deep love for nature and that love impacts what I create now.

How long have you been doing photography?

I’ve always been attracted to taking photos ever since I was a child. There’s just something about capturing a moment in time that inspires me and holds my fascination.

I started to seriously explore the art form about 10 years ago, however it took me years before I was able to discover a way to use it to express myself in a way that felt very healing and authentic. Everything that I try to create now with it has to connect with me on a personal level.

How would you define your style?

I would say, fairytale, floral, feminine, and fantastical. Photography is escapism to me, it’s how I dive into other worlds, capture them and share them with others to give them a moment of magic in their day.

How long do you think it took you to find your personal style of shooting?

Honestly, it took me a few years. Everyone has their own journey. Some people discover their style a lot sooner than others. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to creating. Styles develop the more you shoot and the more you realise what you like and don’t like. It’s a combination of preference and approach.

What would you say is the thing that most inspires you? / What is your main source of inspiration?

Nature, locations, beautiful designs, muses (models that I love to work with over and over again), seasons, stories, and colours!

It’s hard to pinpoint inspirations because I just like to combine whatever fascinates me into a picture and put my own spin on it. That’s how you use your inspirations to create something that’s uniquely you.