Steve McVey(March 2014)

The interview with Steve McVey, recorded on March 8, 2014, presents an in-depth look at the personal and professional life of the interviewee. Having grown up in New Zealand, McVey moved to Auckland in 1995 before heading to London in 1997. The move was fueled by aspirations to explore the arts and photography, sectors McVey felt were lacking opportunities in Aotearoa at the time. Having publicly come out at the age of 17, McVey reflects on the generational misunderstanding of LGBTQ+ identities by sharing a humorous yet telling reaction from their mother.

The conversation also delves into the challenges faced during school years, including battling a strict boys' culture and homophobic bullying while attending a Catholic boarding school. Despite these hurdles, McVey found solace and an outlet in gymnastics, trampoline sports, and the arts.

The discussion switches to McVey's time in London, a notable shift in environment that presented an abundance of opportunities, diversity, and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people, which contrasted sharply with their experiences in Wellington. McVey reminisces about the vibrancy of London's SoHo district, an embracing community where they sought a sense of belonging.

Professionally, McVey elaborates on the passion for photography, which provided a medium through which to observe the world while maintaining a comfortable distance. The aesthetic search for order amidst chaos is mentioned as an intrinsic part of McVey’s photographic style. They emphasize the value in capturing images using natural lighting without heavy reliance on post-production, preferring the authenticity of ambient light in their work.

Educational experiences in the field of photography, both at the City and Guilds and the University of Westminster, are mentioned, detailing how they shaped McVey's approach to the craft. McVey also discusses the nuanced transition from film to digital photography, noting both practical and sentimental perspectives on the evolution of the medium.

Most notably, the interview sheds light on McVey's latest project, "Lost," which explores the theme of loss and its impact on individuals. The project focuses on documenting the stories behind lost item posters, investigating the ways people cope with absence and their pursuit to reclaim what’s missing. It's an exploration of how searching becomes a part of the healing process, potentially filling the void left by loss. McVey discusses the personal resonance of the project, having themselves experienced significant life changes and losses.

In terms of future artistic endeavors, McVey remains open to various formats, including exhibitions, films, or books, to showcase the work produced for the "Lost" project. Throughout the interview, McVey provides profound insights into how loss is universally felt, yet personally experienced and navigated.

The discussion concludes with McVey reflecting on the enriching and cathartic experience provided by the "Lost" project, emphasizing the communal aspects of loss and the shared human experiences that come with it.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Steve McVey

1990s, aotearoa new zealand, arts, boarding school, bullying, casper's bar and cafe, coming out, creativity, diversity, family, gay, homophobic bullying, london, loss, lost (2014), parents, photography, school, single sex schools, sport, steve mcvey, study, the regents canal, travel, united kingdom, visual arts, wellington

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