LINKS: HON HOANG, EDITOR OF ASIA PHOTO REVIEW.
SCG heads to Los Angeles again to chat to Hon Hoang, the editor of Asia Photo Review. We find out about how APR came to fruition from a chance meeting and how he balances life and work. All images shown are from Honag’s own creative work which takes on a cinematic persona, as well as some from his documentary series in Hong Kong.
How did you begin and what age were you when you started photography?
Shortly after graduating from college, I bought my first camera — at around age 23. From working my first full time job, I found myself with a little bit of money to buy a used DSLR and the free time necessary to learn the skills to take good photographs.
How did you become editor of Asia Photo Review?
I was living in South Korea at the time and met a fellow street photographer during a National Geographic event. We started discussing our passion and how we can showcase the work we were discovering in South Korea. We ended up creating a publication called Korea Photo Review that grew into Asia Photo Review. Our goal is to showcase an honest reflection of Asian communities and the interesting stories the continent’s inhabitants have to tell.
National Geographic is our favourite. What made you choose the life of an artist?
Actually, I can’t say that I’ve gone head first into life as an artist. There’s a balance I keep between my ‘9-5’ and my film and photography work. In many ways, I depend on my stable work to help make my projects possible. In this way, I don’t have to compromise when it comes to art projects. It allows me to pursue my own ideas without having to say yes to every offer in front of me in order to survive. My worries of affording sustenance and shelter are fortunately minimised because of this balance.
Producing my own work allows me the ability to create and explore projects that come to mind. It’s a freeing experience, to go after concepts limited only by your imagination and ability to finance. I’ve always been interested in the arts. There were considerations of going to art school, but such thoughts were short lived and felt impractical during my adolescent years.
What is the most high pressure aspect of your work? How do you handle pressure — for example, do you meditate or have any other daily habits that help you perform at a high standard?
When I work with a team is when I feel the most pressure. These people have generously given me their time, trust, and skills in order to pull off a project we have in mind. Whether it’s photography or video, I feel that I need to do my best work possible in order to feel that I didn’t waste anyone’s time. I put that pressure on myself even if no one else does. It hopefully helps me to do my best work.
I thrive in short periods of high pressure. Throw me deadlines and put into my mind that there are people to possibly disappoint, I’ll hopefully show you my best work. In recent years, I’ve been able to subvert some negative effects of stress by practicing martial arts. It’s a great way to process negative thoughts and feelings in a positive way. Wherever that may fall short, art helps process the rest.
Who is an artist you think deserves more attention in China?
I’ve recently watched Long Days Journey into Night by Bi Gan. He’s received much acclaim for his work and doesn’t need someone like me to bring attention to him, but in case some of the readers have not heard of him, I would highly recommend the aforementioned film.
What advice would you give to your younger self, when you were just starting out in your career?
Don’t be afraid to fail, it’s an opportunity to learn. Try, fail, learn, and then do it better. Take risks especially when you’re just starting out as you have far less to lose.
When you think about China, what is it that you think about?
I think of a country steeped in centuries of complex culture.
Who do you link us to for the next interview and why?
I would like to recommend, artist and designer, Michelle Hebert. She does beautiful and ethereal work. I’ve been in the good fortune of collaborating with her for one of my next short film projects.
