Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald Delorme.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I moved to Boston as a young kid, about five years old. I am originally from Saint Louis Du Nord, Haiti. My father believed that opportunities were slim where I lived and decided to fly me out to Boston to live with him. In the process, I left my mother behind and once I arrived in Boston, I realized all the family I had, migrated here already. As a youth, I was a cartoonist. I found myself drawing a lot of anime pretty often. Art has always been a skill of mine but I never really took it seriously.
Fast forward, I had a rough upbringing due to missing my mom and assimilating to the American culture. Middle school and high school was rough, but I managed to make it out due to the help of tow programs called Summer Search Boston and Bottom Line Boston. These two programs helped me become who I am today. They provided academic and personal support for inner-city kids that they thought had potential. I wanted to go to college, but my grades out of high school were very poor. I found a program called Foundation Year at Northeastern University which required no GPA. I applied and was lucky enough to get in. In this program, I studied business, managed a 3.8 GPA and was able to transfer to Northeastern University. You would think the journey was easy but life in college was difficult. My college cost more than my parent’s salaries soI had to get very creative in how to pay it. I managed full-ride scholarships and found other scholarships along the way.
In 2012, I lot my best friend to gun violence in my hometown of Brighton. I was his last phone and made things complicated for me. Throughout this journey, I have learned so much and I have seen so much. Resilience is key. I studied Finance and Accounting at Northeastern University. The culture I come from you had to study something practical that could eventually help the family. So, art was never a consideration. Once I graduate, I took a job working for State Street Bank. It seemed very practical because all my mentors were working there. I enjoyed finance but I always felt boxed in and knew it was not where I belonged. I moved to New York City in hopes that it could be different.
In New York, I worked at State Street Bank but it was a lot of the same. In June after having taught myself Photography and Videography I decided to walk away and follow my dreams. I have to say nothing is easy, the learning curve has been difficult. I am learning that I have to make the best of the equipment I have. Nonetheless, I feel like this is my calling. I love to travel, and hopefully, I can mix that in with what I do.
Please tell us about your art.
As an artist, I use a lot of composition rules. Like rules of thirds, leading line and, etc. I try to incorporate at least a composition rule when I can in my photos. In my portraits, I love o capture the beauty I know lies within everyone. Everyone has good angles. I try to take the unexpected shot. I am also an urban photographer and I do landscapes. When I do urban photography, I look for things that cannot be repeated. Like a large puddle with a reflection that will only be there once. When people look at my art, I hope they feel inspired and believe in themselves. I am a knowledge sharer and try to teach anyone everything I know. I know being part of a competitive society it seems strange sometimes. I think there is enough knowledge to be shared.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think it is difficult for an artist. The hardest thing is getting people to pay you for your work and what you do. As a portrait photographer, there is constant competition with cellar phones. A lot of people don’t understand the art that goes behind portraits. I have yet to sell prints so I am not sure how that will be. I think to allow an artist to have a space to show their work is important. I am very grateful this Boston Voyager featured me on their page.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I currently just finished a website and working getting my portfolio up. In the future, I will be selling prints as well so people can purchase. My website is Grafiphotography.com. In addition, I have two Instagram handles. Grafiphotography is where you will find all my portraits and Th3rdeyevisions is where you will find my urban/landscape photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: Grafiphotography.com
- Email: grafiphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: Grafiphotography and Th3rdeyevisions
Image Credit:
Grafi Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
