Words & Images by Maria Siorba

Interview by Hannah Roberts

How did your series Blank Verse come to be?

Recently, I envisioned the events of my life as if they were scenes from an adventure-film script. This made me think of the creative process of 'Blank Verse,' which I believe can be similarly described. In my imagination, I pictured a curious traveler wandering through life, brimming with desire to connect and discover. However, as this person delved deeper into extraordinary events, difficult encounters and profound matters, they were lead to crusial existential questions. The initial curiosity of the traveler gradually evolved into an endless journey of quests for scientific understanding in order to solve a psychological mystery. Life itself, along with communication with ‘the other’ and existential crises, can be incredibly perplexing, leaving me constantly seeking answers—answers that I can rely on. However, this pursuit, coupled with doub and intense emotions, makes me feel as if I'm in the midst of a war. What happens when, in this relentless search, you find yourself entangled in a battle, fighting with flawed weaponry and impaired or blurred vision?

Describe your creative process in one word.

Ambiguous

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

I would love to teach many things if I could. The first thing that comes to mind now, is showing how to be there for one another whenever we have the energy to do it. It is the biggest gift we can give and receive in all aspects.

What inspires you to pursue image-making?

Other images, people and questions. Also, triggers from our internal and external surroundings and the intrigue to ‘look again’. (And again.)

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to watch Jean-Luc Godard's 'Passion' after a spontaneous recommendation from a friend. I was captivated by Godard's creative exploration of the concepts of work, love, and artistic creation. He skillfully maintains an abstract space between the scenes and the audience, allowing us to grasp the essence of everything through imagery and form, but without relying on a traditional narrative. There were several memorable lines from the characters, such as a lady, Isabelle, who intuitively sensed her partner was speaking the truth for the first time, which touched me deeply.

What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?

I think I would ask them if they are excited, with a very big smile!

What is the most played song in your music library?

I just checked. It is ‘Boy1904’ by Jonsi & Alex Somers. I do not know much of the history of this song, but all I know is that whenever it plays, I feel like a musical instrumented tuned into the right sequences. Music is important, sometimes more than one can handle.