Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Hubby.
Hi Tyler, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a filmmaker and photographer who’s been living in Los Angeles since 1995. I moved here to take a job after graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute (RIP). I caught the early wave of digital post production and have worked as a film editor primarily in documentary film and unscripted series. I’ve directed numerous short films and a feature documentary on the multi-media artist Tony Conrad.
My photography practice is focused mostly on portraiture and fine art. My images have been published in Artillery, Accent, Los Angeles Magazine, SOVO, Forecast and others. I maintain a home studio in Echo Park, where I have lived for the past 20 years.
I have also been a curator, arts writer and voice actor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a bumpy road but it certainly hasn’t been a straight one either. There have been many twists and turns, as I have many interests that lead me in all sorts of directions. I think the most challenging aspect to maintaining a multi-pronged practice is to keep working slowly and steadily on a variety of projects both large and small. Even my back burners have back burners.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my documentary editing work I tend to specialize in art, music and mental health issues. I don’t always pursue these projects. They just have a way of finding me.
The feature documentary I directed about Tony Conrad emerged out of a 22 year collaborative relationship with him. I started shooting videos of his performances in the 90s and it just grew from there. Although he died in 2016, his multi-dimensional creative practice is still inspiring me.
In my personal filmmaking I focus on shorts that tend toward the atmospheric and contemplative while utilizing a singular visual conceit. I’m always figuring out ways to make something for nothing and have surprised myself with what is possible when no money is available. I also do music videos now and again for friends. Making shorts has been a great avenue of expression and testing ground while I’m trying to get larger projects off the launch pad.
My photographic practice has always ridden shotgun to my my filmmaking practice. I alternate between magazine portraiture and studio-based fine art projects. Because still photography has its own power that is different from motion pictures I try to lean into that and really find what can be iconic in a still image.
I don’t really have one style as I try to reinvent myself according to the particular challenges of each project. One project may call for bright, sharp color while another may be grainy, murky and monochromatic. In that regard I’m a bit of a chameleon. I’ve been playing more and more with the raw materiality of 35mm film and am building a new body of work toward that.
I try to sneak in some humor whenever I can. I can’t really hep but subvert myself. I suppose that keeps me honest.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I think the most important lesson was to keep working and not let the inertia of doom take over.
Contact Info:
- Website: tylerhubby.com
- Instagram: @tylerhubbyphoto
Image Credits
All images are ©Tyler Hubby
