Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Eichenbaum.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I began my professional studio practice shortly after completing my BFA at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. Despite having focused my college years on sculpture and installation, I became attracted to the immediacy of digital photography and its distribution – These were the early days of Instagram.
At the time, I was indecisive about which direction to take my practice. I decided to go on a month-long solo road trip along Route 66 with the intent of documenting the journey and perhaps find some clarity. Route 66 ends in LA (Santa Monica Pier). I experienced that sort of classic love affair with LA when I first arrived and intuitively felt my next move had to be to this city. I worked hard and took the leap, relocating to West LA in 2015.
“The Mother Road Series” is the product of my explorations along Route 66m over the years, which I originally shared through Instagram. I slowly built an online presence and was ultimately able to pursue a career as a freelance photographer and creative director.
Has it been a smooth road?
On January 5th, my creative partner, Zachary Swearingen, and I spent the day editing photos and planning new adventures. Within a half-hour of saying goodbye to him that evening, Zach passed away in a freak accident. He was only 28. It is the most significant loss I have ever experienced. Time effectively stopped on January 5th for those that knew and loved him.
Shortly after, lockdown began. It was surreal to experience the external world shutting down in the same manner as my internal world. Like many out there, I lost jobs. And unfortunately, I lost my desire to create – How could I without Zach? The concept of a road trip – the one thing that always helps me heal – seemed absurd.
However, I have worked really hard over the last few months to rediscover both my car and my studio as safe spaces. Nothing about 2020 has been linear, but I feel Zach’s guidance every day.
Please tell us more about your art.
I am an interdisciplinary artist that weaves in and out of the commercial and fine art world. Over the last eight years, I have built a career in freelance photography and creative direction while also maintaining a separate studio practice. I am most known for “The Mother Road Series” (2014-2019) a digital photo project that documents the architectural remnants of the American Southwest.
My digital photography work expands on notions of the veneer. The focus is on exterior architecture and curated landscape, which reveals that a well-maintained façade is crucial to societal survival.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I knew at a young age that I would end up in California. I feel more comfortable here than I do in the Midwest – creatively and politically. LA activates me. I will never tire of the colors and the architecture. Unfortunately, the architecture ain’t cheap.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hayley-eichenbaum.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @inter_disciplinary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hayley-Eichenbaum
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Hayley Eichenbaum, with the exception of the image with the checkered floor: Collab with Zachary Swearingen.
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