I found true magic in living life outside the lines, an exhilarating freedom in embracing the artistic life and letting my true self shine. Choosing the bohemian life was the best decision I ever made, paying dividends in ways I never could have imagined. From building my dream wardrobe to my success as a music photographer, the bohemian life has been a life filled with wonder and satisfaction. Here are five facets of the bohemian mindset I’ve learned throughout my journey as a modern day bohemian.
Creativity: Unleashing Creativity in Daily Life
For me, the bohemian mindset embraces creativity wholeheartedly—it’s our life source, flowing into every facet of daily living. Creativity is essential to fully experiencing the bohemian life—whether through playing an instrument, crafting the perfect brownie recipe, or knitting a sweater for a friend, creating is an act of self-love and discovery.
As an abstract expressionist painter, my intuition guides me, turning each artwork into an experiment in color and emotion. This passion for color spills over into my wardrobe, where I mix textures, patterns, and hues with the same energy I bring to my art. Whether I’m mixing styles or shopping my closet for the latest trends, fashion is another creative outlet, a daily chance to express my best self.
In 2023, I chased my dream as a music photographer. I enjoyed a year of notoriety as Asheville’s music photographer to watch. The attention was intoxicating and I lived for the thrill of capturing magic each night. Yet, after several months, I reached a breaking point in music photography—with the menial pay, Goliath-sized egos, and threats of sexual assault—I quit, feeling drained and disillusioned. To reignite my creative spark, I picked up painting again after two years, shutting myself in my apartment for two months with watercolor paper and paint, letting the colors and charcoal markings speak the truths I couldn’t articulate about my experience as a music photographer. That collection of paintings became my lifeline, a reminder that creativity is not just about the end product; it’s about reclaiming your power and finding your voice again. Creativity is a discipline, but the flow of creativity is limitless, touching every part of life if you’re open to it.
Embracing Authenticity: Being True to Yourself
Authenticity is the bedrock of the bohemian mindset. The bohemian life is best experienced without pretense, embracing who you truly are. As I’ve walked this less-traveled path, I’ve found myself constantly peeling away the plastic layers of who I was told to be, finally feeling free. I’ve learned that being authentic is simply being yourself—an act that, while it may sound cliché, takes incredible bravery. You risk judgment and rejection, but in the end, it’s worth it. The bohemian mindset is about finding your voice and speaking a language only you know.
As a music photographer, my authentic approach was what truly set me apart. My style blended fine art with live music photography, creating a distinct look that others described as ‘high-definition vintage,’ ‘futuristic retro,’ and a ‘tunnel into the 1970s.’ But beyond aesthetics, it was my commitment to practicing authenticity that propelled my success. Authenticity draws people in—it builds trust and connection. I built my career on integrity and high standards, but I was also a listening ear, a tight-lipped confidant, and someone who made others feel seen and valued. By being true to myself, I created a space where others felt safe to do the same.
Being authentic didn’t always come naturally to me. It took a life-or-death situation to open my eyes on the brevity of life and the importance of being authentically me. Whether that’s standing by my convictions no matter how unpopular or wearing bold outfits that would make others blush, these acts are the building blocks of living an authentic life.
Fueling Your Passions: The Driving Force of Bohemian Life
In the heart of every true bohemian beats the pulse of passion—an inner knowing about the briefness of life and the toxicity of modern-day society’s relentless pursuit of more. This passion ignites artists, writers, musicians, and even innovators in Silicon Valley, driving creations that defy the mundane. It’s the kind of fervor that has propelled us to the moon and beyond, that spins the propellers of planes, and sparks life-saving medical breakthroughs.
As a music photographer, passion pulsed through me as I chased my dream night after night. In the dark ambiance of nightclubs, armed only with my camera and thrilling passion for the craft, I navigated through the cacophony of sound and shady figures, risking hearing loss, just to make art and bask in the glow of living my dream. This passion extends to other parts of my life. My passion for fashion transcends the clothes I wear—it’s a deep appreciation for art and a commitment to ethical consumption, rejecting the wastefulness of fast fashion and the greedy tactics of certain clothing brands.
Celebrating Individuality: Standing Out in a Conformist World
Authenticity is the cornerstone of the bohemian mindset, and individuality is its most visible expression. If authenticity is about being true to oneself, individuality is about boldly showing that truth to the world. It’s the colors we choose to wear, the music we blast on repeat, and the art we create that no one else could dream up. Individuality is not just being different; it’s being unapologetically you.
In my journey as a music photographer, I embraced my unique style that melded the gritty essence of live performances with the polished feel of studio photography. This style truly reflected my personal vision—a vision that believed in capturing the essence of people, my love for the vintage and film aesthetic, and creating editorial quality work of everyday people. Individuality is about crafting and nurturing your unique vision, tuning the lens that you see the world through.
Individuality can sometimes feel like a solo journey, especially when it leads us down paths less traveled. There were moments when standing out felt more like standing alone. Yet, every time I picked up my camera, I was reminded of why embracing our individuality is so crucial: it is the only way we can truly make our mark on the world. Our individual expressions are not just personal choices but are statements of our existence—affirmations that we are here and have something unique to offer.
However, individuality doesn’t have to mean isolation. On the contrary, it can become a beacon, attracting like-minded individuals who resonate with our authenticity and unique expressions. By being ourselves, we give others permission to do the same, creating communities bound not by conformity but by diversity.
This brings us to a crucial point: the path to true fulfillment isn’t just about embracing our own individuality—it also involves extending that authenticity in ways that uplift others. Being uniquely ourselves gives us a distinct perspective and voice, which can be a powerful tool for advocacy, mentorship, and support. As we navigate our unique paths, we have the opportunity to not only define ourselves but also to contribute meaningfully to the community around us. It’s through these interactions—these moments of genuine connection and aid—that we truly realize the depth of our own humanity and our potential to make a real difference.
Cultivating Empathy: Connecting Deeply with Others
As a bohemian, I found myself by photographing others. Empathy was the tool I used to pursue a photojournalism series called “Faces of AVL,” a series of portraits taken of strangers on the streets of downtown Asheville. Empathy was the glue that helped me to connect with others, to see beyond the surface, and to build trust and connection even if it were only for a few minutes.
This process taught me invaluable lessons. Each interaction was an exercise in challenging my own biases and overcoming personal barriers, like social anxiety. Through my lens, I learned that empathy wasn’t just about understanding others—it was about allowing my own vulnerabilities to surface, facilitating a true exchange between subject and photographer.
Empathy or a lack thereof is the thread that weaves through our every interaction. True empathy compels us to live with open hearts and open minds, to embrace diversity, and to make our art a reflection of the world’s true complexity. It teaches us that by deeply understanding others, we come to understand ourselves better.
Empathy enriches the bohemian life, turning daily life into an opportunity for personal and collective growth. It’s through this empathetic lens that we can truly embrace the world in all its diversity, creating art and lives that are as rich in meaning as they are in beauty.
In Conclusion: A Journey Toward True Fulfillment
In embracing the bohemian mindset, we embark on a deeply fulfilling journey that is as much about discovering ourselves as it is about transforming the world around us. Each facet—creativity, authenticity, passion, individuality, and empathy—does not stand alone but intertwines to form a tapestry of a rich, vibrant life. By living true to these principles, we not only enrich our own lives but also touch the lives of others in profound and lasting ways. The bohemian life, therefore, is not merely a path of personal fulfillment but a call to live deeply, love boldly, and leave a legacy of kindness and understanding. As we continue to explore and express our true selves, let us also extend our hands and hearts to those around us, for it is in giving that we receive the truest joys of a bohemian life.
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