I have always been a collector. I think this is partly because I am introspective and welcoming of the twists and turns of life, observant of how the crisscrossing of paths and the comings and goings of key people leave their stamp on us, molding us a little each time. Collectors collect for the good of the soul, because there is something strangely poetic and satisfying about surrounding yourself with tiny tokens that embody your experiences, travels, loves, dreams, inspirations, values and contemplations. In a way that is more biographic than materialistic, I have discovered great joy in expressing myself through a curated collection of items old and new. No matter where I have lived, for how short a while or in how small a space, what I loved most was creating a home that represented, inspired and uplifted me.
I haven't always been a photographer. Rather, I dreamt of being a writer and studied to be a scientific researcher. I wrote often and a lot - it was like thinking and breathing, but on paper. My writings have also been collections - non-linear and spontaneous, my pen itself unknowing of the words that flowed until the sentence received its period. I told my notebooks all my stories; neither lines nor margins mattered, nor the fact that I was actually starting to fill the back pages of my science notebooks, spilling closer and closer to the front, until the creative thoughts met the scientific thoughts somewhere in the middle.
I pursued part of my graduate studies in Europe, moving from country to country as part of an unconventional international program. It allowed me to travel, to discover new lifestyles and cultures and to continuously expand my personal collection - postcards and magnets, inspirational quotes and funky beer coasters, faded train tickets and other memorabilia - these arguably unsophisticated items happily mixed with more valuable ones: local art and ceramics, home design items and prints... What I loved, who I loved, where I loved and what I dreamed of encapsulated in a number of items that traveled with me like a growing circus, requiring the acquisition of a new suitcase with every leg of the journey. Those pivotal years also enabled me to write my heart out and to fall in love with a new form of storytelling and collecting -- photography.
"Burano Blessings" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Urban Heart" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
Photographs are stories. They are collections of micromoments, places and people that touched us. Whether they are our own or another's, some photographs strike a chord in us, make us stare a little while longer. That is because they represent how we see the world, how we live, how we love and how we dream.
"Moody B&Ws" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Moody Blues" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
Through my love for collecting and storytelling, I developed my photography to the point where I became known for not even going to the grocery store without my camera. I shared them with friends and family, gradually expanding my audience. Like-minded people felt something when viewing them, and urged me time and time again to "do something with them". I launched my business with this passion at heart - the passion for stories, for travel, for that special way a place can play on your heartstrings, for the feeling that home is a sanctuary that should reflect and inspire you.
Making home your sanctuary | Veni Etiam Photography
I have created pre-made collections or sets of fine-art prints, based on places, color palettes and feelings that flow together. These collections are currently only available in my Etsy shop and can be shipped to you or picked up in person if you're in Montreal. In the spirit of collecting what represents YOU, you could also put together your own personal collection by ordering a custom set of prints.
"Fishing Town" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Industrial" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Rustica" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Pastel palette" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Montreal Bestsellers" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"Villa Bella" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
If you follow me along on this blog and Instagram, you'll get to know some of the stories behind these photographs.
"Urban Jungle" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
"London Vibes" collection by Veni Etiam Photography
Which prints make you dream and reminisce? Is there a collection that fits with you and your home? Let me know what inspires you - I always like to know!
RSS Feed