TG: When I look at your work I immediately think of Tim Burton.  What do you think it would be like to venture around in his thoughts for a day? Have a favorite film of his?

 

JR: I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton, and I’ve loved his movies since I was a kid! He has such a distinct style and a creative way of blending reality with fantasy and I am always blown away by what he creates in his films.  It’s so hard to pick a favorite since he has so many classic films that I love but if I had to choose, I think it would have to be either Beetlejuice or Alice in Wonderland, they’re both so visually interesting and I could watch them again and again.

 

TR: I’ve noticed you have a lot of recurring themes in your photos, such as books, lightbulbs, abandoned buildings, forests, teapots, mirrors and such.  Where do you think these fascinations came from?

 

JR:  I like to take objects that we see every day and use them in ways that maybe give us a chance to see them in a different way. To me, books are little escapes into another world, they’re not only a symbol for stories but to me they are physically little pieces of art. I find peace in the forest and I like to work mostly outdoors in nature as it reflects my peace of mind when I’m

there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TG: You do very beautiful self-portraits and it seems like you can enjoy time alone, is solitude important for you?

 

JR: Self portraiture has been a way to tell my stories without having to use words, it’s been quite empowering over the last few years to share so much with my images. I’m a quiet person by nature, I tend to process things internally and usually while I’m alone. I think a lot and I work through things while I’m outdoors in nature and I do enjoy that time. I do like people too though!

 

 

TG: Did you have a really active imagination when you were a kid?

 

JR: Oh very much so. My bedroom was a tornado of drawings, cartoons, lego creations and art supplies. I’ve always been a daydreamer and thankfully lived in a family that supported creativity and imagination. Growing up I spent a lot of time outdoors playing.  I also spent an equal amount of time reading and enjoying fictional stories which helped my imagination grow.

 

TG: It seems like you are a pretty aware and deep individual.  Do you believe there is a deeper meaning to life and what meets the eye?

 

 

JR:  I think life is so much more than what we’ve sometimes let it fall into. For so many people, life is about social media or one-upping their friends or peers. To me, life is about sharing experiences with others, learning about yourself and how to give back to the world, and really filling each day with ideas and experiences that build you up like a puzzle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TG: What brightens your spirit and makes you smile?

 

JR: Usually being outdoors does that, running in nature always makes me feel refreshed and happy. Aside from that, I’d say a good adventure with friends is usually a good way to make me smile. I also enjoy a really well placed pun.

 

TG: Any advice for creative types that are trying to find inspiration?

 

JR: Don’t overthink it. Start with yourself, what makes you different as a person. Focus on the experiences you have had that make you a unique person and how could you tell those stories if you couldn’t use words. Keep a journal or sketchbook with you to make sure you don’t lose those little nuggets of inspiration when they hit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TG: If you had a time traveling device, which era would you go back to?

 

JR: Oh...wow...um...maybe to Victorian London? After living in England I think it’d be interesting to see the city as it was then. 

 

TG: Have a favorite book, band or movie that has inspired you and some of your photos? A few reminded me of Harry Potter, I’m such a fan of that series? Are you more of a Harry Potter fan or Lord of the Rings?

 

JR: Definitely Harry Potter has been an inspiration for me. I love the stories and the films and they’re always a source of inspiration for me. Musically, Coldplay is my favorite band. Their music always helps me feel inspired and I like to create images while listening to them.