The Day My Hand Gave Up—and My Camera Took Over
- Désirée Sydow
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Interview with Désirée Sydow
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I’ve always been creative. As a child, I spent most of my time painting, drawing, doing arts and crafts, or inventing stories.
However, after finishing school, I didn’t have the courage to pursue a career in art, so I studied languages and became a translator.
In my early thirties, I decided to return to art and took numerous evening classes in drawing and painting. Eventually, I applied for a part-time Bachelor’s degree in Illustration and was accepted.
I thought I was all set for a career in the arts, but working full-time at the computer while spending my evenings drawing took a toll on my arms. I developed one repetitive strain injury after another and had to take frequent breaks from creating.
Eventually, a chronic case of tennis elbow in my dominant hand forced me to withdraw from my degree because I simply couldn’t keep up with the coursework.
It was incredibly upsetting, but in the end, these recurring injuries led me to photography—a form of visual art that doesn’t rely on fine motor control beyond occasional Photoshop editing.
Once I realised how much I enjoyed photography, I focused all my efforts on it. I completed a one-year photography diploma and taught myself additional skills, such as fine art photo editing, through online courses and workshops.
2. Can you tell us more about the themes in your art and your inspiration?
Like most artists, I draw inspiration from my emotions and personal experiences. Much of my earlier work was inspired by the frustration of dealing with physical limitations and injuries that often forced me to stop creating.
I find that making art is a powerful tool for processing difficult or negative emotions and transforming them into something beautiful.
When planning a new photo shoot, I usually start with an emotion. From there, I think about how to express it visually through symbolism, colour, props, or lighting.
Many of my photographs have a painterly quality, which certainly comes from my background in traditional art. As a drawing student, I often studied and copied paintings by old masters. Today, I aim to recreate the lighting and atmosphere of classical paintings in my self-portraits.
3. Describe what a normal day looks like for you as an artist.
As a self-employed artist and content creator, there really isn’t a “normal” day—and that’s exactly what I love about this career.
When it comes to my art practice, I try to maintain a general framework or theme to give me some structure. For example, I recently finished a new book featuring self-portrait prompts, for which I shot all the example images myself.
My current project is a mixed-media series that allows me to explore alternative creative processes.
I don’t actually do photo shoots that often. Since I’m a self-portrait artist, managing everything myself takes time, and I always need space to develop a concept. On average, I do a shoot every one to two weeks.
Besides that, I’m usually busy editing photos, applying to contests, and handling administrative tasks. I also create content for my photography blog, YouTube channel, and Patreon community.
In addition, I’m already planning another book and an online course for next year—there’s always something to do!
4. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
I go through periods of creative block when I don’t feel inspired or simply don’t want to create. In those moments, it helps to switch to a different medium.
If you’re a photographer like me, put the camera away for a week or two. Try something completely different—attend a printmaking workshop, make a collage, write a poem, or take a pottery class.
It really works: it takes the pressure off and brings fresh energy and ideas.
Another important tip is to schedule your creative time. I always mark my photo shoots in my calendar. Once they’re scheduled, I’m less likely to get distracted because I’ve already committed that time to making art.
5. What are you working on at the moment, and are there any upcoming events you’d like to share?
As mentioned, I’ve just started a new series of self-portraits that combine traditional photography with mixed-media techniques.
I’m experimenting with creative in-camera methods, such as holding a crystal in front of the lens to create lens flares. It’s a series I’ve been thinking about for ages, and I’m thrilled to finally bring it to life.
Another exciting milestone is my first artist talk at a photographic society next year. Speaking about my work in front of an audience is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I see it as an important step toward doing more public speaking in the future.
Finally, I’ll have my first solo exhibition next year as part of an art residency in Japan—which I’m incredibly excited about!
Website : https://desireesydow.com/
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@desireesydow
