joseph chen

The Challenge of Attachment and the Essence of Creative Ambition: Exploring the Muse's Role in an Artist's Journey

One of the greatest obstacles that artists face in their quest to surpass mediocrity is becoming too attached to their previous creations. This attachment, combined with a sense of arrogance that they have reached the pinnacle of their abilities, can hinder future progress. I continuously strive to refine my craft and remain vigilant in my pursuit of artistic growth. Rarely do I maintain a lasting infatuation with my creative output beyond three months. Instead, I view these works as ordinary and lacking inspiration. Interestingly, the moments when I do sustain unwavering adoration for my creations beyond this timeframe coincide with periods of stagnation, where my artistic progress reaches a disconcerting plateau.

In the early stages of my career, I engaged in a competitive rivalry with fellow photographers. However, I gradually realized that healthy competition has its limitations because I am not them. Our perspectives, perceptions, and affinities diverge significantly. Still, I recognized the essential role of competition as a catalyst for personal growth. Consequently, I redirected my competitive spirit inward, aspiring to surpass the achievements of my previous artistic endeavors. Each passing week demands superior work compared to the preceding one, and every present moment calls for a photograph of greater quality than the one captured just moments ago. This perpetual pursuit of improvement embodies the essence of my creative ambition.

What defines a truly exceptional photograph? Is it the interplay of light and shadows? The careful arrangement of elements? Perhaps it lies in the subject's renown or the meticulous craftsmanship behind its production. While I acknowledge the significance of these factors, I contend that the true measure of a remarkable photograph lies in its ability to evoke profound emotional responses within its audience, regardless of the specific sentiment it elicits. It is this intangible connection, the power to stir something deep within the viewer's soul, that distinguishes a photograph as truly remarkable, surpassing mere technical prowess or aesthetic considerations.

Thus, I assert that the paramount attribute for a photographer is their capacity to establish a profound connection with their subject matter, whether it be living entities or inanimate objects. However, I ponder whether my reliance on a muse is necessary to fulfill my role as an artist. It is when I have a muse that my artistic endeavors flourish, yielding superior work. Conversely, in the absence of such inspiration, my progress reaches a disconcerting plateau.

In my personal experience, a muse has consistently taken the form of a woman, and more recently, even my three dogs at times. The reasons behind this choice are a discussion for another occasion. However, it is important to acknowledge that a muse can manifest differently for each individual. For someone else, it might be the expanse of the sky, a weathered stone, a man, or an elderly figure—anything capable of bestowing a perpetual wellspring of inspiration. I ponder whether it is conceivable for an artist to create art devoid of the nourishing influence of a muse, transcending the need for external inspiration.

Some may contend that depending on a muse is indicative of frailty or a dearth of creativity, yet I maintain that it is quite the contrary. The existence of a muse does not diminish the artist's capacity to generate and pioneer; rather, it amplifies their artistic vision and propels their work to unprecedented levels of grandeur.




Aikido - The Process

Stylist Freddie Leiba dressing Erika Pattison.

Stylist Freddie Leiba dressing Erika Pattison.

New York fashion photographer Joseph Chen photographed Erika Pattison for the editorial Aikido for Spirit and Flesh. 

The editorial was styled by the legendary Freddie Leiba. 

Makeup artist Greg Brockington and Hairstylist Adam Markarian

Makeup artist Greg Brockington and Hairstylist Adam Markarian

The makeup was done by Greg Brockington with Adam Markarian fro Hair. 

Juan Larios putting his hakama on. 

Juan Larios putting his hakama on. 

Joey setting up the set. 

Joey setting up the set. 

Girls and Cats by Joseph Chen for Spirit and Flesh Magazine

The fashion editorial entitled Girls and Cats for New York-based magazine Spirit and Flesh was inspired by the paintings of Polish-French modern artist Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, best known as Balthus.

“Richly lit and slightly transgressed, Joseph Chen and Freddie Leiba invite us to be fashion voyeurs. With beautifully selected garments and strong, moody compositions, this story is a must-see homage to Balthus,” commented Yelena Deyneko, Creative Director of Spirit and Flesh magazine.

“We were very much inspired by Balthus’ exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and it just so happened that there are the right clothes in the S/S 14 collection to do a fashion editorial with his work as inspiration,” reveals Freddie Leiba.

The editorial was shot with Brazilian model Paula Mulazzani with male model Jonathan Zakus. Mulazzani recently graced the catwalk for fashion houses such Giorgio Armani and Naeem Khan. Rob van Dorssen did both hair and makeup.

Photographer Joseph Chen concludes, “I think this is one of my best works ever and surprisingly, we finished three hours earlier than anticipated. Freddie and I was planning and conceptualizing this photo shoot for more than three months before shooting it.”

Designs by Calvin Klein, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, DKNY were used to style the editorial.

Model Paula Mulazzani 

Model Paula Mulazzani 

Behind The Scene Pictures During Balthus Inspired Shoot

Check out some of the behind the scenes pictures during the Balthus inspired editorial we shot in January 2014. 

Freddie Leiba, Paula Mulazzani and Rob van Dorssen.

Freddie Leiba, Paula Mulazzani and Rob van Dorssen.

Freddie Leiba showing the reference pictures to Paula Mulazzani. 

Freddie Leiba showing the reference pictures to Paula Mulazzani. 

Rob van Dorssen and model Paula Mulazzani. 

Rob van Dorssen and model Paula Mulazzani. 

Freddie Leiba being a perfectionist. 

Freddie Leiba being a perfectionist. 

Assistant Marion Liétout still sleepy while standing in for the model. 

Assistant Marion Liétout still sleepy while standing in for the model. 

Rob van Dorssen and model Paula Mulazzani. 

Rob van Dorssen and model Paula Mulazzani. 

Tatler Photo Shoot - Behind the Scene

Join us behind the scene on Joseph Chen's Tatler editorial photo shoot with model Paige Reifler. 

Model Paige Reifler being cute. 

Model Paige Reifler being cute. 

Legendary stylist Freddie Leiba with Joey Pasaoa and Omenaa.

Legendary stylist Freddie Leiba with Joey Pasaoa and Omenaa.

Juan Carlos Maciques being a perfectionist with the the alluring Paige Reifler. 

Juan Carlos Maciques being a perfectionist with the the alluring Paige Reifler. 

Sandy Linter and Paige Reifler. 

Sandy Linter and Paige Reifler. 

Model Paige Reifler still sleepy while having her hair done by Juan Carlos and manicure by Gerry. 

Model Paige Reifler still sleepy while having her hair done by Juan Carlos and manicure by Gerry. 

Fashion guru Freddie Leiba fixing the clothes of Paige. 

Fashion guru Freddie Leiba fixing the clothes of Paige. 

Legendary makeup artist and author of 2 books Sandy Linter and hair genius Juan Carlos Maciques making the adorable Paige Reifler perfect. 

Legendary makeup artist and author of 2 books Sandy Linter and hair genius Juan Carlos Maciques making the adorable Paige Reifler perfect.