The wish to live deliberately Q&A with artist Beatrice Faverjon by Tonje Kristiansen

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

How did you end up working in photography and filmmaking?

As far as I can remember I’ve always been creating, drawing, painting, dancing, telling stories. I pretty much do the same things now that I did as a child.

I always have a hard time answering the question when somebody asks me “what do you do?”. I think that generally the person wants to know what my job is. I can’t answer this question because I can’t disconnect life, art, love and creation. Everything is interconnected and part of who I am, and what I do.

What are you working on right now?

I’m finishing a short film documentary about a very talented and stylish surfer, Bryce Dewees who decided to stay away from sponsors and contests to focus on the fundamentals of surfing. Taking the sport to another level, Bryce expresses himself with incredible grace and emotion when he surfs.

When riding a wave becomes a dance and surfing an art form.

I’m also working on an art and surf online magazine. Inspired by modern thinkers, artist and adventurers, the magazine will be a “destination” for a community of surfers, designers, shapers and photographers.

Who has been the most important person in your life?

Many artists have influenced my life. If I had to cite one name, it would be William Eggleston whose work made me want to tell stories through photography and film. I have also met some incredible people, thinkers and artists who have influenced my life. My friend and mentor Frederic Rebet opened me up to art, pushed me to always have a critical eye, and most importantly believed in me so i got the courage to become an artist myself.

Lately my friend Bryce Dewees has influenced my art deeply. His complex and unique views on the world and his artistic sensibility have been extremely present in my own art.

Most important lesson learned?

Act as a free person and follow your instincts. Don’t be afraid of being judged, don’t let your fears or conventions hold you back. The process of life is what it is about, experiencing, sharing, loving and creating.

I truly believe in living my life in a creative way in harmony with nature. I also believe that as parents we have the responsibility to pass down to our children the importance to live in respect and understanding of nature, share our culture and our experiences.

When do you feel the happiest?

When I’m creating and surfing. One of my best memories, is a trip my friend and I did to Baja California this year. We drove almost 3000 miles looking for places to surf and to shoot pictures. Baja California still has these untouched point break beaches; it offers the perfect décor to my photography and the most amazing waves to surf. During our trip we experienced a deep sense of adventure and creation in true harmony with nature.

When in life have you felt most alone?

Surrounded by people.

But all you need is just another person to either feel extremely lonely, or totally fulfilled.

How has life been different from what you’ve imagined?

My life has truly been full of surprises. When I was a kid, I was a ballerina at the “Opera de Paris” and I expected it to be my life. Even though, at the time it was heartbreaking when I had to give up ballet and my dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, I’m grateful today of the experience, and how full and rich my life has been. But most importantly I’m excited about the future. I feel that I have so much to experience and to accomplish.