MORGANNA MAGEE
Interview by Otis Burian Hodge
November 2022
What does the average shoot day look like for Morganna? Is there a plan ?
I very rarely plan now, when I photographed people every shoot had to be planned to a degree but now my work is very much about finding photos instead of making them. An average shoot happens early in the morning, I walk in the bushland with my dog and camera. If I see something incredible I head back to my car and lug my large format out. I guess the main planning comes from always having some sort of camera and film ready to go.
What inspires you to make work?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I think when I am in the actual act of photographing I experience a sort of bliss. I’m a person that’s brain runs at 100 miles a minute but when I am photographing it’s like that part of my brain shuts off and it I’m completely calm. I have loved photography and been devoted to it since I was a teen, and I think it’s that feeling I get when I photograph that keeps me constantly inspired.
You published a book not long ago with Tall Poppy Press, how was that experience? Is the book form an area you would like to revisit with your work?
It was a fantastic experience, so much so I’ve joined Tall Poppy to become more deeply involved in publishing. I loved being able to collaborate and it felt so great collating the work and designing it. Felt very industrious! And yes, I would love to keep making books, I’ve been working towards one for much of this year, a series I’ve titled ‘beware of people who dislike cats’ which is a tribute to my friends little boy who died earlier this year. I’m hoping to make it into a small intimate book that might even be handmade.
Favourite piece of writing, song, or film that you come back to?
Song would have to be Supavoa by Liz Phair. I came of age in the 90’s and all the riot grrl music makes me feel like I am unstoppable.
What draws you to nature/the outside world?
To me, nature is all that matters. The rest of the world is make believe that humans created to keep busy and I’ve never really felt comfortable in it. Much happier daydreaming under a tree than any other place.
What would you hope to be reincarnated into the next life as?
Oooh Otis that’s a hard one! I think I’d like to be grizzly bear- spending my life strutting around the woods and sleeping through winter.
Website: www.morgannamagee.com
Insta @morgannamagee
Other links https://www.tallpoppypress.xyz/
