Mitch Paster

Your photographs are reminiscent of color-field paintings, does that movement guide your subject matter at all?

That movement, but more specifically the works of Rothko, Reinhardt, and Newman, really guide my work. Additionally, the work of Richard Serra and Fred Sandback has interested me in trying to do a lot with a little.

Which photographers inspire you?

Hiroshi Sugimoto was the first photographer that really got me thinking about art. The last one to really get me thinking was Jessica Eaton.

You just graduated SVA, congratulations! What is the most important thing you learned during your time there?

I think the most important thing that I learned while at SVA is that there is no right or wrong way to go about making work, as long as you’re making it.

Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to become an artist?

I think the first time I saw Sugimoto’s seascapes I realized that I could become an artist. Those photos had a huge impact on me.

Where do you live and work?

I live and work in Brooklyn, NY.

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I’ve always wanted to be interviewed for something.