Wednesday, November 16, 2022

A visit with Moxie, a nearly 8-year-old East Village photographer with an eye for nature

Text and photos by Stacie Joy 

I recently walked around the neighborhood with East Village artist and fellow photographer Moxie.

She carefully loads her pink Instax mini instant camera and cheerfully informs me she’s in second grade and is 7-and-a-half years old. She said that she likes to photograph nature. So our walk included a visit to La Plaza Cultural community garden on Ninth Street and Avenue C, where Moxie was inspired by some koi fish, birds and squirrels.

We then walked over to Tompkins Square Park for some candid dog photos and posed (people) portraits.
When we run out of time (and are getting low on film), Moxie shows me the images she’s shot.
We wrapped up by talking about her history with the craft and her photo plans for the future.
“Well, I’ve been doing photography for about 2 years. I really wanted to try photography because I’ve been doing art my whole life. I love painting, making jewelry and crafting, so I thought it would be great to try photography. I like taking pictures of people and animals around the East Village. 

Sometimes I take pictures of flowers too. Taking pictures of people is interesting because people are interesting. I like to capture a moment of me and my friends together. I keep every photo that I take in my albums, even if they’re weird or silly. And I plan to keep taking photos. I want to try changing the colors on the lens, and someday I want to try other kinds of cameras.”

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very lovely Moxie in the hood, as opposed to that abhorrent Moxy on 11th.

stephen b said...

beautiful heart-felt view into Moxie's world
thanks so much for this

Anonymous said...

let's hope she's the next Diane Arbus!

Laura Goggin said...

Way to go, Moxie! That camera is fabulous!

Anonymous said...

What a gift it is to be so focused and centered at such a young age. Kudos to Moxie!

arts+projects said...

Thanks for this - Moxie photographs with a classic photo stance - very sweet interview of a local artist

Anonymous said...

Keep on snappin' Moxie. Embracing art and a love for making it can foster an entire life of love and creativity. I wish you both!

Anonymous said...

Omg she's sooo cuute!!
"...I've been doing art my whole life."

Anonymous said...

Way to go Moxie!

Durk and Charlie said...

This is fabulous! She is such an amazing little person from a wonderful family! She and Charlie were at First steps together. You could see at 2 what a super star she is!!❤️❤️

Anonymous said...

Outstanding job Young Lady!

2ndAveSilverPanther said...

Moxie? Yeah, she's got a lot! Love her spirit and her existence. Maybe this ol'grump can muster up some enthusiasm for the future of the East Village. Thank you, Moxie.

Anonymous said...

Moxie you are awesome!! Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

The next Ricky Powell

Anonymous said...

making photographs in nyc is alluring, captivating & rewarding. moxie is in a wonderful place to explore this medium.

Sarah said...

She's like the East Village's Harriet M. Welsch! Have fun, Moxie!

elyse said...

first - i want her camera. second - i want her to teach me everything. inspiring. Go Moxie!!! Perfect name XOXO