London based visual artist Callum Harrison creates art from his bedroom, where fashion meets film and imagination and individuality explode at every angle. Callum’s recent work includes filming for music videos, shooting for Phug and The 1975, and, of course, taking polaroids of his newly adopted kitten. Although lockdown has been tough, ‘I miss hugs’ he says, being creative has kept him sane.
Brother to Soren, the creator of Phug clothing, co-creator of Bedroom Projects and boyfriend to beabadoobee, there’s no shortage of creativity at home for Callum, and for that he’s forever grateful. He explains how working with his friends and family is the most important thing for him, acting as a pool of creation that keeps him going and providing endless opportunities. Having been surrounded by artistry all his life with his parents pushing him to create and create, later his friends introduced him to music video stills and behind the scenes photography, where Callum developed his unique and signature style, evoking 90s infused energy and producing flawless VHS visuals.
Despite the current chaos in the world, Callum is optimistic for the future and proud of the work he has produced during such a difficult time. His ultimate goal is to create photo books, exhibitions and ‘lots of lots of magazine covers’, he says, something he’s already got a head start in, with his work being featured in Pitchfork, Coup de Main, i-D, and other big names in the industry. 2020 has been a huge year for him, but with an already wide range of talents including drawing, animation, design, and photography, at just 17, Callum has a lot ahead of him.
Sheesh Magazine chatted with Callum Harrison about his introduction into art, life over lockdown, being a young creative, and more.
Can you tell me a bit about how you started out with art and how it’s led you to where you are now?
I didn’t really get into photography until recently. Before, it was all about drawing and rude cartoons. I remember finding my parents’ Robert Crumb art book at a young age and that being a big moment for me – I’m still obsessed with him. I have to thank my parents big time, they bought me my first video camera and me and Soren made zombie movies pretty much most of our childhood. I guess the interest in photography came around last winter with the Davide Sorrenti photo book. I see it as a medium that every other form mixes into, art, music, dance, it’s all connected.
What or who is your biggest inspiration and motivation behind your work?
Within photography my biggest motivation is learning new skills. Film photography holds so much to know and I can’t wait to try the next technique. I’m slowly working on some video work with a pal of mine which I can’t wait to get properly going but it’s definitely being slowed down in this pandemic. Also, I’m in love with Sarah Moon’s photographic work currently. She’s a god.
How has lockdown impacted your creativity?
The first lockdown in May gave a lot of space for creativity. I hate to say it because of the tragedy of the pandemic, but it definitely helped me to focus on myself and my work, letting me listen to more music, read more books, and generally get more ideas in and out of my head. I experimented with a new mini dv camera and quickly fell in love, using it for the BTS of the “Care” music video and Phug editorials. That lockdown was a really meaningful time, with Amir and Bea living in our house to work on the project. It’s been tougher recently. I hope everyone is able to stay healthy both physically and mentally, which especially in our age range is gonna be difficult. The winter cold seems to slow everything down and I’ve been getting a bit deep and crazy in my room.
Any advice for passing the time in lockdown?
Read the biggest book on your shelf!
What are your top lockdown tracks?
I’ve fallen into a bit of a hole of Aphex Twin these days haha. He has this genius sound that really inspires me. His classics are always playing. However, top lockdown album would be Contemporary Movement by Duster. I remember driving home from the shooting of Bea’s “Sorry” music video at 1 am listening to the whole album with the gang – truly a masterpiece of music.
What does being creative and the art that you create mean to you?
So, so much. I just know that it can only get better and that’s all I need. Really hoping the world doesn’t end soon!
Do you think enough is being done to showcase the art and creativity of young people?
The creative industry can be pretty harsh, but I do think that more than ever teens have greater access to being showcased, and it’s so nice seeing that. Even though about 90% of it is pretty terrible, social media is a great place to find inspiration, share your work and connect. I do think keeping some work personal and out of the internet is very important though.
Are you currently in full time education and how do you balance this with your creative outlets?
Yes, as much as I’d like to keep these two worlds separate and balanced equally, I do put more importance on my creative outlets. School is important but the education system in creative subjects is not something I personally agree with.
I know you’re sort of a multidisciplinary artist. What’s your favourite thing to do?
Gettin’ weird with photography.
Any advice for young people getting into photography and other similar media?
Just start anywhere and keep going! I personally benefit from becoming obsessed with certain artists, musicians or pictures every day, but I’m a bit of an obsessive freak haha.
Keep up with exciting projects from Callum Harrison on Instagram.
For more music and visual art, check out A Look into 5 Singles off beabadoobee’s Debut Album and Noah Shaub: Capturing the Everchanging Lives of Teens in New York City
