I never put much thought into forming relationships through the internet. Up until recently, I used the internet as an information source and a place to converse with people I already knew. But something changed recently when I came across the work of Maggie Lochtenberg. I was drawn to her immediately. In a way it brought me to a better understanding of art, because I was able to connect with her through her photography. You can taste and smell Maggie’s photos, because they relate the moment so perfectly. I recently had the opportunity to ask Maggie about her life, and her art. And this is what she had to say.

What did you have for breakfast?

Believe it or not, I had vanilla ice cream- in a cone. I was watching my six-year old brother who can be very persuasive.

Do you prefer dreaming by night or dreaming by day?

What a lovely question! I have very strange and upsetting dreams during the night, but in the day I can fantasize about whatever I want. I definitely prefer being a day-dreamer.

Fill in the blanks.

America needs more… Balance.

America needs less…Competition.

I wish people were… Always friendly, but not annoying.

This is cool and all, but I’d rather be…. Living in a Tipi.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Umm I read the Twilight books…

Are you afraid of anything?

I am afraid of conforming.

Why do you think people choose to conform?

People conform for security.

How are you battling your fear of conformity?

I’m battling my fear of conformity by not being liked by everybody.

Do you have a favorite song?

Gosh that keeps changing, My current top three are as follows: Jesus Loves Me – Cocorosie, Fearless – Pink Floyd, Never Coming Back – OMC

It seems like photographs manage to transcend time, taking the viewer back to a distant place that’s neither in the past, or in the future? How did you develop your love for photography, and how would you define your aesthetic?

Wow, that’s a really nice thing to say about my photography. That’s the best comment I’ve ever recieved about it. Wow. Ok, umm I liked looking at old photographs in family albums and online or at flea markets. I wanted to re-make these type of “old feelings” and began buying vintage cameras. So I started taking pictures. I try to convey a sense of mystery and nostalgia in my photos; I like to flirt with the past in my artwork because it interests me. Sometimes I like old times better than our time, just like how sometimes I prefer the people who don’t exist to those who do, like Atticus Finch. But maybe my artwork is actually modern, and I don’t really realize it. I don’t ever try to duplicate the past, I am just interested by it. I don’t know, I’m talking in circles now.

Where do you think creativity comes from?

Someone else has said it better: “True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist” -Einstein. Creativity is an urge, you can’t help it when you want to create something. If I get an idea I will get up in the middle of the night and get to work because im so excited about it. Even if tomorrow I decide that it’s stupid, its always an urge you can’t resist.

What is true love?

True love is being considerate and acting on it. True love is a course of action, not a feeling.

For more artwork from Maggie visit her flickr page.