Vancouver Notables is the ongoing interview series where “No Fun City” shows off. More like burlesque than a talent show, Vancouver Notables wants you doing what you do best, but with sequins on your nipples. Tell us who you are, what you’re doing that’s of note and why, oh why, are you rocking that boat?
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Sad Mag’s newest treasure, photographer Rommy Ghaly, is a New York born, local guy, who moved to Vancouver from Berlin. He takes photos of people on the streets, in the bars and often times when they’re unaware. He’s contributed to Scout Magazine, ION Magazine, and Discorder Magazine and hopes to create a bit more awareness of the Vancouver art and music scenes through his photography.
Rommy shot the gorgeous Cinema piece for our next issue, Mad Mad World. He also interviewed photographers Michael de Courcy and Ian Ruhter –and turned the camera on them for a change. Amidst all that, Sad Mag managed to corner Rommy and ask him about his own photographic endeavors, his entrée to the Vancouver art scene, and what it means to seek community.
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Who are you?
I’m Rommy. I was born and raised in NY, left in 1996, and have spent my time living all over North America and Europe. I work in the video game industry and pursue photography on the side.
What is your artistic background and how did you become interested in photography specifically?
I’ve never studied art nor photography. I picked up a 35mm camera (Nikon FM2) in November 2011. Since then, I’ve amassed a collection of old film cameras (I have sixteen by my last count) and have spent all my free time tackling film photography obsessively over the past year and a half. My style is documentary, capturing street candids, the Vancouver night scene, and the rapidly-changing character of the city as it grows beyond its adolescence.
I’d been living in Berlin after losing my job and was recruited by a company to come work in Vancouver (my day job is in the video game industry).
How long have you been here now?
I’ve been in Vancouver since January 1st, 2011 (just over two years).
What was it like breaking into the art scene here?
I’m just getting my feet wet. I have a tough time considering myself an artist, but I’d like to think I’m actively involved in trying to capture the art community with my photography. Doing that has really helped me to meet creative people in the scene here, so it’s going well, I suppose. But it’s not easy. People have their friends and their peers. It’s a bit closed.
How did you get involved with Sad Mag and what are you contributing to the next issue?
I pursued Katie Stewart following the last issue. It was a beautiful bit of work. Sad Mag is one of Vancouver’s gems in this grassroots arts scene. It has deep connections with the artists and goes way further into try to understand and document the scene than a lot of the rags and blogs in this city that frankly don’t have a fucking clue what’s going on.
People often accuse Vancouver of being “No Fun City.” Do you agree or disagree? What for you makes Vancouver unique?
I found it tough at first. But now that I’ve made my friends and found the creative people that make this city awesome, I’ve learned to redirect my anger at City Hall and its ridiculously prohibitive policies surrounding things like alcohol, street art, noise, and condos. Vancouver’s art community is one of the most tight-knit and talented communities I’ve had the pleasure of seeing first-hand, and I’ve lived many places. In the end, that’s why the creative community sticks around and will continue to do so in the face of great adversity.
Favourite local Vancity spot?
I’m really digging the programming at The Cobalt, the beer at Alibi Room, and the “kick your feet up and get drunk” nature of Pat’s Pub and LanaLou’s, not to mention the wealth of after-parties.
Where are you as you answer these questions?
Sitting at work, listening to Röyksopp.
Last album you listened to?
Junior by Röyksopp.
What are you most excited about right now?
Figuring out the big summer plans, collaborating with friends, and determining how to help take this city from sterile small town to bustling cultural hub.
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On Saturday–THIS SATURDAY!–May 18th, Sad Mag presents a dance party with your favorites 80s, new wave and electro-pop covers. Vancouver music legends (or soon-to-be legends) will be singing their hearts out to songs by The Talking Heads, New Order, Cut/Copy, The Organ, The Knife, Humans and many more. Come check us out!