Karsten’s creative practice is rooted in a desire to become the example he wishes he had growing up. Raised in St. Ann, Jamaica, he was not exposed to photography or filmmaking as possible career paths, making his journey into image making a process of discovering what could be possible for himself. Naturally shy and introspective, Karsten found in photography a way to communicate ideas that were difficult to express through words.
His Jamaican heritage and experience as an immigrant have shaped the way he approaches his work. He often looks to memories of home and the cultural references that have stayed with him, allowing them to inform how he constructs an image. Over time, this connection to his own history has made his work increasingly personal. Rather than looking outward for what his work should be, Karsten has begun trusting what feels meaningful to him.
Karsten is currently in a period of transition, approaching his practice with greater patience and intention. He has learned not to force inspiration when it disappears, choosing instead to remain attentive to what is happening around him. This shift has brought more thoughtfulness into the way he develops his ideas and collaborates with others. As he looks ahead, he is preparing to expand his practice into film. In the following conversation, Karsten reflects on heritage, vulnerability, and learning to trust his own creative instincts.
— KARSTEN THEADORE
“Through image-making, I found a power I didn’t know was possible until I began my journey.”
— Karsten Theadore
— KARSTEN THEADORE
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
My why stems from the desire to be the example I wish I had. Growing up in St.Ann, Jamaica, photography and filmmaking were not an option or career path that I was even aware of. As I grew and understood that this was both a fulfilling and worthwhile journey it became a test to push myself to prove that despite not having a background more associated with many of the artists I admire, that it would still be possible for me to thrive. My creativity is driven by an innate desire to express, I consider myself shy and a bit of a wallflower, however, my thoughts on social commentary, culture and art have been difficult to express through words but through image-making, a power I didn't know was possible until I began my journey.
HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR CULTURAL HERITAGE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE AND CREATE ART?:
My background, as Jamaican, as an immigrant and young black artist have influenced the way I see the world. They point me towards ideas, memories and towards the future of what art could be for someone such as myself - when the inspiration is less drawn from a painting or magazine spread but instead sceneries of home, cultural icons and moments and a desire to recreate those memories with attention to detail and care.
WHAT ROLE DOES VULNERABILITY PLAY IN YOUR WORK?
My work has slowly become more vulnerable, it wasn't at first. In the beginning, the ideas and concepts held onto what my peers were doing until I realized my favorite works were personal stories and projects relating to an artist's upbringing. As such I've slowly began showcasing what is important to me versus complete assimilation into what is important to others. Using colors, music, fashion and embracing my heritage has been my way of opening up.
ARE THERE ANY ROUTINES, RITUALS, OR HABITS THAT HELP GROUND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?:
Sitting by the beach, it's a great place for letting ideas come to you and it's usually very scenic anyways.
— KARSTEN THEADORE
— KARSTEN THEADORE
WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN INSPIRATION DISAPPEARS?
Well, my belief is that when inspiration disappears, usually you need to wait. Rick Rubin once spoke about ideas having their own timing and coming when they are meant to. As such, I try not to force inspiration but instead let go and maintain discipline by keeping my eyes open for the next thing. In the simplest way, I remain disciplined by paying attention to what's in front of me not through additional research.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE HAD TO UNLEARN IN ORDER TO GROW CREATIVELY?
Comparing myself to others.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS TRULY FINISHED?
When there's no desire to return to the edit.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE, AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE THEMES OR EMOTIONS EMERGING IN YOUR WORK?
I consider it transition, I recently experienced a phase where I wanted to quit but realized quitting wasn't the answer, it's an option but not the answer to the problems I'd like to solve creatively. As such, now that I'm slowly emerging from that phase, it's highlighted in the more thoughtful process behind the work I make, the ideas I want to display and the people I choose to work with. The work deserves the respect of the artist to fulfill it thoughtfully and with intention, that's where I am.
— KARSTEN THEADORE
IN AN ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONSTANT VISIBILITY, HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE VISION WHILE ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE?
Not scrolling too much.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE NEXT?
The future is bright, the practice will continue to evolve at a pace that shows maturity, attention to detail and an investment into each idea which showcases that the artist intends for the work to stand out. I'm hoping to explore making a film- it's been in the works for a few months now.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE EMERGING ARTIST'S ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR FAIR COMPENSATION AND PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK?
I'm still learning myself in all honesty, it is a tricky industry but, do your own research, don't say yes too quickly and ask a lot of questions from mentors who are invested in your wellbeing as a human first and artist second.
WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK HAS ON THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE IT?
"That guy's alright".
— KARSTEN THEADORE
