The Full Story
About
Life has always been a curated experience for Carter Popejoy. Since childhood in El Centro, California, two constants have shaped their life: art and scholarship. From an early age, Popejoy was directing music videos in their mind while simultaneously cultivating a deep interest in history and culture. As they grew older, their fascination expanded to video games and other multimedia storytelling forms.
Influences from creators like Hideo Kojima, Wes Anderson, and the band Sweet Trip have left a lasting mark on Popejoy’s artistic development. Open spaces have also been central to Popejoy’s life—whether in the deserts of California or the plains of the Midwest, they have always found themselves surrounded by vast landscapes. These settings not only provided space for contemplation but also fostered a sense of isolation.
This unique blend of influences has resulted in a reoccurring theme of melancholy and nostalgia throughout their work. Each image either feels like gazing at a rose-tinted memory from long ago or trying to capture every last drop of emotion from a fleeting moment.
Artist Statement
Connecting with others on an emotional level about the human condition and the moments that shape our lives—that is what I strive to capture in every image. Feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, ecstasy, depression, and everything in between are at the heart of what I aim to convey. These emotions are universal; they unite us in our shared humanity, and that is profoundly beautiful to me.
It is these moments and emotional connections that bring people closer together, and they form the very essence of the human experience. I cannot think of any better way to celebrate this experience than reminding people of the memories they have made, while inspiring them to create new ones.
My process is simple: I explore an area—a town, a park, a few city blocks—and find a location that visually speaks to me. From there, I start shooting and let the environment guide the story I want to tell. I let the narrative unfold naturally, just as I look forward to seeing where life takes me.
