Business Name: Worm Carnevale
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Website: www.wormc.com
What do you make and where can we get it?
I am a photographer and filmmaker. You can view a lot of my work for the low price of ‘free’ at wormc.com but in the next couple of months I will be releasing some organic pieces that will be for sale.
How long have you been making it?
When I was a child I started shooting on 110 film and then disposal cameras which were very popular at the time. When I hit about 12 years old I started shooting with a 35mm SLR and point-and-shoot; I would collect the exposed spools in a box rather than get them developed. Looking back I have no idea why I did this but there were tons of undeveloped film that I ultimately threw away years later which now I somewhat regret. Around this time my first kiss was in a darkroom where not only did I learn how to kiss but I also learned how to develop film and use an enlarger to make prints. Years later I got my hands on a friend’s digital SLR in mid 2005 and later that year I bought a digital point and shoot. In late 2007 I bought my first digital SLR and began shooting professionally.
What has helped you get to where you are today?
I have worked in graphic design, computer programming, music engineering and production which I can honestly say have extremely helped me get to the point where I am today. The techniques and thought processes I have previously used; I’m actually still using today and have all lead up to this moment perfectly. Every time I think, ‘Wow! That seemed like a waste of time, when am I ever going to do that again’; I then sometimes realize later it truly brought me to where I am today.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I would definitely have to say the struggle with myself. I feel for most, if not all of us, that’s our biggest challenge. Letting go of our fears, insecurities and pride can sometimes be an extremely difficult task. I think the saying “You are your worst enemy” couldn’t be any more true. It’s not about not caring ….. ‘caring’ and ‘taking care’ are things you should do but for me it’s about not over analyzing and not getting caught in circle thinking which sometimes can be confused with caring; although knowing something and executing it are two different things …. and ironically, knowing that is just as important.
What is your greatest success (so far)?
I try not to look at specific accomplishments as success. My greatest success is continuing to produce work regardless of what great achievements or disappointing moments that comes into my life. For me it’s not about what I have done or will be doing; don’t get me wrong I think those things are great self esteem builders and bring a temporary happiness; but success for me is an continuing process, not an actual event. I have seen people obtain extreme “success” and then get lazy while on the flip side I’ve seen very talented people struggle to obtain “success” to only give up since they feel they aren’t at the level they want to be at. I think one of the most important things is to be happy where you are at and to keep striving for more while maintaining a balance that everything you have right now accomplished is good enough, which in a way is the struggle with yourself. Interesting, how I just realized for myself that my greatest success and biggest challenge are very much tied together.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by color and b&w, equally. I love mouths, noses and especially eyes! I am very much drawn to surrealism, uncomfortable feelings and timeless moments. Music is something that deeply inspires me. Ever since I can remember, I rarely heard the lyrics to a song when listening to music; the rhythm and melody are so much more important and moving to me. Composition and the placement of objects can really make or break my inspiration. Thinking deeper, what truly inspires me are things that make someone feel emotion through only their eyes or ears, using no verbal language.
Favorite Photographers?
Edward Steichen, Diane Arbus, Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle, Alfred Stieglitz, Guy Bourdin, Julia Margaret Cameron, Steven Meisel, Terry Richardson
Favorite Filmmakers?
Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch, Maya Deren, Charles Chaplin, Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmusch, Darren Aronofsky, Federico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Billy Wilder
Current Playlist?
Prospect, Sam Cooke, Sex Pistols, Minor Threat, Operation Ivy, Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse, Chuck Berry, Bad Brains, Connie Francis and lots and lots of Screeching Weasel.
Currently Reading?
Bible
Five Fun Facts?
- I use to have two pet rats that I never named.
- The last time I owned a TV was in 2002.
- I’m not much of a chocolate eater although I eat tons of sugary candy.
- I have a large film collection starting from the early 1900’s to the late 1950s.
- I'm afraid of haunted houses and water I cannot see through
