Out of Place: Finding Art in Life's Uncertainties with Jared Armijo

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What does it mean to translate neurological perception into photographic art? Landscape photographer Jared Armijo takes us deep into his creative world where synesthesia—a condition where senses cross-connect—shapes the surreal, minimalist landscapes that have become his signature style.

Jared's artistic journey began in a family of painters where he emerged as the photographic outlier. His high school photography teacher spotted his innate talent for composition and color, giving him unprecedented access to experimental techniques from liquid light to oil painting on photographs. These early experiences formed the foundation for his desolate, otherworldly landscapes that communicate emotional narratives through peculiar color palettes.

Most fascinating is Jared's revelation about discovering childhood drawings that unconsciously expressed his synesthesia—amorphous shapes filled with careful gradients—created long before he understood his unique neurological wiring. This same perceptual gift now informs his distinctive photography, allowing viewers a glimpse into how he experiences the world.

Beyond aesthetics, our conversation explores Jared's practical approach to creative sustainability. His work in medical imaging, particularly during the pandemic and in a cancer hospital, has profoundly influenced his perspective on mortality, feeding directly into his ambitious new project "Death Is," which will blend Southwestern influences with themes of impermanence. We also discuss his candid feelings of displacement and considerations about life outside the United States, reflecting the restless spirit that animates much of his work.

Whether you're interested in experimental photography, the neuroscience of perception, or navigating the volatile world of NFTs (where Jared offers invaluable advice to newcomers), this episode offers unexpected insights from an artist whose work bridges inner experience and outer reality. How might we each translate our unique perceptions into meaningful expression? Listen and be inspired to see—and create—differently.

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