Black History Month - Selorm
In honour of Black History Month, I have interviewed people who have taken 2020, a year of so much dramatic change, into their stride. From a worldwide pandemic to a summer of BLM protests, this year hasn’t been a year to sit out and just watch.
Selorm Torkornoo is a writer and photographer and has spent most of the lockdown finding himself within his work, expressing himself through his written work:
Did you always know this was the career you wanted?
Growing up I was always indecisive about what career I wanted. I was passionate about music and film and was almost set on finding work in that industry. It wasn’t until college that I finally set on a career path in media. Writing has been such a pillar in my life. It’s allowed me to open up more, not only about myself but with regards to how I go about creating written content.
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I don’t always know what I’m doing! When it comes to my writing, I’ll plan out title ideas and write down anything that’s in my head until it makes sense, I’ve always worked like that, I don’t like forcing myself to write something that just doesn’t flow. I have the same work ethic with my photography too. More often than not, I find myself scouting a location with no formal idea planned of what I’m going to shoot or how I’m going to go about shooting it. In my opinion, my best work has been created from this method, for example, the photoshoot I did in the shower came to me when I was cleaning the bathroom. The light made the bathroom seem very ominous and I had wanted to play around with manual settings on my camera. I hadn’t even any intention of doing a photo shoot.
How has being a photographer changed for you due to the pandemic?
At the start of the year, I had gotten new camera equipment and began travelling in the UK, taking photos in all the places I’d gone to. I sought out travelling as a way of cementing my style as a photographer but I found that I hadn’t yet found my niche. Being a photographer during the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed me to be much more resourceful, it’s allowed me to think much more out of the box, to focus on what’s in my vicinity rather than ultimately ‘a bigger picture’. It wasn’t until being in lockdown did I see any development in my photography. I had to be as resourceful as possible when it came to taking photos as I couldn’t meet up with anyone. I spent the majority of April and May going around my house, coming up with different creative photoshoots I could do with myself, finding different ways to emulate my lifestyle and personality through my imagery.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
Seeing the impression my work has on people is so rewarding. Knowing that the content I’m creating is authentic and people’s responses are true makes everything I’m doing so worthwhile. I’ve had people respond to my interviews and tell me how grateful they are that I’m using my platform to talk about topics that aren’t always represented in our society, that aren’t always spoken about in the most appropriate manner. It’s so rewarding as I know it’s exactly the reason I sought out doing the interviews. To tell people’s stories and to allow people who aren’t always represented to be seen.
With my photography, again it’s the impression my content has on people. It’s also my ability to outdo myself and still get positive responses from my audience. A majority of the photoshoots I’ve done I post on my Instagram account and just knowing that people are constantly showing them love.
“I’ve always felt that the underrepresented are only ever represented through their own work”
What are you currently working on?
When I restarted blog writing I wanted to have more of a meaningful purpose to write. I decided to curate interviews with people on topics that I know either affected them personally or that they’d be knowledgeable and informative on. This interview series has been such a fun creative process for me as it’s allowed me to really think outside the box and be truly innovative with my work.
What are your thoughts on diversity within the creative industry? Do you think much has changed this year?
I’ve always felt that the underrepresented are only ever represented through their own work. I always struggled to see my own identity within the creative industry and it wasn’t until I started to do things for myself that I truly felt noticed. Diversity within this industry is definitely a work in progress and I don’t really think much has changed this year. The sad reality behind the lack of diversity is that it tends to lead to less attraction to those who aspire to be a part of the industry. I know it was for me. It’s so easy to want to give up on your dreams when you don’t see people like you working in the field you want to be working in.
Is there any advice you’d like to give to those thinking about pursuing creative roles?
I cannot stress enough how important it is to chase your dreams. I was always told that working in the creative industry is very hit and miss, but I’ve found that if you’re adamant on a creative role then it’s something you have to pursue, regardless of any initial fears or anxieties. It’s such a rewarding industry to be a part of, especially when you’re creating work that you’re proud of and other people wholly appreciate.
If you had to pick a song to describe your year so far, what would you pick?
A song that would best describe my year is Grown by Chloe x Halle! I honestly think I’ve reached a level of maturity in my life where I know where my responsibilities lie, I know my worth and the potential I have. Every day I’m learning new things about myself and the life I live, I’ve become fully comfortable with making mistakes and making bold life-changing decisions. Watch out world, I’m grown!