Globetrotter and photographer Mehdi Bouqua talks to RAW about his work, love for creating, and many influences. See his photographs at the next RAW showcase at Elevate Lounge on Thursday, September 16th!  

Tell us about yourself and how you first got started as a photographer? 
I grew up traveling around the world and seeing some of the most beautiful places and peoples. Moved to California at the age of 13 to pursue my dreams and goals of becoming successful. No art school background involved, everything I learned was self-taught, most influences come from street photography and street art.

How did you first get started making art?  
After having some great friends that are amazing, inspiring artists, I started with graffiti art. I was young, adventurous, and brave. After a few years of developing a style, and also understanding color and its contrast, I started experimenting with acrylics and oils. Still up to this day I manage to paint when I can. Photography came a little late, but I feel like there is a long road ahead of me full of challenges and accomplishments with this form of art. The thing that I love most about being a photographer is that I am free, I use a lot of my imagination, creativity, and the power to be able to pause time with one snap and  to make people appreciate something they dont normally bother looking at.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Free and Vibrant. 

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Most of my inspiration comes from the street and its surroundings: the Architecture;  the noise; the street lights; the art on the walls; the subway stations; the bus stops; the people; the poor; the rich; the bad, the good and so on ... 

What do you love most about what you do?
The Beauty of being able to pause time with a simple snap, and to also create art with my vision.  

What sort of techniques do you most like working with? 
Color Splash, Black & White, and long exposures. 

Are there any artists or art movements, past or present, that strongly inform and influence your work? 
Leonard Free, Eugene Atget, Alvin Langdon Coburn, At Large Media, Hermit's Philosophy, and my Friend Franklin Suarez's Photography ...

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future? 
To have my work published world wide. 

Why showcase at RAW? 
Because RAW gives me the opportunity to express myself through words, and pictures and also to communicate and let people know who I am and what I am all about as an Artist. RAW IS THE BEST.  

Favorite thing to do outside of your craft? 
I speak fluent English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and still in the process of learning Portuguese;  I love to learn new languages.