We had the good fortune of connecting with Salvatore Giovanni La Ferlita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Salvatore Giovanni La Ferlita, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Stubbornness. In spite of the numerous criticisms and rejections since 1968 I persevered. I felt things needed to change in photography from the dominant Photojournalism style prevalent in the 1960’s to a more personal approach of photographing the mundane everyday objects of our lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I initially set out to be a photojournalist in 1968. I backpacked fir 3 years from 1970 to 1976 doing 3 different trips. I travelled through Europe, Africa and Asia.
My style changed when I moved to Colorado in 1976. I found myself drawn to everyday objects parking lots, street corners and I did not know why but I kept at it. Those photographs allowed me to be accepted by the Rhode Island School of Design in 1979 and also granted me a one person show at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City in 1980. I pursued a career in education at various Colleges from 1972 to 2016.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them first to Downtown Denver then travel to Boulder and see the Pearl Street Mall. Have some Sushi at one of the 2 Restaurants in town. We would then drive to Rocky Mountain National Park and dine at the Estes Park Resort which is located on Lake Estes with fabulous views of the Mountains and eat some Mexican Food with a beer or two. Final destination would be going to visit Red Rocks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started photographing in 1968 before I met my wife in 1973. She helped me and supported me in many ways especially when I was in graduate school at the Rhode Island School of Design. My daughter had just been born and we persevered through it all. We were married for 50 years and she recently passed away.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvatore_giovanni_laferlita/ https://www.instagram.com/uncle.sal

Image Credits
The photos were taken by me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.