Meet Odalis Canchola

We had the good fortune of connecting with Odalis Canchola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Odalis, is there something you believe many others might not?
In my honest, lighthearted opinion, a great shot is born from the eye of the photographer, it doesn’t always have to be the most expensive equipment. Be airy about this hobby or passion, plus, in reality, photography is just storytelling. To tell a story or portray an emotion through an image is much more fun than focusing on “professionalism” or high profile statuses anyway.  
Which also leads me to say that artists/photographers shouldn’t categorize themselves as professional or not; instead, consider how authentically you’re capturing what your senses are feeling and in what ways you can self-improve your receptivity to beauty. There’s nothing more creative than learning from curiosity and building a relationship with your surroundings and cameras, which goes for any artistic medium, not just photography.
 
Sometimes photography finds you. I like to think that photographers are gifted beauty seekers who admire life from a more sensual and eccentric perspective. Play with cameras; begin using whatever you have in the moment, whether it’s a second-hand find from a thrift or antique shop, something spectacular and fancy, or even your phone. My point is that all that matters is that becoming one with what you love to do will bring you the most creative satisfaction.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Film photography holds such a special place in my heart; it allows me to fully be in the present moment and grounds me when I spend too much time in my head and not enough time in my heart. It’s a sacred way of seeing the world and sharing with others how it is to see it from my eyes and how others view it as well.

It’s a beautiful way of connecting with everything and allows me to appreciate the simpler details of life, my loved ones and my surroundings. Like the laughter of a lover that lingers in your head when they’re not around, the unity and comfort in communities where people are safe to express themselves or even the memory of my ancestors in the crashing waves of the ocean, beauty in every corner.

I love to play around with mixed media to continue my inspiration because with beautiful images you can create so much more, and doing so has connected me closer to my inner self and my ancestors and keeps the emotion alive. It also inspires me to write and to emphasize the moments or emotions from experiences and lessons in my personal journey.

Writing and photography are ways of exploring my inner emotions that bring me closer with myself and others in such an intimate way. There is something so precious about transforming my emotions into words, poems, photography, or art, and I am blessed to continue to integrate this work with communities around me. My admiration for connecting with community, writing and listening to people’s stories has also made me quite the journalist this year and I’m looking forward to explore more of that this upcoming year with what I love the most which is art, music and food.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still accommodating to the city but my hometown in Greeley has some of my favorite memories. I love to work and organize my plans for the week at Margie’s Cafe and grab some lunch at Daruma’s Japanese restaurant, maybe read a book at LINC library and decompress at my favorite parks either Glenmere or the Bluffs Natural Area which is where I always end up with writing inspiration.

In Denver I love going to concerts/shows, anything in the Spanish, punk or dark wave scene is definitely where I have the most fun. I also like checking out the scene in South Broadway and Santa Fe where I also vend some art and jewelry at Museo de las Americas, come check it out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so inspired and grateful for women all around; on many occasions, I have let myself be lured into beautiful and impactful art or poetry from vulnerable women and vulnerable women all over the world. My muse is always loving, spiritual, rebellious, political, and unique women.

When it comes to film photography, Gracelia Iturbide is one of my absolute favorite film photographers from Mexico. I am so captivated by her storytelling and a part of why I admire black and white photography so much.
 
I truly admire my loving community; the support and encouragement is always so genuine and warm, and all the artists around me are truly remarkable. Being able to witness others like me from BIPOC and queer communities take up space and receive recognition for their hard and heartfelt work is highly inspirational and motivational. I am constantly reminded of how we all creatively thrive around each other, and that connection is unmatched.

Instagram: diosadelunaa

Image Credits
Personal photo shot by Arely Ahidali IG: @arelyahidali Assist./ Lighting by Kiara Espinoza IG: @kiaraespinozao.nft Additional images shot by me IG: @diosadelunaa