10 Questions For: Jordan-Lee Garbutt

Photographer Jordan-Lee Garbutt brings moments to life. His exceptional talent is echoed through his use of light and colour in night photography. Jordan’s exhibition, ‘The Power of Sound’ manipulated sound frequencies and used effervescent paints to create an original artwork.

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I create visual stories through rich tones and fabrics, dramatic locations and props. My images are improbable and dreamy. I envelop the viewer in a cocoon of luxury, warmth and fantasy.

2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
Getting a hat-trick in grade six. I’ve always been really competitive and cricket has always been a massive part of my life. I can still remember what the ground looked like and where it is. For me back then, that was like a dream coming true.

3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?

Richard Avedon - He’s been a photographic idol to me. I’d love to pick his brain and learn about his creative process.
John Lennon - To hear his views on life and love.
Quentin Tarantino - I just stare at his films in awe. Hearing how he came up with characters, dialogue and scripts would fascinate me to no end.

4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
Blitzkrieg Bop (Hey! Ho! Let’s Go) by the Ramones. It’s fun, energetic and you don’t have to be able to hold a note to deliver the song. Singing is by far my biggest weakness!  

5. How would you complete this sentence?  The South African cabinet should include a Minister of _____________________.

Anti-corruption and Misuse of Funds. They should have the ability to audit anyone at anytime. People need to be accountable for their actions.

6. What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
That I’m a stereotype. I don’t fit into any box. I have many different aspects to myself. I meditate every day, I’m at Crossfit five times a week and I talk about sport all the time. I just view the world in a certain way, and I project that through my work.

7. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
In summer it’s unbeatable - long sunny days and festivals every weekend! That being said, I’m from Durban. I’m not used to the rain and wind of Cape Town winters. When I moved down people said that it can be ‘cliquey’ in Cape Town and well, they weren’t exactly lying.

8. What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
The fear of failure and of judgment. Some people are going to love your work, others will not. It’s like trying to please everyone, it just can’t happen. You have to stay true to yourself and what you believe in. You have to give yourself the chance to succeed, and if you can’t give yourself that chance. Why would anyone else?

9. What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
I’d love to direct a feature film one day. I have no idea what it would be about, but the more I’ve been experimenting with video the more I want to immerse myself in it.

10. Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why? 
American Elon Musk. He is changing the way in which the world uses energy. But I doubt his physical capacity is close to his mental capacity.

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:

CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions for Cape Town-based Photographer and Journalist Yann Macherez

10 Questions for Cape Town-born Author Bevan Frank

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