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Toulouki was the name my father wanted for me when I was born so although it's not my birth name, it's kind of stuck and it's pronounced Talookey in case you were wondering!

 

I am predominantly a self-portrait artist, a stylist & set designer based in the UK but travelling internationally, (although sadly not in pandemic-riddled 2020) and occasionally I take photos of other people. This is my story - hopefully it's not too long!

 

When I was a child, I loved to draw & paint and became fascinated with the human body so I fell naturally into modelling in 2005 at the age of 19 and have worked as a freelance model ever since. In 2014 I met my partner, Simone, a photographer and art director who worked in the film & television industry for many years. A year later, after a decade of subconcsiously shaping lighting & compositional skills, I got on the other side of the camera and became obsessed with taking & retouching my own photographs, mostly of other people.

 

Due to an illness which saw me housebound during winter 2017 and unable to go out to shoot with others, I started reading up on how to take great self-portraits and decided to put it into practice with a weekly online photography challenge, the Dogwood photography challenge (which sadly no longer exists)

 

The rules weren't self-portraiture but I made this my rule to set myself a more complex task and I enjoyed the learning process so much I decided to start directing, shooting, styling & retouching all my own work.

 

In November 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and despite this new somewhat vexing chapter in my life, I continued to blog and document my treatment through self-portraiture. I lost all my hair and stuck absolutely everything I could find to my head, and of course I photographed it.

 

I've always experimented with colour, texture & interesting styling, but visiting India was the turning point and a huge sensory explosion for me - I started collecting saris, embellished offcuts and other recycled materials and decorated my own garden with them, turning little corners of it into a magical paradise. I mean, my garden is nothing special - I don't dig up the weeds or mow the lawn, in fact I'm pretty sure the lawnmower is broken, but there is always something beautiful to be created from, well, nothing.

 

From a bohemian bell tent with a bed, fluffy rugs, chests of drawers, lanterns & mirrors to sweeping fabrics around a gazebo over a jacuzzi, I enjoy set design as much as self-portraiture, and so the two combined.

 

In November 2019, I directed & hosted a photographic event, 'The Bohemian Garden' at the Hacienda studio in London. Handmade sets included a log cabin with a veranda, steps & spindles, a bohemian banquet floor table, boudoin-style bed with drapes, a hammock, a tonne of dried leaves, lanterns, candles, fireplace, props made from pampas grass, garden furniture, ivy, rose vines and so much more. Collectively Simone & I, the other models, the photographers who attended and all people involved who helped me build sets & make it happen raised over £1000 for Battersea Dogs & Cats home.

 

During my chemotherapy treatment the first half of 2019, I acquired and redecorated a 4-berth caravan with patio & awning into a colourful, floral haven to relax. It kept my mind occupied and has since become my art studio where I paint & make props.

Creating a hideaway is so appealing and I've always prefered to live outdoors where possible.

 

My other passions are recycling materials & upcycling. In a world of ongoing production of new stuff, I try to re-use what I already have or buy second hand and I absolutely love to travel. I take a camera with me everywhere I go.

 

Now, I often shoot for various bohemian-esque locations around the UK and abroad, with either your own or my own bohemian styling (set design & clothing)

I shoot locations, jewellery, accessories, clothing, products.. for small businesses, large businesses, AirBnBs, websites.. all as self-portraits, some solo and some can be duos or group self-portraits. I can also style smaller areas and build small bohemian-style sets if you require this.

 

Please do get in touch for any commercial needs & collaborations. I will be really happy to discuss your vision and bring it to life.

 

Thanks for stopping!

Toulouki