Josh’s snakes at home © Laura Pannack — *Josh’s snakes at home* © Laura Pannack

This interview was originally published in 2021

By Ariella Cohen

How did you come across the concept in psychology that helped inspire this project? Would you be able to describe this idea a little further?

The concept derives from the geographical philosophy that what is nearest is most dissimilar and alien, and what is furthest away will be most similar. Logically, in many ways, this makes sense, as many parts of the world are built up of subcultures interweaving through close-knit areas. It's sometimes easy to assume that distant places will be wondrous and a huge departure from our familiar surroundings, but we can often be surprised. I found taking the common theme of adolescence and exploring it on opposites of the Earth would be a reminder that youth is universal and most countries (Western countries especially) experience being a teenager in similar ways. I found small similarities like the fondness for energy drinks, the usage of slang and generally how young people enjoyed spending their time and building relationships, despite the 10,873 miles between the two areas.

Lewis at the Lawns © Laura Pannack — *Lewis at the Lawns* © Laura Pannack

What made you decide on photographing these two communities specifically? How did you discover them?

Tipton, England, was an area I chose when working on a commission from Multistory. I was asked to select anywhere in the Black Country. Gagey was after a reconnaissance of a few weeks in Tasmania, Australia. A friend was living there and recommended I visit.

You do an excellent job capturing the essence of these children in your photographs. What is your process of helping these kids feel comfortable in front of the camera? What drew you to focus on the youth in these communities, as opposed to the adults?

I find young people more fun and engaging. They are more creative and don’t take life too seriously. It’s refreshing and a perfect escape. To be honest, it’s as simple as just hanging out and teaching them how to use a medium format camera.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Escapism.

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

You see, the problem is that what I would like to teach I don’t have the skills for! I would love to teach something like pottery, etc… something crafty, or maybe mountaineering, haha. I would have to resort to all I can teach… “meeting strangers?”