As part of a series of interviews celebrating International Women's Week, I had the pleasure of interviewing `tragicmistress.

Can you tell me a bit about how you first became involved in photography?

I remember using those disposable cameras when I was 14-15...taking pictures of friends at school and stuff, mostly because a friend of mine took pictures alot. However, it was until my son was born that I started doing it regularly. I don't think there's a parent out there who dosn't love taking pictures of their kids. It wasn't until I stumbled across DA back in '02 that I started doing it more seriously...and by "more seriously", I think I more mean, "more often", as I stopped with the disposable cameras and one hour photo developing, and used a digital
camera.



What do you think are the biggest issues for women in the world today?

I'll have to go with the one I hear of most often, and that's "body image". Personally, I don't have an issue with my *own* body...It seems though, that other people do. It's everywhere we look...magazines and tv shows telling us how we're "supposed" to look...Like it's not good enough to be the way we are...I don't buy into it. I don't have cable, I don't read the newspaper, and I don't read magazines.
...and I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

Can you tell me a bit about the background to your 2 favourite deviations from your own gallery?


This one, 'Daddy sings funny', is one I'm definetly proud of...It's not so *artistic* really, but it always makes me smile...





...for obvious reasons An 8 hour car trip with three kids when it's hot out...my husband and I still laugh at this one.

I have many favorites, and most of them are pieces that never have made it to DA...they're things I like to keep for myself.



If you could photograph any event in history, what would it be ( past or future!)

I'd like to photograph the day my kids, and pretty much everyone else too, could walk out the door, and be safe. I know that day will never come, but it's something I'd like to see.

Can you tell me of any other women on deviantART who you find inspiring?

I think I'd use the word 'admire' rather than inspire. And in that case, I'd say `devilicious There's a strength about her that I know of in only a few people, and one of those people is my mom.



What about outside deviantART, who do you think are good examples of role models for today's young women?

I don't know of specific figures, since my world mostly revolves around my house...and I know not all mothers are part of their daughters lives, but I think a mother is a pretty damn good role model. I know, some people would disagree...and not all mothers would fit that 'role model' mold, I suppose...I guess I'm pretty biased here, as my mom was, and still is, my role model.



How do you think deviantART has benefited you as an artist?

It's made me feel more comfortable in what I do. I mean, I don't as a rule, really care if someone likes what I do or not. *I* like what I do.
But more than that, it's shown me the vastness of the word "art".
...Ok, I still don't understand that ASCII stuff, but that's like trying to teach me to do Soduku



What advice would you give someone thinking about taking up photography?

I think I'd definetly say 'try it'. And be prepared for criticism, as not everyone is going to like what you do...But don't let that stop you. Do what makes you feel good, reguardless of what other people say.



Do you have a message that you'd leave for the future generations of women?

Be yourself, as cliche as that sounds. And don't fall into the molds that 'society' says is what we should all be.

Thanks for taking time out to participate in a great interview!

You can find other wonderful women who have been interviewed in this series here.