Interview | Anouk Krantz
Her work has appeared in prominent galleries and earned accolades from the International Photography Awards and International Monochrome Awards. Her first book Wild Horses of Cumberland Island released in November 2017 became an immediate best seller among the photography genre. The book and her art have been praised by International publications such as Vanity Fair, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, Daily Mail UK and Garden & Gun among many others.
Tell us a little about yourself.
As a child, I was raised in France where my single greatest passion was horseback riding. Most of my free time would be at the barn or out in the countryside on horseback. I first came across Cumberland Island back in 2004. At the time, I was living in New York City and my parents had just moved from Paris, France to Savannah, GA. I had never visited the South and was intrigued by the island's vast, deserted beaches and wild horses. Cumberland Island stood out in that it is difficult to get to – no bridges, no paved roads – and it has a fascinating history of its own. Having traveled all my life I had learned that the more difficult places to reach often yield the richest rewards.
How did this idea to photograph Wild Cumberland come to fruition?
From my first hour on Cumberland Island over 10 years ago I knew for a fact that a sense of wonder and awe existed just about everywhere you turn. Until you have experienced it for yourself, this natural abundance on Cumberland is difficult to fathom. It has an atmosphere of its own, one that words cannot describe and I have never seen it effectively captured in photography or artwork. That was my simplest goal.
What were some of the biggest obstacles during this journey?
The weather for sure. Extreme heat, wind, thunder, mud flats, getting lost… but it made it more exciting! Also, being a woman and covering over 30 miles in a day on foot or by bike over sand, far removed from any help.
Was there one moment that stands out from the rest?
I will never forget South Marsh. I always hike across Cumberland by myself and after veering a little too far off course in search of the perfect angle, I became stuck wading through the mud flats at low tide. The more I struggled the further entrenched I became, until I sank past my hips with all my equipment strapped to my back. There was nobody around for miles and I had no cell phone reception. Thankfully I was borrowing boots that were one size too large and after inching out of my gear and working myself over to lie on my side, I was able to work my way out. By the time I crawled to firmer ground I was covered head to toe with black mud. It was a close call for sure, I still think back about it from time to time.
How do you wish people to perceive your work?
I have always believed that art should not need to be explained, but should be left to people’s own interpretation
How do you feel about the response to Wild Cumberland?
It is immensely rewarding to see that so many people from around the world have been inspired by my work.
So, what’s next for Anouk Krantz?
Go West! A project I started 5 years ago. Excited to share soon!
