Philippine time 4 a.m.-ish last week, Jacob Bixenman did a round of answering questions on Instagram Stories for the first time.
One great thing about IG Stories is that things like this happen. The downside is that it stays there for 24 hours and, poof, gone.
Thankfully, though, I had a rare bout of presence of mind to do screenshots so I can report back to you what transpired, in case you missed it. You’re welcome.
And what did transpire? Jacob answered questions about pursuing a creative career, overcoming the fear of failure, and his influences in photography, among other things.
From Jacob’s cool shelf-ie to his favorite Cocteau Twins song, check out my favorite bits below.
_____
Q: Advice for a young bi teen in the closet, please?
A: Authenticity is key to happiness, but you owe nothing to anyone other than yourself concerning your sexuality. It is your experience. You have all the time you need.
_____
Q: What’s your favorite self-care routine?
A: Meditating
Finding inspiration in books/refs that I love
Loud music
_____
Q: Advice on pursuing a creative career and how to overcome the fear of failure?
A: Constantly consume whatever your medium of choice is. Like seek references always and your personal style will develop.
Focus first on story-telling (in whatever medium). Use whatever is around you. There are amazing movies shot on iPhone and bajillion $ movies with no soul. Technical stuff comes second to subject always (to me).
Practice a lot and expect failure. It’s ok. Define those terms for yourself.
_____
Q: Who are the people that inspire/impact your own photography work?
A: Always drawn to diarist/confessional photography like Nan, Juergen, Corinne Day, Larry Clark.
But also big time Peter Hujar, David Armstrong, Mapplethorpe, etc.
Harmony Korine and David Wojnarowicz made me realize you can do whatever you want with whatever you have. So many more.
_____
Q: Can you recommend a few LGBTQ fiction books, please?
A: The Light Years by Chris Rush
What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
Confessions of a Man by Yukio Mishima
_____
Q: What idea or quote guides you through life?
A: 1. Paraphrasing but @isaaccolepowell shared one in a story a while ago that essentially said “when making a challenging decision, ask yourself what the person you hope to become would do. Do that.” I think that’s interesting. Role-play as your ideal self and you physically become them.
2. Curiosity/willingness to witness indiscriminately as a virtue
3. Never be an asshole.
_____
PS. Jacob’s favorite Cocteau Twins song is Iceblink Luck. Listen below.
Check out more of Jacob and his work on Instagram @jacobbix and his website jacobbixenman.com.
_____
MORE INTERNET GOLD:
INTERNET GOLD: Watch 15 minutes of behind the scenes footage from The OA
