As if being a master of the subtly breathtaking— an ace of the ethereal— weren’t enough, Vancouver-based photographer Jennilee Marigomen comes from that rare breed of people who possess an uncanny ability to identify other rad artists, and then connect them for awesome things.

For instance, she recently assembled a photo projection show called Stream, and then simulcast it bi-coastally at Space 15 Twenty in L.A. and Pent House Gallery in Baltimore. She art directs 01 Magazine, a blog/magazine hybrid with impeccable taste and innovative content. She even manages to elevate Tumblr to an art form. Whether looking at her curation or creation, one thing is clear: Jennilee Marigomen’s eyes have superhuman powers. They can see invisible dimensions of light and space. Here, she opens up about what they look for:

Although some of your photos have people in them, you seem to avoid straight-up portraits. What leads you to pick nature over people?
The images that resonate with me are the ones that embrace a certain kind of ambiguity and leave room for interpretation. There is always a bit of uncertainty and mystery in nature… It can’t be fully controlled and is always changing and adapting - which is what my Botanophobia series is about. I’m not really interested in subjects that are too direct or give a lot away.. I want people to revisit the image with a new perception each time. Kind of like a film with an open ending. Or maybe I prefer not to take portraits because I’m a little shy.

Tell us a little about what the art scene in Vancouver like.
Vancouver is a small city, so it’s easy to connect with other photographers that share the same audience as you. It’s natural to support each other, share ideas and resources, and collaborate. Vancouver has a big annual exhibition coming up called The Cheaper Show that will be featuring 200 local and international artists - selling their work for the same price across the board. The show does a really amazing job at bringing the art community together and bringing artists to the forefront – no matter if you are emerging or established.

What makes you want to take pictures?
This quote by Uta Barth really resonated with me and I think describes it best… “I am interested in getting you to engage in looking rather than losing your attention to thoughts about what you are looking at. Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees is the title of Robert Irwin’s (who is a big influence) biography.”

What do you think the future has in store for printed art publications?
I’m not an expert on print publications, but I have always admired the ones that stay close to their roots and focus on artistic integrity and craftsmanship. Gottlund Verlag, 0_100, and Je Suis Une Bande De Jeunes are a few examples of small publishers that make beautiful limited handmade zines and books. You can feel the specialness and quality of their publications immediately after picking one up - whether it be the paper stock, letterpress and hand bound pages, photo printed covers, and thoughtful content.

With new publications popping up everyday, there is so much printed matter out there… it becomes disposable. These publications have a beautiful honesty and longevity to them. The work that went into each one is apparent. I think that in general (whether it be for publications, fashion, etc.) more people are being appreciative of quality over quantity.

What types of things do you see lacking or in need of development in the online art world? What do you try to approach differently with the unique format of 01 Magazine?
I get really excited when I see glimpses into the lives of people whom I admire. Seeing Noah Kalina and Thobias Fäldt & Klara Källström’s book collection, Jackson Eaton’s closet, Nicholas Gottlund’s studio, and a photo essay about Denise Schatz’s books and records tell you a lot about them in a personal way… sometimes more so than a regular interview. These kind of features have worked really well for 01 Magazine and I would love to see more exclusive and personal content like that out there. These little glimpses of where a person comes from makes me appreciate their work a lot more.

Rain or snow?
I like how snow quietly blankets it’s environment and temporarily gives it’s surroundings a clean slate. It’s very peaceful.

You came to L.A. to present “Stream” at Space 15 Twenty earlier this year — what do you think of our fair city, and who are your favorite Angelenos?
LA was great! During out first day there, I unknowingly asked Denzel Washington for directions to a taco restaurant outside of Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood. My friend filled me in later. I can imagine that happening a lot in L.A. The staff from Space 15 Twenty was really amazing and on top of things, especially their Events Curator, Tania Enriquez, who was a kind host and a remarkable person in general! I would love to work with them again. At Stream, I finally met photographer Alex Martinez, who was a participant in one the Night Vision Shows in Vancouver. I love finally meeting people whom I’ve worked on projects with. Musicwise, I like Lucky Dragons, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Grafitti! And NWA of course!

Top beverages of all time?
Vietnamese coffee… water… and aloe vera juice!