Perhaps the best way to describe Deborah Anderson is as an artist. Daughter of Jon Anderson, legendary rock vocalist of the band “YES”, it seems that creativity runs in her blood.

As well as being renowned for her beautiful and sensual photography, she is a singer-songwriter and artistic director. Her book, “Room 23”, which captures “a year in the life of a hotel room”, features 100 celebrities including the likes of George Clooney and Cindy Crawford. Produced by Diana Jenkins, the book aims to raise funds and awareness for the Sanela Diana Jenkins International Justice Clinic at the UCLA Law School Human Rights Centre. Deborah’s first solo album is also due to be released on May 12^th. The album will be accompanied by a digital booklet filled with black and white images from Deborah’s coffee table book “Paperthin”; a collection of fine art photography inspired by living in Paris.

Your mother also had a passion for photography – would you say photography is in your blood?
My mother had a natural gift for capturing beautiful images yet she was self-taught. I feel that you either have the eye or you don't.  I remember the photographer, Rankin, telling me, “It's not what you know, nor your camera; it's what you see”.

Which photographers have inspired you?
Helmut Newton and his work in Paris, Imogen Cunningham's still life, Henri Cartier-Bresson's street scenes in Paris, Irving Penn's portraits, Deborah Turberville's early work, Manuel Alvarez Bravo's emotion and Peter Lindbergh's cinematic elegance...

You drew inspiration for your coffee table book “Paperthin” from living in Paris. What is it about Paris that inspired you?
I was inspired just by walking the streets of Paris. Anais Nin and Henry Miller lived it beautifully... after reading Nin’s biography in 2001, I was smitten and moved to Paris where I taught myself the art of photography. I could still feel the energy from the days of Kiki de Montparnasse, who was part of the liberated culture of Paris in the 1920s. It was a magnificent backdrop for my work in Paperthin and is still my favourite place in the world.

How important is printing when it comes to a coffee table book? What printing equipment would you recommend?
Printing is half the battle in perfecting the look of a photograph for a coffee table book. Turn to a professional who understands and appreciates your work.

What are your thoughts on film vs. digital photography?
I am still a hardcore film fan. To shoot my book, PAPERTHIN, I used 3200 Ilford B&W film... a couple of photos are 400 film. The grainy textures, the form of the shadows and depth of the photos are unparalleled. Digital is not quite there yet, but it's incredibly convenient to see your photos immediately. Film still holds a mystery that Digital cheats us of.

The word most often used to describe your photography is “sensual”. Would you agree with this description? Any tips on how to shoot sensual photography?
I would say sensual embodies many different aspects of my work. My photographs can be somewhat marked by the passion and appetite of the subject which becomes an image with a sensual undertone. 'Trust' from my subjects allows for such a 'happening'.

Your book “Room 23” offers an “intimate glance” at celebrities. How did you manage to break down the barriers and get the celebs to reveal their true selves?
Firstly, Diana Jenkins gave me an opportunity to break down the barriers as a photographer with this wonderful project. Having the freedom to explore every avenue creatively for the four months it took to shoot was a dream. Add Diana's International Justice Clinic into the mix and celebrities were willing to come forth for a good cause. This was the reason for this incredible project. Then giving the celebrities the freedom to explore a story within this hotel room was very liberating for them. We worked together on a concept and because it was just myself in the room with them, the ego was left at the door and the fun began.

Any plans for a sequel to “Room 23”?
The year in the life of a public restroom of an exclusive night spot! Could you imagine all the naughtiness people would get up to?

You are the artistic director for the Gansevooort Hotel Group. What does this role involve and how are you enjoying it?
I created original photographic Art to adorn the walls of the Gansevoort South Hotel. I worked closely with the interior designer Andi Pepper and the owner of the hotel Mike Ackenbaum. We wanted to allow for the rooms to have a more personal feel. The Art depicts Miami in its heyday of the 1940s – sensual and playful. It was a wonderful experience and I have just started to shoot art for their new hotel in New York on Park Avenue. The theme is voyeurism...

As well as being a photographer, you are a singer-songwriter and have worked as a vintage clothing designer. Do you think it’s important to have a number of outlets for your creativity?
I believe that if one has a passion for something they need to explore it. In saying that, focus is also a necessity. There is no point in spreading oneself thin across the board. Music is a passion, Photography is a dream, Fashion is addictive but I think they all breathe the same air of creativity.

How are you feeling in the run-up to the release of your first solo album “Silence”?
I am grateful for the opportunity to get my music out there in a different way. Through “Paperthin” I have created a three-dimensional experience with the lyrics, photos and music in one arena. It is an exciting time.


Deborah Anderson's Website | Photos by Deborah Anderson | Fotosocial