Flowe State Vol. 3: Slowing Down Makes Room, curated by Colin Dancel

FLOWE STATE VOL. 3: SLOWING DOWN MAKES ROOM, CURATED BY COLIN DANCEL

FLOWE STATE features playlists by creatives in our community. For this month, SLOWING DOWN MAKES ROOM is curated by photographer Colin Dancel.

FLOWE STATE is a series featuring curated playlists by creatives in our community. This month, we sat down with Colin Dancel, a Philippines-based photographer and image-maker. She first started out as a fashion photographer, capturing behind-the-scenes imagery and fashion shows in motion.

With a fascination for movement and what happens behind curtains, she slowly transitioned to photographing dance and self-portraits. Today, her body of work is grounded in introspection and exploration of the self.

In SLOWING DOWN MAKES ROOM, Colin curates an easy-going selection of songs that encourages you to take your time and make space for respite. A playlist ideal for end-of-day relaxation and reflection.

HI COLIN! HOW ARE YOU? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m Colin and I am a photographer and image-maker.

MUCH OF YOUR WORK SEEMS TO REVOLVE AROUND THEMES OF INTROSPECTION AND REFLECTION. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO EXPLORE THESE? AND WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS?

I remember a quote from Stella Terrill Mann, “Every time we say Let there be! in any form, something happens.” I think it's this strong emotion to create that feels almost embedded in me. Something. Anything. There is always an image in my head and I will always try to make it come to life. Sometimes, it does happen and it births many more. Sometimes, it’s a flop. I’m learning to make space for both.

CREATIVES OFTEN LIVE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLES, ALWAYS MOVING BETWEEN NEW PROJECTS AND IDEAS. PERSONALLY, HOW DO YOU SLOW DOWN?

Slowing down makes room.

Slowing down makes room for shedding.

Shedding then makes room for courage.

This is something I wrote and have been repeating to myself in the hopes that I will someday embody it. I don't think there is one answer as to how one slows down. It can come in any form and the act of slowing down is making space for whatever that may be.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO TAKE ONE’S TIME AND MAKE SPACE FOR RESPITE?

Because the world continues to rotate anyway, and sometimes, it helps to pause, take a look around and actually wrap your head around how everything works together. How you are held despite everything.

DOES MUSIC PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PROCESS? IN WHAT WAYS?

Music is part of my daily morning ritual, in which I play my favorite songs before and after I write a prayer. I do this everyday but most especially during shoot days.

WHAT INSPIRED THIS PLAYLIST, AND WHAT WOULD YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY LISTEN TO IT?

This playlist, inspired by the idea that slowing down, can take many forms and can mean (many) different things. It’s my way of celebrating the complexities of life but also the oneness of it. A day can require a Moana song or a day can be saved by Maggie Rogers. But overall, everything is a reminder that we’ll be all right. I truly hope you feel held, and through that, find the courage you need today.

Slowing down makes room.

Slowing down makes room for shedding.

Shedding then makes room for ______.

Explore Colin’s work here and listen to SLOWING DOWN MAKES ROOM on our Spotify page.