2021 Surf Art Calendar
November
“Venice Lens Ball”
By: Katarina Benzova
STORY BEHIND THE IMAGE
Sometimes you have to realize, that you have your entire world on the palm of your hand & you can create it as you please ✨🌴🙏🏼 #venice #california #shotbykat #photography #yourworld #yourcreation #happiness #freedom
PERSONAL CONNECTION
I very briefly met Katarina at a Surfrider Foundation event in Venice Beach back in 2019 celebrating International Surfing Day, where she was documenting the paddle out and festivities. After seeing the images that she took that day and the images she’s creating working as a rock n’ roll photographer, I realized that in addition to the beautiful energy she portrays, she’s truly a force of nature behind the lens. I am very grateful that she’s shared the Venice Lens Ball image with us and please give her a follow on Instagram @katbenzova_rockphoto
ARTIST BIO
After a decade, working around the globe as a fashion model, the ambitions of Katarina Benzova finally outgrew the runway, prompting a deeper need to rediscover both herself and the rest of the world from the other side of the lens.
And it would be through that lens that she would attract the attention of none other than Guns N’ Roses front-man, Axl Rose. Axl was so moved by Kat’s work that he hired her as G N’ R’s official photographer and she has toured with the band since 2010.
Kat has since become one of the most sought after rock photographers in the world and has shot and worked with legendary artists including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, KISS, The Who, Motley Crue, ZZ Top, Courtney Love, Motorhead, The Cult, Thin Lizzy, and Van Halen, just to name a few.
Kat has presented her work in numerous exhibitions including the KISS Exhibition at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas in 2014 and multiple photography exhibitions during the Cannes Film Festival.
She has devoted her time and creativity to a number of worthy causes, and in 2017 decided to establish her own foundation, MISSION 11, which produces photographic campaigns for charitable organizations.
“I’m trying to capture musicians when they are like lightning rods receiving and transmitting the energy of the universe for all to hear. There are moments that happen on stage, moments of sheer bliss that transcend all. Where the music is flowing through the musicians and connects with the audience in an incredibly transcendental way. Capturing those spiritual high points and artists at the perfect moment when their souls are completely exposed.”
