Conversations with Ayinde “yin” Rochon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayinde “yin” Rochon.

Hi Ayinde, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was a child my parents either had a camera on me or in my hands. Looking at old family videos you can always see a young Ayinde running toward the camera saying “Let me see! Let me see!” I am not sure if my parents noticed this tendency and assumed I would find a future career and love for photography, or if I was simply being an inquisitive adolescent. Regardless, they were my first introduction to my creativity and artistic abilities. Fast forward to college, I was attending Indiana University and found the camera back in my hands. IU provided me with an unforgettable college experience both academically and socially. I fell in love with the sense of community Bloomington offered with respect to the various student organizations, activities, facilities, supportive faculty, and more. I knew that I needed to document this microcosm of social and intellectual advancement occurring on our campus and photography became my method of doing so. In efforts to uplift and shine a light on college students, primarily Black students at predominately White institutions, my artistic career of storytelling began.

My passion for capturing student life morphed into a passion for all avenues camera related; scenic photography, music videos, commercials, short films, etc. I began to fall in love with the ability to show “my life through my lens”; a first-person look into my life through my perspective. Expanding my photographic subject matter provided me with the opportunity to create a business from my art. Lord willing, YinCreate LLC was formed to sell both prints of my scenic photos as well as commissioned bookings allowing me to begin traveling nationwide to create, shoot, network, and build my business. Today I have participated in various art shows, published in magazines such as Diverse Issues in Higher Education, directed and written multiple independent projects, and sold canvas prints of my work to patrons nationwide. I have traveled to places such as Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, and Atlanta for my work documenting and networking each step of the way.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like many independent artists, I would have to say this journey has not been smooth, but very informative as I turn each “hardship” into a lesson. As I graduated from undergraduate school in 2019, completed my master’s in 2020, and am in my Ph.D. program now, I have been constantly working on my academics as I build my artistic business simultaneously. My first struggle was learning how to combine both art and academy.

I was feeling stretched thin trying to shoot and edit full-time while being a full-time student and knew I had to make an adjustment. As my research focuses on Black student identity development within institutions of higher education, my advisor supported my decision to pair my writing with my photography in an effort to utilize the method of critical arts-based research. I was not only supported by the faculty at my school but pushed to bring my art to the forefront of my research as academic methods of disseminating information develop every single day. This “struggle” started as an inconvenience and transitioned to my biggest lesson. Now I am an academic artist, not one or the other.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creator. Specifically, I am a photographer, videographer, writer, and director working to uplift the self-identity and efficacy of historically marginalized communities through various mediums. Being able to shoot with a camera is my tangible skill however, my academic research informs my work and my passion to shine a light on the beauty in all communities and places. By continuing to be a student, and learning every day, my desire to create art to share this knowledge with my people never stops. I love to write and direct. I love the opportunity to take an idea and turn it into a product. I believe that this is what truly sets me apart from others. My ability to connect with people and find a story that needs to be shared will always push me to continue this work. My ability to set a goal and accomplish it, maneuver through all obstacles, turning “L’s” into lessons makes me who I am.

Although some of my most notable work consists of my photography and videography, my most fulfilling project was an animation I wrote and directed titled “Prevail.” This short animation highlighted the necessity of togetherness during times of conflict and confusion. The necessity of always keeping faith and not succumbing to fear. Although this was different from the art I usually create, it provided me with an opportunity to not only connect with a local Denver animator but tell this story in a creative way.

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success in regard to my autonomy. I believe that one who is successful is at peace and experiencing an endless abundance of freedom. Freedom to live, love, move and create without the fear of anyone or anything keeping you in one place. The freedom to uplift your community and people without worrying about “will this work pay my bills?” If the work is being done with pure intentions, I believe God will reward us with financial security. The money will come if the work is done right.

As I have become a traveling artist, my ability to move freely and experience different cities and cultures is my biggest blessing. Indiana University was and always will be home for me and my college roommate and lifelong best friend, Chuck Alcock. He is now in law school at Denver University and was my introduction to the beautiful city of Denver. Chuck not only opens his door to me anytime I need an escape to the mile-high city but takes on the role of an exceptional tour guide showing me the beauty this city has to offer. From going to Red Rocks to a Rockies game to exploring downtown, I have fallen in love with the tranquility and peace of mind Denver has to offer. I have shared some of my favorite scenic photos of Denver below. Thank you for the time to take this interview.

Contact Info:

• Website: yinCreate.com 

Image Credits
Ayinde Rochon