A frame shop buzzes with conversation in every section, from the house porch to the indoor showroom adorned with picture-frame arches. The opening and closing shows for Baltimore photographers Bearden Douglas and Tom, part of their joint exhibition, were nights full of lighthearted chatter and thoughtful remarks about art. In a humble space, strangers and close friends come together under one purpose, and that’s to support the young individuals adding to the lively underground art scene I’ve come to know and love in the city that charms. 

Baltimore is marked by talent who are eager to put on for their community and capture its vibrance. Bearden (a.k.a Ezra) and Tom (a.k.a ThirdEye) are doing exactly this while crafting their own creative philosophy.

Back in August, I sat down with them for a video interview to talk about their photography exhibition titled “Nearsighted.” Through our conversation, I learned about their career origins, the meaning behind “Nearsighted”, and the preparation it took to pull it off.

Now, a couple of weeks removed from their closing show, I still had more on my mind about the whole experience. And so did they. 

In this post-Nearsighted interview, I ask those lingering questions about the emotions felt during and after the event, whether there are any further reflections on the displayed pieces (especially after seeing the audience’s reactions), their sold-out photo book, and more. 

Disclaimer: Quotes in this article have been lightly edited for clarity and conciseness while preserving their original meaning and intent.

1. The opening show for the Nearsighted gallery happened earlier last month. Describe how you were feeling that night. Were there any standout moments during the event?

T: To be honest, I felt like Nearsighted was supposed to happen. I had more emotions leading up to it, mostly excitement, being that this was my first collab gallery. Other than that, I’m familiar with the energy of the exhibition experience from attending Ezra’s previous two galleries. Ultimately, the opening night was sort of natural, really. I guess what stood out the most was the people.

E: I felt a sort of relief that I had pulled off another exhibition series. I also felt great to be able to collab with my good friend ThirdEye on it. I think I needed that validation that other artists in Baltimore are willing to collab on such a project. 

2. Other than the word “Nearsighted,” if you had to pick one word to describe the work in the show, what would it be and why? 

T: A word I would use to describe the show, on my end, would be growth. I feel like my work over the past two years really found a way to speak for itself. Ultimately, seeing my work framed in this fashion made me look at my work in a completely different light from when I first picked up a camera.

E: “Depth.” The collection features different depths of field for each piece. Also, the use of black and white forces you to focus on the differences of each image. “Depth” is one of those things that desaturation forces my eye to notice off rip.

3. When selecting pieces for the show, what were the defining traits a photo had to have to make the cut?

 T: I was a bit insecure about selecting my photos to begin with. I respect Ezra deeply as an artist, so my initial thought was what work of mine do I see beside his? I also made an introduction to having a gallery to call my own. I think my selection was still me finding myself as a photographer. These pieces chosen are different alleys of my growth. Once I saw the pieces framed, everything made sense.

E: I just had to like it enough. If it’s something I’d look at for a while, then I know it’s a standout piece, at least to me. 

4.  The Nearsighted photobook was another opportunity for supporters to bring your art home, and it sold out. How does it feel knowing that your photos will live in someone’s home? 

 T: I love the fact that my work will be a part of people’s lives. Photography is a medium that never dies, so the Nearsighted books are something that will be looked at and passed down through generations. I think knowing that now is what keeps me creative. My work will live past my lifetime, and there’s physical proof of that. There’s no ceiling to who Ezra and I will become as artists, so to create something like this book, and for it to sell out will really go a long way as we grow with time.

E: It feels like I’m completing the reason for my craft. For it to be a physical item that someone can enjoy and be inspired by. A conversation for people to have. A silent moment of meditation. Whatever the purpose it fulfills for others, I love that it’s away from the digital world and in people’s faces.

5. What’s a piece of artistic philosophy you live by — and can you point to a specific project where it really showed up?

T: I truly believe that photos tell a story that the photographer doesn’t. Either that or you could feel the story through the images. This project is where it showed up for me a lot. I learned that curiosity is a big thing in photography. People want to know what was the inspiration behind the work, and sometimes my answer is, “This is just how I saw something in that moment.” It’s not until later that I see my work as something worth talking about or having a story behind.

E: A main idea or philosophy I live by is “tuning out.” It’s a chapter in The Creative Act by Rick Ruben. It comes into play with all of my recent works over the past two years, but especially with my next short film titled “Flight Response.” Tuning out everything in this world to create my world. Screw the media and deadlines. Just make what you love.

6. Will there be another opportunity for supporters to experience Nearsighted?

T: We just wrapped with our closing show on Sept. 11th. I doubt that this will be the last time that you will see a joint project from Ezra and me. I think we aren’t fully sure what we just started, but we both agree that there’s something to expand on with Nearsighted.

7. What emotion, experience, or idea would you like an onlooker to take away when viewing your art? 

T: I want you to take away how I see life. Rather than studio shoots, brand work, etc., I want to tell you something. Now, it’s on you to accept what’s being told, because each and every person is different. I want you to see my work as a way of connecting to self first. However you view art always comes back to how you see yourself, and that’s where the connection and conversation with others begin.

E: I’m not concerned with what viewers take from these photographs. I want everyone to have their own vision and experience and not be influenced by my own. Let them feel and experience.

8. How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist after completing this show?

T: I feel like my eye became one with the lens. I literally capture right then and there, and now I’m able to showcase. I learned that I’m a great artist. I’ve gained more confidence in showing my work. There’s still more work to be done for sure, but I grew to sit back and appreciate what is. I can’t wait to see what’s next in store.

E: I feel that as an art director, I can curate different themes and atmospheres in a detailed way. I feel as if I need new spaces to design and ideas to curate. They don’t have to be just my own creations anymore. I feel I’ve outgrown my little box.

9. Of the communities that you have captured, how do you think your art has added to them?

T: I think the ThirdEye/TET name is solidified as an artist here. My main thing was making a name for myself in the artist community of Baltimore. I say I did just that; my work represents me and my city. I would like to think that the viewer sees my love for Baltimore and its people. As I grow as an artist, the city grows in my eyes. Everything here is art to me, so I feel like I was already born into the community now, you know. It just took my work to capture my realization.

E: Baltimore is already rich in culture. I can only hope that my pieces and presence add to it. I try to make a lasting impact on the people I photograph and work with directly. 

Support the artists!

Ezra’s website: https://www.ezra.gallery

ThirdEye’s website: https://www.instagram.com/thirdeyet_/