Interview of Julián Cancino as told to Kerrie Kemperman
Please describe your current show at Washington Street Art Center.
In A Lens Full of Light, I’m sharing an intimate glimpse of life through my lens—particularly the first year of my daughter’s life. I find that watching new life unfold brings with it an overwhelming sense of tenderness, awe, and joy. My friend, Gretchen Ann Graham, brings her own perspective in the form of a 25-year retrospective of her family. Together, our works reflect the connections, the love, and the passage of time. I feel deeply honored to be part of this exhibition, especially in a community like Somerville, where the people and their stories matter so much. I invite everyone to come see it at Washington Street Gallery from March 28th to April 25th, and join us for the opening reception on April 5th from 6-9 pm.
Tell us about some of your previous photography projects, themes, or subjects. How have you explored photography thus far, or how would you describe your practice of this art form?
Photography, for me, is very personal. It’s a way to understand the world I live in and to connect with the people and places around me. My work has centered around the themes of isolation, inner conflicts, power dynamics, decay and destruction. I don’t often know what the “message” is when I first start, but after hours of darkroom work, something begins to reveal itself. There’s no set “style” either—just a desire to explore and tell stories through the lens, with an open mind and heart.
Tell us a bit about your background both in a general and artistic sense. How and when did you get into photography? What does it mean to you?
I was born in Mexico but life has taken me to many places—Bahia, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and Jamaica Plain, to name a few—before I finally settled in Somerville in 2014. As a child, I didn’t have much exposure to art, nor did I know any artists. The idea of being an artist never really crossed my mind.
It wasn’t until I was a junior in high school, when I transferred to a school that required arts education, that I discovered photography. At the time, I was still learning English, so the performing arts felt out of reach. However, the visual arts spoke to me in a language I could understand. So, I picked up a camera and immediately felt a connection to it. Sadly, I lost it, a Canon AE-1, on the public bus, and that loss halted my journey for a while.
In 2022, I got a second chance with a Canon AE-1. My partner’s grandmother passed away and I inherited her camera. She was a painter who recognized a spark in me, even when I thought it had faded. Her belief in that part of me, now embodied in this camera, feels like a way to honor her legacy and face my own path as an artist.
What camera did you start with, and what do you use now and why?
My very first camera was a Canon AE-1 and today I use a Canon AE-1 and a Canon AE-1 Program. These are incredibly personal cameras for me. I find it meaningful to use a tool that’s rooted in memory and connection. I also use a Holga, an Instax Mini, and a Zenit. I’ve thought about exploring medium format but, for now, these cameras feel right. It’s what I have, and it’s what I’m doing, and that’s enough for me.
Who are some of the influences who have inspired your work, both in the past and the present?
As a child, I was drawn to short stories. The words of Silvina Ocampo in La furia (Sur, 1959) still haunt me. In college, I audited film courses at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The work of Pedro Costa, particularly In Vanda’s Room, left a profound impact on me. It’s a film that unfolds entirely in fixed shots, and it made me think differently about the passage of time and the spaces we inhabit.
Lately, I find inspiration in the people around me. My daughter, with her constant curiosity about the world; my niece, who creates beautiful little worlds with paper and glue; my partner, whose singing in a community choir brings texture to our lives; and artists at Washington Street Gallery. These acts of curiosity, ingenuity, harmony, and persistence I see in others fuel my own creativity and keep me going.
How would you describe your work/life balance, or how do you balance your creative time with the pressures of making a living and having a family?
Balancing all the pieces of life is certainly a juggling act. Photography is my personal space—it’s what helps me make sense of the world, even when I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for. My family is the core of my being, and spending time with them is always a priority. So, we’ve learned to navigate this balance together, supporting each other through the logistics when photography calls for my attention. The key, I believe, is commitment, flexibility, and mutual support.
What’s one of your favorite places in Somerville or a favorite local event? (Doesn’t have to relate to photography or art, but can!)
I love Prospect Hill Park. It’s one of those places that feels like a reflection of the neighborhood. And, of course, Washington Street Gallery because it’s more than just an art space; it’s a community. I’m also a regular at Highland Kitchen. Somerville feels like home, and these places are part of what makes it so special.
Any social media links you would like to share?
One of the best ways to experience my work—and that of many local artists—is by visiting a brick-and-mortar location like Washington Street Gallery. Come to Final Fridays (6-8pm, on the “final” Friday of every month!) to see the latest show and support artists’ spaces, which are crucial for preserving the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. We can also connect on social (@juliancancino_) to talk about art and vinyl!
More Artists of the Month from 2025
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About the Artist of the Month
This program is inspired by the Nave Gallery’s “Featured Artist” program, which ran from 2005 to 2009.
SAC’s Artist of the Month program is a way for us to celebrate the enormous wealth of talent in our city, by shining a spotlight on a different creative Somervillian each month.
This program has been put together by a whole raft of people: Coordinators Jenn Harrington (2013-2014) and Kellie Veiga (2013), Gilmore Tammy (2017) and Somerville Arts Council board members Matt Kaliner, Tim Devin, Valeria Amato, and Michael J. Epstein, Bill House (2019-2020), Charan Devereaux (2019-2025), Tori Weston (2019-2025) and Andrea Read (2022-2025). Current coordinators, are Kerrie Kemperman (2019-), Seth Garcia (2025-), and Ben Cuba (2026-).
Know of a great Somerville based artist who should be recognized, please nominate the artist for consideration. We seek artists who contribute to the community through their strong work and community collaborations. Artist should either reside in the City or contribute to the City’s vibrant art scene.