Tiphanie Williams, better known as Ruby or softas_ on Instagram is truly one of a kind. She boasts an Instagram feed chock full of soft, self inclusive art and interpretive dance that will put you in a trance and subtly resembling Solange’s artistic endeavors that have been captured on phone or film. She was really vulnerable and shared with us her art, her experiences as a photographer and filmmaker and her thoughts on what it means to be an artist.
What is your real/preferred name?
My real name is Tiphanie Kenyetta Felice Williams. I’m named after my mother Tiffani.
What was the inspiration behind your username?
My username @softas_ comes from my love of soft aesthetics, as well as what I’ve always felt was a strong part of my identity.
I exist on the autistic spectrum. Growing up in Flint, Michigan you [are] taught to be tough and [that] it's very well necessary to survive. However, I’ve always felt open and vulnerable and quiet
I was mute from age 12-17. This was how I dealt with my environment, but it also became a big part of me.
How long have you been into photography and film?
Because of my working-class upbringing, I was often discouraged from pursuing art. However, I still bought my first film camera at 16 and started photography in high school.
I’ve always loved film and photography. [I] go back and forth between [them] as well as zine and collage making.
A year ago after hitchhiking through the Southwest I returned to Los Angeles and created my first film using just my iPhone and iMovie.
What do you record and film with?
Nothing fancy. Everything (as far as film and photography) is pretty much created on my iPhone. I’m not traditionally trained nor do I hold an art degree. [However] life has been my biggest teacher and I’ve trained my eye just through experience.
I used to feel like I couldn’t create anything without all the equipment one is said to need, but I really enjoy lowbrow, low manipulation, and “low budget” when it comes to art.
And that sentiment that is reflected throughout all her work. A majority of Williams’ film is hand made without the use of a professional camera. As she says, “I’m more so expressing a way of being that can often get lost with overproducing works of art.”
There is a soft, lingering effect that comes from the majority of your photos. Where do you draw inspiration from and how do you keep your style consistent?
My biggest inspiration, when it comes to art, has to be people.
I’m always amazed by life and the people who have come before me, the ones who exist here with me and those that will inherit this world after me.
The soft feel of the pieces I’ve created all stem from taking in the smallest moments; being quiet, watching and listening. In those moments, comes the biggest spark of inspiration. [Inspiration] comes from the silence and beauty of everyday life.
I’ve been honored to live in the Midwest, Southwest, East Coast, and West coast. And [in all] all these places, I’ve gotten to meet wonderful people and see beautiful new places. From these experiences, I like to create work that doesn’t really identify one place, person or persons, though [I’d] rather give the audience a sense that they exist in an ideal place because we all very well do. It’s the little beauties of every place and realization, as well as acceptance that helps keep the consistent flow.
What was the inspiration or central message of this photo set?
For this specific piece, the biggest challenge that I’ve had to face is physical. I have always been larger in body weight. This has held me back from doing things such as riding bikes, as well as swimming. Because I’ve always felt so insecure about my weight I’ve often not been able to feel my body at all! I’ve always wanted to learn how to swim, especially living by both oceans. These photos were taken at one of the first of many swimming lessons for me.
The message is very much being able to push oneself beyond what one feels they are capable of doing!
Any tips for young photographers and cinematographers of color trying to forge their way into the industry?
[To push oneself beyond what one feels they are capable of doing] is that would be my biggest advice to anyone that doubts them self as an artist.
We are all artists, even outside this society that tries to strip us of our creativity. There is nothing a college or university can give you as an artist that you don’t already have. There is nothing that you can’t create even if you don’t feel you have all the best equipment and tools due to any obstacle whether it be capitalism or racism.
As people of color, we have come from a long hostel of people who have always been creative! It is a part of us and our survival!
In any moment look around you, there is art.
Click here to view Tiphanie’s latest feature film
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