Granadas

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Photographer: Mary Cordero
Models: BTS Dolls
Styling: Mary Cordero
I did this doll photo shoot at the Brandon’s suggestion. Thankfully, I collect dolls, so a doll photo shoot
was perfect for me. Ever sice the pandemic started, I had begun collecting dolls for fun. I made shoes for
them with scrap leather. I also made furniture out of cardboard and other scrap items I had laying atround the
house. It was a lot of fun.
For the shoot, I just used the shoes that I made for them along with some small props. I had been

photographing my dolls long before this, so this was a nice way to tie my hobby in GwiRthAthNisAprDojeActS. 153

Storytelling as Escapism, an Inter-
view with Nick DiGuilio

By Brandon Hessinger

BH: How have the global pandemic and state of politics affected your abili-
ty to work? (on stories)
ND: The pandemic has allowed me so much more time to put time into my
stories and the world it takes place in. This has given me the ability to delve
deeper and deeper into the details. How the characters love, fight, etc.
down to the intricacies of their relationships. Also the political struggles
and histories of the different peoples that inhabit the world, from ancient
ruling families to the pantheon of gods pulling the strings.
BH: Do you think these external things influence your stories and charac-
ters?
ND: Yes of course. I’m a big lover of history and the high and lows of pow-
erful figures throughout ages. I have been inspired by the cultures of medi-
eval Europe, Rome, Byzantium, Greece, Africa, and the Middle East. Many
events like the Fall of Constantinople and the defeat of the Spanish Empire
by Elizabeth the Ist have worked their way into my little world.
BH: Do you view your work to be a form of escapism, or therapy when
dealing with stress?
ND:Yes one-hundred percent. It Is my way to make the extra time pass but
also something to take me away from the harder stuff in life just for a sec-
ond. It has been a way for me to work through my anxiety and just escape
for a moment of clarity.
BH: Would you consider yourself a storyteller? a writer? or something else?

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ND:I’d say something else. I would
guess I’m a blend between storytell-
er and artist. My world and the sto-
ries in it are more represented visu-
ally than with words. In a way kind
of a puzzle I can only understand.
BH: You say your characters are of-
ten a reflection of yourself? Can you
give an example?
ND: Yes. Three characters in partic-
ular all came from different times of
my life and the feelings I felt during
that time. One was born from want-
ing love, another control, and the
third the drive to keep trying.

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ND:I’d say something else. I would
guess I’m a blend between storytell-
er and artist. My world and the sto-
ries in it are more represented visu-
ally than with words. In a way kind
of a puzzle I can only understand.
BH: You say your characters are of-
ten a reflection of yourself? Can you
give an example?
ND: Yes. Three characters in partic-
ular all came from different times of
my life and the feelings I felt during
that time. One was born from want-
ing love, another control, and the
third the drive to keep trying.

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Cowboys By Brandon Hessinger

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Mirrors By Brandon Hessinger

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THANK YOU FOR READING!