The Jersey City Independent "

Laos Fois is a 34-year-old Venezuelan-Italian born in Peru who’s been in Jersey City for many years. He first learned photography from his father, and currently makes a go of it as a commercial photographer. But his passion lies in his personal photography work. “[I want] to photograph subjects and ideas that mean something to me and hopefully find something real in them,” he says. “And eventually make a living solely at what I love doing.”

Day job:

Commercial Photographer

What’s the worst, most interesting, or most just-plain-bizarre thing that’s happened to you at work?

I jumped in the water in Miami, where we were location scouting for a photo shoot. I was assisting, and although it was sunny, the three clouds that were in the sky started bolting lightning onto the beach. Everyone was screaming at me to get out of the water, since I was the only one in it. When I saw the lighting coming I just bolted out of there myself.

Does work ever conflict with your art?

All the time. There is the stuff I do for money and the stuff I do for myself — the money stuff always makes me tired when its time to do stuff for myself.

Do you have health insurance?

I wish! I’m working on it …

Who are the three people you’d most like to have at one of your shows, in terms of helping your career?

Hmm … How about Annie Leibovitz (she can bring friends) and MOMA director Glenn D. Lowry — he can bring friends too, but I’ll be happy if he was the only one there. And I’ll take anyone official from Random House Publishing.

If Wal-Mart approached you about using your work in an ad, for a large sum, would you do it? Where do you draw that line, if anywhere?

Yes I’d take their money — I need health insurance, remember? But I don’t give them my money as I try not to shop at evil empire locales. I guess I would draw the line somewhere more concrete, like at a hate group.

Any additional thoughts on the conflicts and intersections of work and art?

It’s hard to keep up the pace necessary to produce art work that you’re proud of and make enough enough money to pay for it, and pay for the rest of a meaningful life.

Day Job is a monthly column examining the contradictions, conflicts and convergence between work and art. We’re always looking for new people to profile. If you or someone you know fits the bill, email jwhiten (at) gmail.com.

Like what you've read here? Please consider making a donation or becoming a sustaining member. As a grassroots news organization, we rely on community support -- as well as paid advertising -- to survive.