JONATHAN CHERRY: What gets you up in the morning?

MARIBETH KEANE: Recently, the smell of local New Hampshire coffee. I really enjoy long mornings so I’m usually happy watching the sunrise with said coffee.

JC: Are there any emerging photographers inspiring you at the moment?

MK: Some friends of mine are making really inspiring work: Kellen Medina, Patrick Aguilar, Paccarik Orue, Kenny Hurtado. 

JC: What is Pushing Air all about?

MK: Pushing Air is about finding the quiet, still parts of a city that was often defined to me by chaos and violence, both by people and nature. In early 2011 I moved to Memphis, Tennessee and spent most days driving around places that the locals had warned me about. The idea behind the project was to spend time in these places, to sit and wait, to watch the city become something during my time there. In the end Memphis became a city pushing towards a constant transition, but stuck in its unfinished landscapes. 

JC: How do you find juggling personal & commercial work?

MK: I assume it would be a good challenge, however, I haven’t had the experience yet. Since I graduated in 2010 I have been traveling through America and Europe. It’s been a struggle, but to fund trips and film I have worked odd jobs, usually taking the mornings, evenings, and days off to shoot. Thus far, everything has been personal work. I hope to change that in the coming year.

JC: What equipment do you use? (from cameras - software - hardware)

MK: I was using a 4x5 Crown Graphic and now I shoot with a Mamiya RZ.

JC: Any advice to recent photography graduates?

MK: Keep shooting, remember patience, talk to people, follow your instincts, and trust yourself. Experiment and keep making mistakes!

JC: Favourite tree?

MK: Magnolia. Willow. 

Maribeth also has a tumblr.