JONATHAN CHERRY: What time did you get up this morning?

ANDREW SPEAR: I got up around 9 a.m. today, slowly adjusting to the life of a college graduate.

JC: What was the last photography book you picked up?

AS: The mailman just dropped off Trent Parke’s new book titled Bedknobs & Broomsticks. I’m currently soaking it up/trying to wrap my head around everything, and I find it to be one of the more intriguing presentations of work I have seen recently. I’ve always been drawn to the relationship between photography and the written word.

JC: What is your current project all about?

AS: Having been surrounded by it for four years now, I’m currently working on a project regarding sexuality in college. I started work on the project in September of last year as a senior in college after some brainstorming and a lot of “I don’t know, man” moments amongst peers. Initially for class, I began to examine the sexual relationships students build with one another - everything from long-term relationships to random hook - ups. The project, however, is about much more than college kids having sex with a lot of different people. I’m pursuing students finding themselves in terms of homosexuality, heterosexuality, and bisexuality. I also believe that body image has a very relevant place in a project like this; students change eating and exercising habits with the goal of appearing attractive to the opposite sex, and not necessarily for the health benefits. I think it’s a topic that is largely overlooked because “that’s what people do in college,” but I find it important to document the sexual tension in a college town.

JC: Can you give us some examples of things that inspire you?

AS: Lately, I’d have to say awkward interactions with strangers and music. It’s always changing though, I recently picked up a TLR and have been walking around shooting portraits of people in my community. I’ve been really looking forward to the initial awkwardness that leads into a much longer conversation, especially when it becomes revealing for the both of us. There’s something very beautiful about having a complete stranger open up to you in just moments. As for music, I’ve been living (and will be for the next year) with a really talented group of musicians. We all push ourselves creatively as we’re very much on the same page, we’re just working in different mediums.

JC: What has the second half of 2010 got in store for you photographically?

AS: I’m looking at wrapping up my work in Glouster, Ohio (at least for the time being) and continuing my project on sexuality. I’m also beginning work on a new project, but I’m keeping it under wraps for the time being.

JC: What can you be found doing when the camera isn’t in your hands?

AS: I’m a big fan of bike rides, skiing, reading books, and driving through the country.

JC: Any tips for recent photography graduates?

AS: This is a question that people like myself could benefit from the answer, so as we’re in the same boat I’ll just give what’s working for me right now. Don’t stop shooting or thinking, pay attention to everything and try your hardest to understand your surroundings. Most importantly, shoot for yourself.

JC: Any other thoughts?

AS: Thanks so much for giving me this opportunity. You guys have featured some really beautiful work on MULL IT OVER.