Elizabeth Soule is a 28 year old artist from Portland, Oregon. Her Little Zoo Polaroids are some of the cutest photographs ever and she has also taken part in the previously mentioned Old School show. I asked her a couple of questions about her little animals:

When did you begin creating photographs?

I started studying photography in highschool, studied it in college and then did a Professional Certificate at the Maine Photographic Workshops. I loved looking at black and white photos and wanted learn the process. Once I started studying other photographers and seeing the possibilities of what I could create, I was hooked.

Are you solely an artist or do you have another profession?

At the moment I’m an artist, although I feel like that job comes with many hats. I do freelance from time to time as a project manager for print campaigns and events.

How did the idea for your Little Zoo series come about?

The Little Zoo came about due to boredom and the desire to be photographing more. I had just received my first SX-70 and was playing around with it, photographing some toy figures a friend had given me. I was just playing around, being goofy, not thinking too much about it. The images made me smile, so I decided to make more.

Where do you find such a variety of toy animals and the backgrounds you use in the Polaroids?

The animals are from various toy stores. I stop in every toy store that I see. The backgrounds are a variety of things. Vintage wallpaper, hand painted paper, scrapbook paper, art paper, old books. I have a big folder full of all different papers I’ve found.

Why did you choose to use Polaroids for creating the series?

I saw a commonality between the instant gratification that each provided. I also wanted to play with the idea that each object, the toy and the Polaroid is a plastic replication of the original form.

How do you feel about the ‘death of Polaroid’?

Every time I’m asked about it I buy more film. I’m sad that the images won’t be able to be made with this process in a couple of years. I have slowly been experimenting with new formats to figure out what I’ll be doing next. I do have enough film to last me for a year or so.

What inspires you?

Other people’s art. Looking at the other creative ideas people come up with and the beautiful objects they create makes me want to create.

Check out more of Elizabeth’s work on her website - esoule.com, her Flickr or purchase some of her wonderful prints mounted on wood blocks on her Etsy shop.

Every Friday internet jogging features an artist, series or something special Chelsee finds while scouring the white, pink and blue treasure trove. We call this the Friday Flickr Feature.