JONATHAN CHERRY: What got you started with photography?

DAYV MATTT: In High School, and with the help of my Uncle, I was able to setup a darkroom in my basement and slowly started to learn how to develop film and do prints. I shot standard issue boring shit. But then I started taking my camera with me to Jungle and Drum’n’Bass shows to document the crowd and the dj’s. In university I kept shooting the parties, but also got into some protest stuff and maintained my love of shooting the boring shit.

JC: Any emerging artists inspiring you at the moment?

DM: I am very much hoping that TEPSIC magazine is a complete and undeniable success. The idea is genius and it is something that has never been done before, which is awesome and inspiring.

JC: What’s your current project all about?

DM: My camera broke down so I decided to print a book to help pay for a new one. The book, HIGH STREET LOW STREET, is a collection of street photography taken in Seoul from 2008 – 2011. The book is 84 A3 size pages and includes, what I think, is a really great collection of my work. One of the coolest aspects about this project is that it was almost entirely funded by my small group of Tumblr followers. They’re awesome and I could not have done it without them. There are more than enough copies for anyone else interested in owning it. Each book will be signed and numbered (I printed 500). More info about the book can be found on my website, or on my tumblr.

JC: Where are you currently living and how is it shaping you?

DM: I have been living in Seoul for the past ten years. I guess the biggest influence having lived here so long is my now very dedicated love of Korean food. I have no proof, but eating Korean food leaves me feeling healthier and happier.

JC: One piece of advice to recent photography graduates?

DM: Buy my book!

JC: Any big plans for 2012?

DM: Big plans in 2012 include selling all my books, buying a Nikon D3s, and then in September, following my wife to somewhere in Africa for a few years. This year is potentially very exciting!

JC: Favourite tree?

DM: Adansonia grandidieri are pretty cool.