Huldaholm quickly became one of Buzznet’s most popular members, thanks to her kaleidoscopic photography and for her passion for music. But then, to our dismay, she nearly vanished from our midst a year ago. Ever since, we’ve been wondering what became of one of our most distinctive voices. After a long, cold hunt across the ocean, we caught up with the Icelandic photographer, learned about her quest for inspiration and found out what the future has in store.

Buzznet: Were you ever aware of your popularity and influence on Buzznet? How did it make you feel? How has it affected you as an artist?

Hulda: I was somewhat aware, yes. I think it sometimes got to my little naive head a bit, sometimes I thought I could just do anything and people would love it. I never thought I was an influence though. It was definitely very flattering, everyone loves to feel appreciated. I think it humbled me as an artist... When I came back from my absence from Buzznet I expected everything to be the same, but that wasn't the case. I learned a lot and grew as an artist and a person. I thank Buzznet for how far I've gotten from when I first started.

Buzznet: I think a lot of people on Buzznet who became accustomed to your photography and commentary all want to know one thing: Where have you been???

Hulda: I've been busy! I haven't really been paying my photography too much attention lately.

Buzznet: How's school going?

Hulda: It's good! My social life inside the school is much better than my studies though... I failed two math classes but managed to get my grades up eventually. Other than that it's really good.

Buzznet: Do you ever miss Buzznet? Could there be a triumphant return in the works?

Hulda: I miss Buzznet like crazy! I always come back now and then but it always feels different somehow... Like I don't belong here anymore… which is really sad. I do wish to come back and start taking pictures again.. I also want my photography to be edgier and more fun than it was when I left.

Buzznet: How so?

Hulda: I feel like I got stuck in a rut somehow... When I started taking pictures I documented my life and my friends. Somehow I stopped doing that. I felt like I had to raise the bar a bit and started deliberately taking photos to look "artistically correct" and not just because I liked the subject. I want my photos to be casual and not forced. So that's where I'm headed.

Buzznet: In terms of your photography, did you derive your inspiration from those around you on Buzznet or from people in Iceland? Did you ever try to emulate other artists?

Hulda: Wow you ask good questions! In the beginning my main inspirations were on buzznet. When I started exploring photography and style and art my inspirations started coming from the people around me in Iceland. I know a great photographer called Birta Rán (flickr.com/birtarnb) and I liked her drive and innovation a lot. My current inspirations are the Icelandic street style, my friends, the people at my school and great photographers like Annie Leibovitz (her old Rolling Stone stuff) and Harry Benson. Those two are probably my favorite photographers.

Buzznet: Do you still keep in contact with anyone from Buzznet?



Hulda: I do. I still talk to .. well you, obviously, Bree, Shannon, Netty and Funks. I miss all the other great people on here though.

Buzznet: So what's in your near future? What do you hope to accomplish in the next year of your life?

Hulda: Oh wow... well, this summer I'm working for my hometown.. My job is to basically have fun. I'm in the theatre group "Sannleikur" which translates to the truth. We have a lot of fun stuff planned to make our town a little more colorful and fun. I'll start my second year of junior college this fall, which I'm really excited for. I'm secretary in the head of the theatre club at my school. I'm hoping to have fun, go to concerts, make new friends.. maybe even get a boyfriend :P And just live life to the fullest. That's how I want my life to be, basically. And get you to visit me! :-D



Buzznet: Oh man, that seriously needs to happen. Who else from Buzznet would you like to bring to Iceland? What would you do while they were there?

Hulda: Ooh! I'd love to bring Shannon and Funks.. and Bree! I would definitely take you on a round trip… as soon as I get my driver's licence (my first lesson is tomorrow). Show you all the amazing places here. We have active volcanoes, lagoons and fun stuff! I think you'd love it here. Everyone loves it here! I mean it, Iceland is gorgeous.

Buzznet: How do you think living in Iceland has affected you as a person?

Hulda: I'm very friendly and helpful. I'm big tempered and a tough cookie. Everyone in Iceland is a distant relative (don't worry, incest is also very illegal over here) because there are only 300,000 of us. We're an easy-going nation and relatively un-prejudiced. We're hard-working people and ambitious. We're also very proud to be Icelanders and are not afraid to stand up for our people and our country.

So I think it has made me a very good person if anything. The only evil people on this island are bankers and politicians.