by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19th of October 2026

This interview is close to my heart. My good friend Jay Satriani, who joined 1x in 2011 took a six-year break to reflect on his creative path. Jay is back! For him, photography is not merely about what is visible, but about what lies beyond the visible. It is not simply meant to be seen, but to be felt, explored, and experienced.

The time is right to discover - or rediscover - the soulful creative artist Jay is at the core of this interview and the messages he shares.

‘Love That Pierces the Darkness’

Dear Jay, first I would like to thank you so much for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! To begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects ou are involved in!
My name is Pajar Setiadi, but I am better known by my stage name, Jay Satriani. I was born in Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia, in 1983. I have been pursuing a career in music as a guitarist in metal and rock bands since the age of ten, and have also explored collaborations with traditional Sundanese music. This journey has earned me several festival awards and resulted in two albums. In addition to music, I was introduced to analogue photography as a child through my late father's camera. However, music initially became my greater passion. Since 2004, however, photography has grown to become an essential part of my artistic journey. Currently, I am revisiting my earlier work and discovering meanings that I could not fully understand until now. They have become mirrors, encouraging me to reflect, reassess and improve. To me, the past cannot be changed, but it can be understood. The lessons I learn from it today will form the foundation for a better tomorrow.

When and how did you start your photographic journey?
My journey into photography began in 2003, when I was feeling creatively exhausted by music and wanted to explore another art form. The following year, I started learning photography by assisting a friend who was a commercial photographer with wedding and pre-wedding projects, despite not owning a camera myself. I spent a lot of time at his studio, sometimes even sleeping there, driven by my desire to learn about photography and understand it better. Through dedication, patience and perseverance, I gradually mastered camera handling and lighting. I eventually established Warna Fotografi and organised photo-hunting events with my photography community.

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?
For me, photography began as a hobby that gradually evolved into a profession. Over time, however, it has come to mean so much more than just a career. It has become a way for me to express my feelings, reflect on my experiences and tell the visual story of my life's journey.

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?
For me, the most important experience has been discovering that photographs can convey meanings that I only begin to understand years later. Photography has taught me to see with my eyes, to feel, and to understand life. Over time, I have learned that emotional honesty, intuition and inner exploration matter more to me than technical perfection. For me, photography is about more than just creating images; it's also about discovering myself through my work.

Describe your overall photographic vision.
My vision is to use photography as a visual language through which to express emotions, silence and the inner journey of human beings. My approach is intuitive and emotional, and I am not bound by rules or technical perfection. Using symbolism, imagination and everyday reality, I aim to create images that evoke feelings and encourage contemplation. For me, photography is a journey towards understanding life, time and the self.

The mood and composition in your fine art and conceptual works are outstanding! What is your secret and why are you so drawn by this photography type?
Discovering my photographic identity has been a decades-long journey, unfolding gradually much like life itself. After exploring various genres, concepts and creative processes, I started to ask myself: Where can I find work that truly reflects who I am? For me, every photograph I create and share becomes an opportunity for self-reflection. My interest in fine art and conceptual photography stems from my desire to visualise what I see, think and feel. It's not just about creating beautiful images for me; I want to convey atmospheres and meanings that others can feel and interpret in their own way. It is in this process that I find happiness in creating art. Even when a photograph conveys sadness, anger or loneliness, I accept every emotion as part of life. For me, the secret lies not in a particular technique, but in emotional honesty, intuition and the courage to stay true to myself.

‘Flying In A Dream’

What are the main features of a successful photographer in your opinion?
In my view, a photographer’s success should not be measured solely by awards, praise or financial rewards, but by their courage in discovering their identity and creating honestly. When we create freely, without being burdened by rules or the need for recognition, we can fully express ourselves and convey meaningful messages through our photographs. Awards, praise and financial rewards are bonuses; discovering our artistic identity and producing work that comes from the heart is the true achievement.

Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?
I begin some of my projects with careful planning, which involves writing the concept, selecting props and costumes, and scouting locations. I explain the story and intended message to the models to help them understand and embody their roles. However, many of my works emerge spontaneously in Photoshop. In this process, I allow my intuition to guide me as I combine images until they take on their own form and meaning. Sometimes, the final result conveys a message that I had not previously recognised, as if the artwork itself were speaking to me. A habit that accompanies my creative process is listening to instrumental music tuned to 432 Hz while editing. This helps me to feel calmer, to focus my mind and to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the work. For me, creating art is not just about manipulating images; it is a dialogue between the mind, emotions, intuition and soul.

Where do you look to find inspiration for the visual stories you want to convey? What inspires you?
I am inspired by observing life, drawing from my own inner journey and the experiences of those around me. Stories shared by friends, music, films and simple life events often prompt me to seek deeper meaning. I also draw significant inspiration from the spiritual teachings I am studying and the wisdom of spiritual mentors. All of these things provide material for reflection, which I then express visually through symbols, atmosphere and imagination. To me, inspiration is not just something I see, but something I feel and contemplate. I allow intuition to guide the creative process, enabling the artwork to convey a message that cannot always be expressed in words.

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?
In my opinion, equipment is important for supporting the creative process, but it should never be used as an excuse for complaining or limiting our creativity. To me, equipment is simply a means of capturing, creating and recording images. The process of taking a photograph actually begins long before the shutter button is pressed — it starts with thought, observation, feeling and imagination. The last equipment I used was a Canon EOS 7D, a Canon 24 mm STM prime lens, a Lensbaby 50 mm lens and lighting equipment from a local Indonesian brand. I no longer own any of this equipment. However, I believe that the essence of photography lies not in the sophistication of the tools used, but in how a photographer sees, feels and translates ideas into visual art. To me, the camera is just a tool — what matters most is the story and soul behind the image.

What would be your favorite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.
The photograph, titled 'Lonely', reflects my life's journey, expressing the feelings of loneliness, emptiness and inner void that have accompanied me at various points along the way. The breakdown of my marriage and living far from my children have become part of my inner journey, shaping my understanding of loneliness. Yet, to this day, I continue to learn from every life experience, and I am guided towards a deeper understanding of what loneliness truly means. Gradually, I have come to realise that we are never truly alone. Beneath the silence and emptiness that we sometimes feel, His presence accompanies us through every step of our lives. For me, 'Lonely' is not just a story of solitude; it is an inner journey towards the realisation that even in our deepest loneliness, we are never truly abandoned.

‘Lonely’

Who are your favorite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?
My favourite senior mentor and photographer, Hari Sulistiawan, introduced me to the 1x website. He is my idol and inspiration. Fitra Pranadjaja and Hendra S. Marcus are my guides and critics. Among international photographers, Ben Goossens ✝ is a particular favourite of mine; I am inspired by his surreal work and miss his presence.

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.
My future project will involve visualising the life lessons I have learned and the meanings I have discovered through my own experiences. I intend to translate this inner journey into photographic works that are rich in symbols and metaphors. I want each image to be more than just something to look at; I want them to be spaces for reflection that offer a deeper understanding of life. I hope that each piece will carry a positive message, offering viewers a small light that touches the heart, opens new perspectives and invites them to feel, reflect and discover meaning in their own life journeys. To me, photography is not just about creating images; it's about sharing understanding and experience so that the lessons I have learned can also bring meaning and value to others' lives.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
Keep creating with your own character, uniqueness, and artistic approach, because I believe that happiness, beauty, and peace exist because of our differences. Every artist has a unique visual language and a personal way of interpreting life. I believe that the freedom to express these differences is what keeps art alive.

For me, 1X has become a space that allows me to freely express myself and explore my artistic vision.
Since joining in 2011, hundreds of my photographs have been rejected, far more than those that have been published. However, I have never considered rejection the end of my journey. After taking a six- year break to reflect on my creative path, I returned with a deeper understanding of myself and the messages I wish to convey through my work. My sincere gratitude goes to 1X.com for providing such a meaningful space where I can share, explore, and discover my own visual language. For me, being part of this community is not merely about publishing photographs, gaining recognition, or receiving appreciation. It is about having the opportunity to grow, reflect, and discover my artistic identity. Thank you for creating a platform where photography can transcend technical considerations and become a personal expression of emotion, thought, experience, and soul.


Best Regards,
Jay  
“May peace and prosperity be upon us all. Shalom, Om Swastiastu, Namo Buddhaya, and Salam Kebajikan.”

‘Darkened Days To Come’

‘Dreams play a kite’

‘Nothing is sure but death’

‘Two In One’

‘The game high jump’

‘Jump’

‘Alone’

‘Light Life’

‘i miss you mom’

‘Silence’

‘Ambition’

‘Half of my soul is her.’

‘Freedom’

‘Dreamworld’

‘Two Souls, One Light’

‘Of the soul are trapped’

‘Behind the Veil of Life’

‘MR.….?