Topic: Interview / INTERVIEW AUGUST 2009 WITH MUKESH SRIVASTAVA

All About Your Best Work
Interview with Mukesh Srivasava by Teri Wall

Tell us about yourself and your work?
I am an Electrical Engineer by profession and presently posted at Dhanbad as Dy. Director (Electrical) in DGMS, Govt. of India. The photography is my serious hobby. I love to capture the colors, beauty and details of Nature. I also love to capture candid moment of People and country life style. I started photography during my college days. But I took it seriously four years back. To start with I purchased my first DSLR-Nikon D70S. A few months back, I bought Nikon D700. I have lenses like 18-200mm, 70-300mm, 50mm 1.4, 105mm 2.8 macro and 1.4 x tele-converters. I took training at Life and Light Academy, Ooty, India. I am thankful to Nathan Daniel Sigman the faculty from Brooks Institute, USA, who taught me the fundamentals of Creative Photography and composition at this institute. I am also inspired by the works of Iqbal Mehmood, the Director of this institute and International Photographer and Susana E. Pindiyath, the photographer from Hong Kong. I am a Life member of Federation of Indian Photography.

What is it about where you live or where you come from that influences your work?
I hail from Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. This state is famous for vibrant colors, cultural heritage and Historical Architectures. Most of my awarded images were shot in Rajasthan.

What first inspired your interest in art?
I visited Jahangir Gallery of Modern Arts, Mumbai, India. I saw the mood, colors and speaking arts. I got so much inspired from these arts that I decided to start capturing such beautiful art through lenses.

What continues to inspire your work?
I joined Red Bubble in Feb, 09. I was amazed to see the variety and quality of arts at one place. I still get inspired by the arts of RB members. I am in love with RB.

What kind of art do you like most and why?
I love capturing abstract from nature and the mood of people. It gives me enormous satisfaction.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
On 19.7.09 I got Kodak Picture of the Day award for my picture title “Time to Go Home”. This is 9th Kodak award for me. The details are as follows:
1. Photo titled “Thirst” on 14.5.08.
2. Photo titled “Hawa Mahal” on 2.10.08.
3. Photo titled “Tea Time” on 26.2.09.
4. Photo titled “Green Jack Fruit” on 3.3.09.
5. Photo titled “Love and Care” on 15.4.09
6. Photo titles “Morning Mist” on 25.6.09
7. Photo titled “I am a Photographer Too” on 6.7.09.
8. Photo titled “Amazing Medieval Art” on 17.7.09.
9. Photo titled “Time to Go Home” on 19.7.09
My work “Thirst” also ranked 4th at National Geographic in International Photo Competition, 2008. At Betterphoto.com, I have been honored for my more than 30 photographs. Out of thirty, four images are on Taj Mahal and seven images are on Rajasthan. I always try to propagate the beauty and history of India on international site to attract tourists. Recently I have published more than seven calendars on Indian Culture and tradition.
Such as:
1. Taj Mahal-Symbol of Love.
2. Rajasthan-Rich Cultural Heritage
3. Refreshing Sunflowers
4. People-India
5. India-Traveler’s Paradise
6. Erotic Arts of Khajuraho
7. Lotus-Symbol of Purity and Spiritualism
8. Earthen Pottery

Do you have any message you would like to pass on?
Yes. The more we see the works of others, more we improve our skill. Patience, hard work and creative vision are the key factors in the field of Photography.

Have you sold any of your works yet?
Yes, I have sold three cards at RB.

What do you like best about RedBubble?
Variety of Arts at one platform. Sharing attitude of m

Topic: Interview / Interview with Mohsen Bayramnejad

Congratulations!!! Excellent interview and i love your work Mohsen….xxxxx

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jerame

Just a sidenote: it’s Jerame. Not Jerames.

:) Thanks so much!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jerame

You’re welcome!! Your portraits are very special!!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jerame

Thank you so much for the honor!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jerame

This week we have interviewed group member/artist Jerame

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I started out with Pentax equipment while I was shooting film and I LOVED Pentax! I didn’t want to make the jump to digital for various reasons, but as I saw the way the wind was blowing, I decided I was fighting a losing battle. I was shooting weddings in film and I got tired of seeing all the guests with their digital cameras! So in December of 2005 I bit the bullet and decided to go digital.

Even though I never had a complaint about Pentax, I had an awe of Nikon and so I went for it all: from film to digital and from Pentax to Nikon. I was a reborn man. I started with the D70 and then bought a D80 which is fine, but eventually I’ll go for a larger Nikon. All these toys cost money and this economy isn’t rushing me to the store yet.

But I’m a diehard Nikon man and proud of it.

I also just bit the bullet and acquired Photoshop. I have currently joined the ranks of millions who hate it, curse it and spit at it. Thank goodness I haven’t needed it before now. But it’s kind of cool.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

A number of things inspired my interest in art, one of them being my father who was a draftsman, photographer and artist. He suffered a major stroke and his capabilities have decreased but he still has his drive to create and design with brilliant artistic flair. The other thing that inspires my interest in art is a beautiful woman. Fortunately, I’ve been surrounded by them.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

Probably my most favorite type of art is dancing. I love the movement to music in all forms. It’s emotional, happy, sensual, angry, playful and full of energy. Those are my personal qualities and even though I can’t dance well, I fully relate and fantasize about being a great dancer. But I love the other arts too.
Photography wise, my love is with people, portraits, and models for the same reasons- to capture emotion, love, and beauty.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

I have no interest in leaving the country unless a nice job was there. I’ve travelled a lot and seen many spectacular places, but I’m a New Yorker deep down inside. I lived there briefly and to me there is NO PLACE like New York City.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

I’ve created a masterpiece so I can die happy. But photographers are always looking for that next great shot and that’s definitely true in my case.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

I’ve had numerous personal triumphs that I reflect on occasionally but one great feeling I’ve had the privilege to enjoy is this: more than once a talented artist that I admire has told me that I’ve been an inspiration to them. To me that’s deep.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

Nope. Just a request- Continue to bring your beauty and individuality to the fore. I enjoy admiring everyone’s art so thank you for sharing yourself.

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

nice interview comrade ! your very much like me – no sleep and always on the go!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

Thank you steve, thank you Linda and Ushna!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

congrats!!!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

Congrats!!!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

very nice interview.. very informative and interesting answer “the Internet.” :)

Congrats

Steve

Topic: Interview / Interview with Diesel Laws

This week we have interviewed group member/artist Diesel Laws

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I am an artist in many senses of the word, currently focusing on T-Shirt designs but also involved in Music Production, Website Development and other artistic endeavours. I am a non-stop designer (no really), always working towards these areas. I am so passionate about designing that I literally only sleep for about 3-4 hours each night, while the rest of the time I am glued to my computer. I still work a full time job, but as soon as the day finishes I am on the computer – sometimes I am so involved I forget to eat dinner!

The computer and Internet have changed my life and allowed me to pursue things that I have dreamed about for so long. There rarely is a day where I don’t yearn to create something new. For the most part, my creativity is converted through the computer with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, specifically taking advantage of the Pen Tool, which has positively changed my work flow in such a short amount of time.

I try to get every idea out of my head and put it on the page in the shortest amount of time possible. I do this to keep the flow and passion in the design, and also to develop my interpretation skills as quickly as possible. But you can never overlook the power of the hand drawn design. I develop a lot of my ideas on pen/paper and then scan them in and use them as a guide layer.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

I think my first inspiration came from the impact of simple logos. Blink 182’s ‘Pill-Type’ logo inspired me as it was very simple, but memorable. I was only about 15 or so when I saw this and it stayed with me for a while. Also, I had no idea what I wanted to ‘be’ in life. In school they try to push you into a career, but my heart wasn’t in anything. I was confused for a long time and so I chose something ‘fun’ to study – Film and Television.

I had always been a doodler and I drew a few cool images back in school. I think over time it developed subconsciously to where I am at now. If they had told me back then there was a possible career out of art, where if you ‘make it’ you can control your own life and run your own business, I think I would have chosen that course!
I am continuously inspired by the power of inspiration. This may sound a bit odd, but motivation is something I thrive on, and in this world, it is heavily needed. I may just be a designer, but in the many constant areas I have been focusing on, I have noticed my ‘non-creative’ friends turning their hands to things they have long forgotten. To watch that fire ignite knowing that you helped light it, is gold to me.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

I really enjoy vibrant and creative cartoon street art that either has humour, character elements or both. I have a business mind also, so the art that I love is usually found in skate stores, music stores and festivals on either a display stand, wall splash and concert/band posters. Alien creatures, oversized heads and fluoro colours usually dominate the art I love.
I love this style of design because it is always fresh and ‘feel-good’ even if the image itself is of disgusting creatures. I also love branding and cartoon characters have been used for decades to freshen up a company and keep it youthful.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Great question. I would have to say the Internet. I know it’s not really a proper answer, but I haven’t travelled that much yet! Seriously though, I have probably talked to thousands more international people on the internet than I ever will in my lifetime. I can also get virtual tours, photos, stories and discussions with a click of the button about anywhere/anything in the world. When you think about it – that’s pretty spectacular!

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

I could be here forever talking about my dreams and aspirations but the main things circle around answering question #4 better and having a life where I don’t have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Once I have a solid financial base I intend to focus on becoming a motivational speaker, releasing music cd’s ( www.fixdmusic.com ), designing for big name bands and brands, setting up programs to help unknown artists get recognized, writing books, travelling and the list goes on.

One of the main areas I want to focus on is explaining to people this bold quote – To an artist, ideas, hope, creativity, passion and dedication can be lost but not purchased, so they are just as valuable as food and water.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

It is really hard to choose one thing as an accomplishment for me as I feel I am developing every day at such a rapid rate. Finding redbubble.com has really helped me keep the creativity alive and in doing so, moving me forward in my design skills everyday. I have sold many shirts to people around the world through this website, and I am very thankful for it.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

Dear brilliant artists (Yes, that’s you),
Religious and Scientific beliefs aside, we don’t know exactly why we are on this Earth or how we Began, and we don’t know for sure where we go in the End…so grab hold of your dreams, aspirations and passion and paint the bit in the Middle called Life.
There are many more things I could speak about, but the message is clear, Create, Live and Be.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you to the All About Your Best Work Team and in particular Brendan Schoon for inviting me to be the featured member.
If anyone has any questions or you would just like to chat, please Bubblemail me and or add me to your watchlist

Topic: Interview / Interview with Mohsen Bayramnejad

Congratulations, I really enjoyed your interview too.

Topic: Interview / Interview with Mohsen Bayramnejad

Congratulations Wonderful interview and GREAT WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!Interviewer and Interviewee Interesting Work WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Mohsen Bayramnejad

This week we have interviewed group member/artist Mohsen Bayramnejad

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I’m a serious amateur photographer who believes “seeing” and getting back the “feeling” from subject. These two factors are the most important ones for each photographer.

I have worked as a writer and translator for some newspapers and magazines, mostly with Doorbin-e-Akkasi (CAMERA), a magazine about amateur photography in Iran. I would like t say that the Editor-in-chief of that magazine, Mr. Esmail Abbasi have worked so much for me and I learned a lot by listening to his advises and theories.

Now about my equipment, I have to say it’s not so important for me because I mostly think about the photo itself. Not that your equipments are NOT IMPORTANT. All those cameras, scanners, lenses and other equipments are just our tools to translate Light into our Photographs.

I’ve worked with both the traditional Film and “the newcomer” Digital (yes, not so new!). The most important thing for me about your equipment is the way to become comfortable with it. We should treat a camera like an old friend and a lens as our third eye.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

I loved photography because it has something magical you can capture time and people!
What inspired me the most were 2 books, about principles of film photography, when I was a teenager. I loved to read them because that was something new and special for me.

But what encouraged me to love photography; I worked with photography and graphic students in the high-schools as their trainer, and when I saw their new view points! You should see and feel their pure arts, just because they don’t clearly understand our dirty world; they are as pure as they are.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

I think I have said it all by now! But anyway, I love all types of artworks. If I remember the work for awhile they’re successful for me!

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Everywhere, whenever I am in the mood! I will find every spectacular place when I train my eyes to “look” at it.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

First of all, I will train myself to think not about Art and calling not myself an Artist. Then, maybe I could create something new from the real life viewers so they could think about it.
When I could create something original from the real life, I will compliment and call myself: AWESOME! lol

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

Oh! It’s so hard to answer this one. I love all the things with me. All my exhibitions, all the times I spend to talk with artist friends, people etc. to learn from them. I hardly believe that Artists should not be proud of their awards and the compliments they get, they should try to make it continue.

My exhibitions:

I’ve had a solo-photo exhibition in my country and also participated in several National and International group exhibitions. My photographic works were also submitted in several National/International photo contests/festivals, such as; The 10th Iranian Photo Biennial, 29th & 30th Belgium’s Knokke Heist photo contest, 32th Zagreb/Croatian photo festival, Turkey’s 1st B&W Photo festival, Turkey’s Chahev photo salon and some more.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

No, who am I to send an inspirational message!
But if I should say something here to my photography friends, I would love to ask them become more familiar with your equipments, and treat people normal and try to become a friend with their subject. Whatever it is, a person or a still life subject.

I also love to ask you to “look” in different ways and when you find something special, try to teach that to others… it’s the only WAY that will take us to a better place!

I would like to thank Kevin Skinner again, he’s a great photographer and he was the one who invited me to join this group! And also Brendan Schoon for his very kind welcome and b-mails.

Topic: Interview / Interview with InkRain

Good to see pen and ink – a traditional, even nineteenth century medium – making such a happy marriage with the cotton canvas.

Topic: Interview / Interview with InkRain

Great interview- we love the whole Ink Rain feel here on RB- awesome x

Topic: Interview / Interview with InkRain

This week we have interviewed group member/artist John Willanski

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

Ever since I was a little boy I have always drawn so I guess my main bit of equipment is a pen, pencil or other mark maker and a sketch book. I’ve also got a good computer with many drawing programs on it, a screen graphics tablet, a drafting board, air brush, cutting mats and knifes, wood carving tools, camera and a whole bunch of other stuff too.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

This is a difficult question to answer. I use art as a way to address a learning disability I suffer from and have since turned it into my life and business. I’m always drawing but now it’s not just a way of keeping my brain on task.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

I guess I like art that raises questions in me and gets me thinking.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

I was once in the middle of the Flinders Rangers, beautiful clear sky, deep blue like a desert kind of sky. Then, in a matter of moments, great black thunderheads rolled in and it was raining. When I say raining I mean RAINING! It was so heavy it was like suddenly being at the bottom of the ocean and feeling the water pound against you. The next day the grey brown hills were already becoming green and purple with wildflowers, the creek had burst its banks and the air smelled crisp, clean and organic.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

I’ve been in business as an artist and designer for just under one year now and I’d obviously like to keep living off of my art in the future. I’d also like to study art formally. I often get asked what art school I graduated from and I always find it a little weird saying I’m self taught.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

I’ve been developing a style of art all my own. I’ve called it Ink Rain. Ink Rain is based on the balance between small shapes and the corresponding white space. The style also uses smaller figures as shapes themselves to form part of the larger figure. I play with the balance and contrast between the positive and negative spaces to form interesting patterns and textures. The careful creation of the smaller shapes and their relation to one another gives the image a unique feel.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

I don’t really have anything new to add but my support to the statement “Just keep making art!” so I’ll go with a quote on animation that I feel can be applied to art in general “it’s 100% control but 100% responsibility”. Meaning; Make art but make it to the best of your abilities.

Topic: Interview / Interview with Simon Gladwin

This week we have interviewed group member/artist Simon Gladwin

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I am 38 years old and married with two wonderful kids. I trained in electronic engineering back in the early 90’s but I chucked that in 2000 and trained to teach Design and Technology which I enjoy doing very much.

I love the UK and find it just THE most beautiful and varied place to be both in terms of landscape and culture. I feel very lucky to be able to visit wonderful coastlines and sprawling mountainous landscapes in the same small block of land. I got my first DSLR last year…a Canon EOS400D. I have a multitude of filters and gizmos (don’t we all) and a selection of sigma lenses. I also like tinkering with Photoshop and Lightroom. I love infrared photography and the ethereal feeling the images give.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

My dad inspired my interest in photography…..memories of turning the bathroom into a darkroom and sloshing around lots of stinky chemicals! My dad is an industrial chemist and used to make the stuff himself. We had a cronky old durst enlarger! Great fun….it got us through the relentless Tupperware parties my mum used to throw in the 70’s. The thing I like about photography is the never ending “what if I….” or “how could I…….”. The shooting of little rectangles of pure beauty to keep as a memory. It’s just a wonderful thing to share.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

Photography…….....see above LOL

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Looking down into the crater of _Mount Vesuvius_…….then turning round and realizing just how high up you are…..you should only be above clouds in an airplane! It was the most immense and enormous view I have ever seen.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

To keep on enjoying it and experimenting to produce pieces I find satisfying. If other people like it then that’s a bonus!

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?
Having a photo hung in the Mall Gallery in London as part of a competition final.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

Enjoy it and experiment!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jess White

GREAT Interview and Wonderful asperations Thankyou for sharing Your story with us Enjoyed it greatly Good Luck with Your career Cheers Darwin :D

Topic: Interview / Interview with Jess White

This week we have interviewed group member/artist Jess White

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

My Name is Jessica White, I’m eighteen years young, Currently living around the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. At the moment, I’m studying a full-time TAFE course in Multimedia, and doing some Photography on the side.

While my main focus is on Photography, I also enjoy Digital Manipulation and have recently gained an interest in Digital Drawing.
I try to make the best of the equipment I’ve got, as my budget is pretty low. I’m currently working with a Fujifilm Finepix S5700 I’ve had my camera for a couple of years now, and would love to buy myself something a little more professional, but it’s definitely my most worldly possession; I never leave the house without it, because it seems when I do, I see perfect shots everywhere.

My lack of models means I quite often use myself as the subject of my photographs, which makes it a little harder to get what I want, using timers and mirrors, and taking hundreds of shots until I get the right one.
Until recently I was creating all of my drawings and T-shirt designs using my mouse. I finally got my hands on a Tablet from one of the other students in my class and fell in love with it. I soon went out and purchased one of my own… And it certainly makes life a lot easier. As for programs, I mostly use Flash to do my drawing; I find the draw tools are really easy to use.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

My late mother was also really quite artistic. When I was young, my grandmother handed me a collection of my mother’s art that she had kept for me. She also had a couple of Photo Albums with Pictures she’d taken. I then went in search of my grandfather’s old film camera. He lent it to me and I soon filled it up; with pictures of my cat, and unfocussed pictures of flowers and grass. That was probably the beginning of my interest in art and Photography.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

I’d have to say Digital Photography, while I really admire Film Photography; it’s far too tedious and expensive. I also like having the ability to come home and edit my photographs when I’m done or fix any touch-ups that are needed. I love seeing that clean, crisp final image. I’m not sure what attracts me to Photography so much. I love being able to capture the real moment, a piece of time.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

I’m yet to do the travelling I would really like to, only having left school last year. Hopefully in future years I will have the opportunity to travel for a few years at a time, bringing my camera and capturing shots of the world. At this point, the most spectacular would probably have been a beach I was exploring this year, down here in Nambucca. The sea was really rough that day, and I had climbed around onto the rocks behind a cliff. I was standing there with huge waves crashing onto the rocks in front of me, I was worried I was about to be washed away. One of the photos Breach in my gallery was taken that day.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

Of course, I’d love to become famous, known for my art around the globe.
I’d love to be able to support myself simply on what I make for my art, to live off my hobby. I’d love to leave this world with photos on walls.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

I’ve yet to accomplish much, as I’ve only just begun to explore my creativity. But probably just getting my stuff out there, the fact that people I’ve never met, people around the world, are enjoying my art. It’s a nice feeling.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

If art is your dream career, your goal, you’ve got to keep pushing yourself in that direction. Get your foot in the door of that career path, and a world of opportunities will open up for you.

Topic: Interview / Interview with Ellie Niemeyer

Our third interview is held with group member/artist Ellie Niemeyer

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

Well, I’m Ellie Niemeyer and I’ve been doing photography for 3 years now and I hope to make it my career.
I use a Canon 400D (Oliver), and Adobe Photoshop CS.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

I had always loved messing around with my mom’s camera and, when I was 13 I decided I needed a camera of my own. So I bought a Canon PowerShot S2 IS, and then discovered how much I love photography, and then advanced to a Canon 400D.

Oh, everything inspires me! People, Photographers, objects, places, and the lovely people her on RedBubble : )

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

I really love film! It’s so inspiring. It has such a feeling that digital can never replicate! All though I don’t shoot with film, I really admire those who do!

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

I don’t travel much but I’d really love to. So far the greatest place I’ve been was Minneapolis MN, I just love the atmosphere of a big city because I live in a small town.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

I’d really love to get more into fashion photography, and someday be published in a fashion magazine!

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

So far I haven’t accomplished much, so we’ll see what the future holds!

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

Don’t be afraid to experiment, and come up with new and fresh ideas!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Lucy Southward

Our second interview is held with group member/artist Lucy Southward

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I am Lucy Kathryn Southward and I specialize in graphite pencil sketches. While I was studying at college, I started sketching as a hobby. Since leaving it has really developed into a full time job. I have only been drawing professionally for around 4 years.

My equipment consists of a cartridge paper sketch pad, graphite pencils (mainly mediums 4B and 8B) a putty eraser, fixative spray and few watercolour pencils (for the odd touch of colour). All my work is done at an easel and my base is a popular nearby mill shop in my local area.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

I don’t know how I was first inspired to do art. I guess I love being creative and making a true statement with my art. When I first started sketching at college, my drawings were very basic, not much detail and tone- but over 4 years of solid work, I have developed my own style and pay a lot attention to detail, my precision when I put pencil to paper has become something of a trademark to my work. I love a drawing to as good as the real thing, if not better!

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

Emotive art is a huge inspiration to me at present. A bold message and meaning in a piece of artwork can have a enormous impact on people. I am constantly moved by war, human emotions, power, captivating eyes, everyday life etc.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

The most spectacular place I have ever been to has to be Los Angeles. I have been twice over two years and am planning a third trip. I am particularly fond of a little island called Santa Catalina just of the coast of Long Beach. It is like paradise. The scenery is delightful and the air is peaceful. There really is no other place like it that I have been to! I recently drew a picture of the two most prominent buildings at Catalina Island- the main town of ‘Avalon’.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

My main goal is to be successful, to get recognized and to earn a decent living through my art. With having a small shop in a popular mill shop has helped me greatly. Slowly but surely my name is spreading.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?

My greatest accomplishment as an artist has to be without a doubt my fine friendship with the daughter of well-loved and famous comedian, Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame). Her dear closeness has given my career a big boost in the right direction. I am very lucky to know such a kind hearted and lovable lady. It is very humbling to know that she appreciates my work of my well-known portraits of Laurel and Hardy more than anyone in the world.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

My only inspirational message to other artists is; Keep trying! If you really want something in life, you will get it, even if it takes a long time to obtain!

Topic: Interview / Interview with Philip Johnson

Congratulations with this feature!! You answered those question very complete!! Thank you very much.

Regards,

Brendan

Topic: Interview / Interview with Philip Johnson

Our first interview is held with group member Philip Johnson

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

My name is Philip Johnson, I live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney at Newport Beach 30 kilometers from the Sydney CBD in Australia my main job is computer support.
I have dabbled in photography all my life but have been addicted to digital photography since 2000.

My first digital camera was fairly basic when I think back a Fujifilm 4800Z but was fairly reliable and at that time good quality, my next jump was the purchase of a Nikon D70 which was a great camera lasting me until 2007.

Late last year I decided to upgrade my D70 and purchase a D200, well as luck should have it the supplier was out of stock. The next week Nikon announced the D300 and D3 so went on the wait list and received my treasured D300 which is an amazing camera. My lenses are Nikon and Sigma and have found the Sigma reasonably priced and handy.

I never go anywhere without my camera you never know when that magical shot, with the result is rarely a day goes by without some photos being taken.
I joined Red Bubble in November 2007 and have been addicted ever since it is a great community and believe we should give back so now co-host three groups and love chatting with people all over the globe.
If I can help anyone is an additional pleasure. The comradery between members is amazing and shows how nice people are.

Since joining RB I have had 70,000 views the feedback has been great and I have appreciated every comment and every favourite.
So get out there in the community and help the new RB members, put them on your watchlist and make the RB community better and make a new contact.
I would say I have a good eye, but technique needs work lol.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

My first experience was seeing the work of the Great Ansel Adams and we are so humble at what he could do would make you think if he was alive now what could he do with what we have now?

Also the work of Australian photographers specializing in landscapes and panoramics such as Ken Duncan.

3. What type of photography do you enjoy the most and why?

The majority of my work is landscape photography, once you are into landscape photography that hint of colour in the sky catching a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye that someone else does not see is a buzz.
More recently I have been on a learning curve exploring High Dynamic Range Photography and still keeping it natural. Also working out what subjects HDR improves not recreates.
There is nothing like getting away with your camera with just nature
I have the utmost admiration for portraiture so would love to get experience in that field.

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Well I have sat “near the edge” of the Grand Canyon, wondered at Niagara Falls, and Tahiti, but more recently been exploring the wonders of my own Country.
The wonders of Australia, its wildernesses, mountains, rain forests, the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef have to be experienced and are unique.
Recently I was flicking through a RB portfolio of someone from Norway and could find no photos of Fjords but plenty of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Just goes to prove see your own country!

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as a photographer?

To learn more, you learn all your life so follow your photography, and to enjoy!

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the
present date?

That’s a hard question, my mother used to say “Self Praise is No Recommendation” I suppose just creating work that other people like not just me.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other
artists?

Never go anywhere without your camera”

“If Photographers Ruled the World What a Great Place it would Be! ... No wars just arguments about Nikon Vs Canon!