As you all know, Craig goldsmith is one of the two artists voted for their beautiful and inspiring work. I asked Craig a few questions about himself and his art. Please get to know him, visit his portfolio, and give him your support.

1. Tell us about yourself, some history, education, family etc.

Hmmm, where to start. I’m currently 26 years old, we moved around a lot when I was a kid, but never very far from the coast (My Dad loves fishing). I loved school and enjoyed both drama and art, as well as the more science and maths based subjects. I went on to complete a computer engineering degree now work as an IT Manager for a finance company, with offices around the world (Travel yay!). I have one younger sister, she’s a poet and a writer, plus she sings and plays the piano so creativity runs in the family.

2. When did you first become interested in art.

Tough question, I’ve always been looking for various creative outlets and that started with piano and painting (at the age of 5) my Mum is into art and would often taken us to galleries and pour over art books together. After loosing interest piano and painting I moved to poetry and story writing, then to mixed media work and I just kept experimenting. After school I got caught up in study and didn’t have an outlet for a number of years.

3. What style of art do you do and and how did it evolve?

After a long break from art, I finally got a digital camera but a limiting 2mb Point and shoot, I would happily “snap” away at anything and everything, but was never blown away by the results. More and more I wanted more control, and finally whinged and whined enough that my wife let me by my first DSLR and I haven’t looked back since. At the start I really had no idea what I was doing, and coined the expression “Accidental Photographer” as most of my best shots were happy accidents and not a result of much skill or technical prowess with my camera. I stumbled across an online photography community about 5 months after getting my DSLR and that was the big turning point. I soon learnt how to control my camera, and plan, compose and take more thoughtful photos, slowly but surely I had more success and then I became completely obsessed with any style of photography. As yet I don’t think I have settled into my own style, as I’m still enjoying the ride and trying new things, I do have a soft spot for travel photography, in particular places and people, but I’ll shot almost anything.

4. What medium (camera or programme for digital artists) do you use?
I use a variety of cameras, but primarily shoot with a Nikon D200 and a variety of lenses (that is constant being bought, sold and upgraded). Thanks to RB I also have a Leica, so I shoot film as well not just digital. I generally shoot Raw, and use CS2/3 and Lightroom, as well as Irfanview to do processing, developing etc

5. What inspire you and how do you translate this inspiration into art?
Life and the world around me is a key inspiration, and I think that is why I feel a special draw to travel photography, as it’s capturing people and places I don’t see every day. Since joining red bubble I’ve also been inspired but the variety of artists and styles, and have let my imagination go, and hence you’ll find some of my images now are more heavily processed then before I joined the bubble. I love the support nature of the site, and the collaboration and really want to spend some time working with some of the other artists, online and in person if the opportunity presents itself.

6. Have you had exhibits in galleries?

No I haven’t and before RB the thought hadn’t crossed my mind, now I guess I’m open to the idea, I just want to get my images really up to scratch. I’ve enjoyed a number of gallery openings (both bubble and no bubble related) and it seems like a fantastic and dead scary feeling having you work up on the walls for all to see.

7. Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?

I’d love to, but so far nothing has presented itself, but I’m sure when the time is right I’ll make it onto the walls of a gallery somewhere.

8. What are your plans for the future?

Keep improving my photography, keep learning new skills and techniques and travel more of the world. I’ve also got plans to visit interstate Bubblers and get some interstate collaborations cooking, but will see what the future brings. I’ve got a few ideas in the back of my head for a book of some sort.

Excellent interview.
I wonder though, how much of his photographic composition is influenced by his artistic experience and background.

Great interview beautiful images….nice job guys….

A lively and interesting interview. This was a good chance to learn more about Craig and his work and somehow brought him closer. A really enjoyable read..

Great work your work Craig and to know about you, you’re a great artist, well deserved.