Gerhardt Thompson's Interview

Maybe in loving memory

Gerhardt Thompson at his official site, absolutearts, Sculptr, Fine Art Surrey, Fresh Nudes, Monkdogz Urban Art, Blue Team, Michelle 7, Photomedia Center, Pixiport, Photo.net.

Gerhardt, how did your passion begin ?

My passion for photography began with my first trip through Europe, it was the camera that captured the memories and then it became something more, a means to share the beauty through my own eyes and a chance to offer expression through the creativity of photography.

My passion for fine art nude photography began with my wife, Scarlet. This is a very passionate story within me, a feeling and inspiration driven by more than mere words could express. She was a model long before we met and she shared her achievements with me and I was intrigued by the possibilities. It seems so long ago now yet I know that together we have achieved something very unique.

"Perchance to Sleep"

"Southbound Odissey"
Art Model Dollybeck

Did you learn photography in a special school ?

 I am a Doctor of Optometry and a student of light. I studied light, its mathematics, its spectrum and its nuances and how to use it to help others. As time passed I learned how to capture it, harness it and use it to share a vision deep within my soul.

It is the light that inspires me most.

It is something I cannot ignore. It goes without saying that light is not enough, it requires a canvas to paint and the nude physique is the canvas I prefer to paint with the light.

It is hard to explain yet sometimes you can take in everything else that others are doing yet be removed from it. For me I am on an eternal quest, one that is most influenced by the light and the models and how they integrate with a single natural light source, the natural environment and the sun. There is no single photographer or artist that has inspired me.









"On a Tree by the Brook"
Art Model Scarlet



























How long could you be far from your camera ?

Well that depends on how far I can travel as I happily leave it at home.

For me my camera is the instrument of my creativity.

I cannot be creative with the camera 24/7. I need time to think, time to dream, time to rest and time to process the visions I capture. The camera is merely the tool by which these elements come to fruition.

I spend a good deal of time ahead of any shoot thinking about what I want to accomplish and visualising everything, including the environment I will shoot in and the model I will be working with. Only then am I ready to go to work and create something special.

"River of Time"
Art Model Chela

Am I wrong if I believe you're an outdoors aficionado ?


 

Those who know my work will also know straight away that my passion is for the natural landscape of the Australian bush and beach.

Australia has so much to offer and the blending of the model in the landscape, or contrasted to it, allows for something extremely beautiful and very unique.

I will from time to time venture outside these boundaries to chase light however there is a drive that allows me to do so. At the end of the day there is a story to be told and in BW there is an even more interesting story, one which colour cannot bring to life. A black and white photo has an underlying story defined by the tonal range and it is hard for me to ignore so when I look at a location there are two influences… tones and textures. In simplicity lies complexity.

"Understanding"
Art Models Brendan and Jodie

"Cascade"
Art Model Scarlet




So I was right ! One point. And what about light, and colors ?

 My motto is “Single light source essential”.

I have said it before and I will say it again, how do we define ourselves as an artist if we do not endeavour to work towards something original…

It is difficult these days as so much has already been done.

The Australian landscape is so unique yet the light is even more unique I have travelled the world yet I have yet to find the drama that unfolds here every day. I know I can create light in a studio and well, so can everyone else…

Leave the studio and accept the mercy of the elements, forego all control except your own ability to control your camera…

Lets just say that I prefer not to control the light I can create but to control the natural light that can only be controlled through how I utilise it and capture it. I will say it is a delightfully spontaneous light source !


Some words about your models ?


 

"Swirl, Curves and things like"
Art Model Dollybeck

Regarding the models there are not enough words.

Without them there would be just a landscape, without their passion and expression there would be just a pretty face and for me the beauty of a woman is not in their physical attributes instead in what they have to share through self confidence, expression, understanding and trust.

Each of the models I work with share natural beauty, there is never any make up and I have to remind them not to do their nails, there is nothing artificial just body language and it is my job to look closely at feelings, light, mood and to integrate the sum of these parts.

These young ladies are bright and their abilities should never go unquestioned. The models work hard and give 200% of themselves. It is for this reason that I must do my very best for them each time I pick up my camera. They have my utmost respect !


Let's talk about hte part of improvisation in your work.

 My creation is one with order, one with harmony and balance.

This order is achieved through the balance of light and shadow, fluidity of the tones, the expression of the light and in particular the model integrated with the environment which is integral to the overall perspective. It is the interaction of the light and model with the landscape that influences the destiny of the end results.

Once your shooting is ended, how long does it take you to find the definitive print ?

I value a traditional perhaps even a vintage approach to the photographic presentation. To this regard my greatest attention is paid to the presentation of the tonal values in Black and White (BW). All other considerations including composition are made once I press the trigger and capture the image. Once the image is captured the adjustments are minimal.

All printing is also done to conventional standards and every print sent to a customer is on Museum quality Silver Gelatine then mounted and matted in archival acid free materials.

There is no comparison and if you want collectors to invest in a piece of art you need to spend the time and money to do it right, there is no other way your art will carry on from generation to generation. My art in many ways is my legacy.

"Fly away"











Have you a special project you're dreaming about ?

 There are no special projects just a desire or two.

At the moment I am enjoying the judging and imparting my understanding of photography with others. I think it would be exciting to expand my exposure in the arena.

The second vision is to establish in Australia a group that can meet on a casual basis and discuss fine art nude photography be it glamour, colour, erotic, classical, B&W it makes no difference.

I think we need a place to talk and socialize and this includes models as they are integral to the process. At the end of the day I am happy with what I have achieved and what lies in front of me and I hope that others will benefit by these achievements.


Have you scheduled your next exhibition ?

 Most of my exhibitions are by invitation so it is hard to say when the next one will be. In the meantime I will be focused on my upcoming books.














Is there a new book to come ?

 I currently have two books available. My first book The Sun Drenched Nude was released in February 2007, it is a book that for me speaks of my passion and of the beauty and harmony of the nude in the Australian landscape, this book is available worldwide.

The second is a limited edition book that is hand crafted and custom printed, it is a limited edition collector’s book.

In 2007 and 2008 I will be focused on shooting for a new book and to this regard have very carefully chosen nine talented and beautiful models. For the moment that is all I can share, however I have no doubt you will recognise many of the models that will grace each page of this very special book.

I am also working on another book that I am anticipating will be available in 2009 titled “Defining Masculinity”. This book presents a very exciting opportunity and challenge for me and I am still interviewing for models with several already chosen.

"Romanesque"
Art Model Scarlet

"Quiet Desperation"

What's for your next future ?

This is an interesting question and one whose answer will evolve from the current and pending projects. There is not a day that goes by that I am not looking for new projects, venues, collaborations, and possibilities as they are endless and simply by sharing my work and being involved I find that new opportunities will always present themselves. It is these opportunities that create new inspirations and by staying open and receptive to opportunity the possibilities are endless !

"Soul of a woman"

You're so right... A message to send before we leave ?

 Keep inspired and keep in touch with those around you. We all benefit from each other as support is a two way street, it is nice to receive however the greater reward is in giving and we learn more in what we share then in what we receive.

Each artist has a vision and we need to accept this vision and appreciate that it is different to our own, how boring it would be if we were all the same and thank goodness minds do not always think alike.

The beauty of art is what defines the vision and how grand it is to be able to share this personal and individual expression.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Gerhardt !

Mark Saintz interviewed by Dave Rudin

" I am mostly confident that we have achieved some good shots, by checking the view screen during the shoot, but I can be usually surprised when I have that first look at the images full size." Mark Saintz

"1975"

" This is an old image of mine titled 1975, called that because that is when I captured it. The mannequins were brand new, straight out of the plastic, I was brand new too, I hadn't been taking photos for very long at this stage. It won me a mention in the local newspaper which gave me the push to go further with the medium. The shot was taken in colour on Kodak 64 slide film, printed onto paper by a local lab back then and recently found by me and scanned, photochopped and presented again after all these years."

Mark Saintz at his official site, his Newcastle Art Nudes blog.

"Dam hand"
Art Model Mia

" This is a detail of a pre dawn shot of Mia taken on the shore of a local dam. I wanted to post the whole image but this detail of her elegant hand kept grabbing my eye. No matter how I cropped or manipulated I couldn't get away from this image. I even left out the be-ringed breast but eventually came back to that as well."











Dear Mark, how did your passion for photography begin ?

At the age of 16, I began my working life as a window dresser here in Newcastle 160km North of Sydney on the east coast of Australia. Some of my older colleagues were interested in photography. Being that we all worked in the retail visual arts so to speak, which required good use of colour, balance and placement, it all tended to come naturally. Peer group pressure and hard core criticism by those peers made one try that little bit harder. It was there that I took the image of the mannequins faces titled “1975”. Only faces I promise, I wouldn’t dream of taking nudes back then, even though I was surrounded by them. Nude mannequins that is… I wonder what an analyst would think of that connection ?

"Trapped"
Art Models Peita and Rosie

"Fan"

Don't wonder ! It's Art... And where did you learn it ?

I tagged along with those co workers and joined a local camera club which held monthly contests. These were always judged by notable professionals so many an old school tip or technique was passed on.

I later moved to London alone in 1984. I picked up some better camera equipment on the flight over and decided to embrace photography as a way to combat loneliness.

I took thousands of images over that two years stay including my first nudes.

John Hedgcoe was my teacher via his fine book “Hedgecoe Nudes” back then. It turned out that I wasn’t lonely at all but I still hammered that Minolta during the two years I was there, the paint was worn off the top of the body before I later traded it in on my first Nikon. So I guess you could class me as mainly self taught.

The most important facet of my trade as a Display Artist is placement and balance and hopefully 30 years of training and practice during my career in this field is reflected in my photographic images.

"Up is down and down is up"
Art Model Rosie

"Abstract a shower"














You seem really prolific. How long could you be far from your camera ?

I don’t pick it up every day. It is a tool that I use as required.

I made a very bad mistake 10 years ago by working as a professional in the worst job I ever had : a school photographer. I didn’t pick up a camera for six years after that little nightmare. No art involved and absolutely no creativity. The company I worked for glued the aperture ring, film speed dial and shutter speed dial on the equipment we used, if I recall, they were medium format Bronicas. In my opinion the manager of that branch was a buffoon and an idiot. I believe he’s still there, I’m told he had to buy shares in order to stay with the company.

When I see your inspiration, your creativity, this way to go from a style to another, successfully, I can understand why it was such a nightmare !... By the way, who are your favorite photographers ?

I know it is cliché but Helmut Newton. He set me on this path, it is all his fault. I like China Hamilton's work as well.

Also Dave Rudin for his way with the subject, he seems to get the very best from them, BT Charles for his humour, Nad Iksodas for his vision and art. Locally Ric Woods. I tend to like frank stares at the camera by the model.

Now a very difficult question : how long did it take to find your style ? Could you define it ?

I am still looking for it, I try to compose in a slightly abstract way… I would prefer that you who view my images answer that one for me.

"Draped"
Art Model Kitty










Art Model Leeanne

My answer is clear : your eclecticism is amazing, as I'm trying to exhibit it from the beginning of your interview. To go farther, is there a message you want to express through your work ?

Be yourself. A cliché I know, but that comment can cover all bases including the model, me the photographer as well as you, the viewer.

"Bluff"
Art Model LeeAnne

Do you plan every details before a shooting ?

No. I blame my original profession for this. We were told what theme of window we were to do on the morning that we were to dress it so one had to come up with props and concept within 30 minutes. I mostly work this way. I do like the thrill of that. Of course it can go wrong but not usually long enough to make me look too foolish. I like to improvise and save the day. That quietly gets me off.

That said, I do plan some shoots to a small degree when a concept is required by others but I mainly like to do it all off the cuff.


As an Australian photographer, have you also this preference for outdoors settings ?

Yes I do, mainly because it is so available to us still. I am always looking for new locations but I do not seek uniquely Australian looking backgrounds, they tend to bore me. Indoors equally appeal to me.

"Beach ghost"

Some words about your models ?

Who am I without them ? A nature photographer ? A sunset snapper ? They are all so special. They trust me and I trust them to make me look good.

I photograph women because I love women. It is as simple as that. I really enjoy this type of work when I witness the power that is enabled in the model as she gains the strength and self confidence that this work brings out in them. What occurs on the day is all their decision and that is just fine with me. I am only there to record it as best I can.

"Lounge"

Art Model Rosie

How do you feel at the end of a shooting ?

Worn out.

I am mostly confident that we have achieved some good shots by checking the view screen during the shoot but I can be usually surprised when I have that first look at the images full size.

I tend to leave them for a few days and approach them slowly. I suppose that I am so immersed in the shoot that I don’t want to know about it again for a few days afterward.

"High"

Art Model LeeAnne

Have you some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ?

Studio G. white bicycle project. An exhibition.







"Audacious"
Art Model Mia

" I am overwhelmed by this rather audacious shot of Mia, taken in the very early hours of what must be the quietest night of the year. This shot was taken on the bridge that leads to Carrington, an inner city suburb of Newcastle. I do like it."









A beautiful dream, and a real project, if I'm well reading behind your concise answer ! Keep us informed. And what about your next ?

When and where I am invited. If not where and when I can arrange it.


Have you published a book ?

Not yet but with what is available out there (self publishing wise) that will be soon.
I made the cover and centre spread of that most famous and widespread magazine titled “Kink-E.” Not exactly what I was striving for as my first printed foray but hey, I’m not complaining.
Magazines ? Not only Black+White would be a nice place to be seen, it is my favorite and Australian based. I would love to be featured in that some time if they ever get around to publishing it again but that is wishful thinking, me being featured that is.



 
I note. A message to send ?

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

One method that I judge others by just how seriously they do take themselves, the ones in this world that tend to take themselves too seriously give me great entertainment at their expense.
Value your work but don’t kid yourself for one moment. There will always be someone out there better or worse than you.

Thanks a lot Mark. I'm going to follow your advice. 

"I fell down into"
Art Model Leeanne

" This is LeeAnne at a local beach VERY early last Sunday. It took a round trip walk of about 6 kilometres to get this and dozens of other varied images with a dramatic sky and wonderful golden light as a background. The little lights you see on the horizon are ships waiting to come into the port of Newcastle."

Howard Nowlan's Interview

" My aim when I'm creating images is to seek to 'bring out' something of that charm through my subject's look, mood, pose, commonly adorning this with light and shade and, when possible, in more natural surroundings (especially the Cornish landscape)." Howard Nowlan

"Arising"
Art Model and Muse Magenta

Howard Nowlan and here, at photo.net, his first feature.

"Sky Spread"

Dear Howard, tell us how did your passion for photography begin ? Do you remember your first experience ? It's always a great moment.

I think it really began in my late teens (thanks to my tutor) with my passion for art. A visit to London's Tate Gallery in '76 entwined me in the enchantment of the Pre-Raphaelites and other Victorian painters like Waterhouse, Danby and Leighton.

This awakened in me the desire to not only enjoy such images, but to create something myself.

A parallel 'awakening' through the work of contemporary English artist Roger Dean allowed this ambition to take form (especially when given the opportunity to spend a day working with him !), but photography as my principal means of expression would come much later.

"Eyes"

It was in 2002, after moving to Cornwall, that I had an opportunity to work with a figure model named Natasha. My wife and I, along with another photographer, headed out to a remote Cornish beach for an afternoon, and after some initial feelings of awkwardness on my part, the session went like a dream. That was the seed - it would still take a couple of years to really 'gain wings' and become the focus of so much creativity, but that's how it came to be.


Where did you learn your art ?

My wife, Kay, was a professional Photographer for over 30 years in Sussex, England, teaching for the last decade of her life, and whilst I never actually sat down to take lessons with her, photography was in almost every day of our 25 years together.

Angus Mc Bean was a close friend of Kay's family, and Kay became well known for own compositions, exhibiting at Photokena several times (I understand one of her images was one of the first nudes ever published in Amateur Photographer magazine).









"Earthward"




Kay encouraged me into the field during the last two years of her life whilst battling cancer. I found myself in at the deep end, having to teach her classes after her sudden re-admission to hospital, and not only managed to stay afloat (running the class to the exams) but developed a passion to do more. The result was the forming of a local Photo Arts Group with four other photographers and Kay as mentor.

I would bring my latest work into the hospice each week for her reviews and advice, which gave us a brand new field of interest to share in a manner unseen prior to this.

Since Kay's death in 2005, I've continued to work closely with a local group of Artists on joint projects (exhibits and shoots) and sought to find ways to bring my work to a wider number of people, principally through the internet.

"In full glory"
Art Model Magenta










"Beneath the trees of May"
Fashion style
Art Model Holly

You were a beautiful team... How long could you be far from your camera ?

I'd probably have to reply in hours ! There are now very few days that go by where either my camera or my computer are not in use either taking or preparing images.

I find that if I have do not have a shoot or other artistic activity at least every few days, I begin to get withdrawal symptoms !

"Morning Glory"
Art Model Magenta





Howard, how long did it take to find your own style ? And, more difficult, could you define it ?

Not too long - Summer '76 and that visit to the Tate pretty much defined what my own passion would become - beauty, and especially that of the the grace and elegance of women.

My aim when I'm creating images is to seek to 'bring out' something of that charm through my subject's look, mood, pose, commonly adorning this with light and shade and, when possible, in more natural surroundings (especially the Cornish landscape).

"In the breeze 2"
Art Model Lisa

I work almost entirely in natural light even when in a studio situation, and usually prefer monochrome to colour productions.

My work can therefore, on occasion, come over I think as quite a bit 'softer' than much in the field, as I'm always seeking a connection with what, I guess, could easily be deemed a fairly romanticised aspect of the feminine. A fair few of the artists (subjects) I have worked with for such images, and hopefully a few others, seem to generally enjoy the results.

"Life Sculpture"
Art Model Magenta

What message do you want to express through your work ?

Old King Solomon refers to the fact that everything has " been made beautiful in its time ", and I am constantly amazed just how much of that gift I miss, simply because I need to be 'looking with better eyes'.

I hope that at least something in some of my work allows those who participate (either in front of the camera, or in looking at a finished image) to glimpse a little more of that inherent beauty. Photography has most certainly aided immensely in granting me a better, often deeper, perception of our days here. I hope I can pass on the favor.

"Red 1"
Art Model Magenta

Who are your favorite photographers ? Did they have an influence on your style ?

The first photographer who had a direct impact upon me, aside from my wife, was David Hamilton. I'd seen countless works by an array of photographers before this, but it was the sheer resonance of Hamilton's style and aim that hit a pretty deep chord. I know that, even today, his subject matter is pretty controversial, but it is the seeking to capture a composition of form and light that so tenderly conveys a representation of elegance, that makes me elated and astonished.

In more recent times, I've been stunned by the work of artists such as Gerhardt Thompson in his publication, The Sun Drenched Nude, and Craig Blacklock's breathtaking A Voice Within. I'm equally a huge fan of the work of American artist, Steve Hanks, and immensely grateful to the continuing input of warm and astute masters like John Peri and Raymond Ellstad - people who really share the passion for the art.



Gerhardt (who offered me my banner ! I'll never forget his immense kindness...) and John, both contributing artists of this site, will appreciate ! Howard, what is your process of creation ? Do you plan every details or is it just improvised ?

I'd have to say it's pretty mixed. Sometimes, I have a burning idea for an image or an entire set of work, and it won't leave me until I get what I'm looking for - it took me three years, for example, to get one particular image just right. Other times, especially when doing portfolio based work, I really want to get to know something of the artist I'm working with first, to allow some kind of participation to begin so we can genuinely work together in making something worthwhile.

"Kirstie"

I am very fortunate in being part of a local Photo Arts group in which I can work regularly with a small group of local artists, and I can work with these models when there are particular projects in mind - they could equally be their projects as well as mine. This allows for a rich pool of creative ideas, some of which are slowly 'brought to the boil' whilst others seem to demand immediate action. It's wonderful.

"Shadowlight"
Art Model Magenta

"Interaction"
Art Model Magenta





What locations do you prefer to use mainly ?

I've been to several places in my travels and worked (and hope to again) on images in the Canaries, but I'm so blessed to have the glories of Cornwall not far from my doorstep.
In terms of grandeur, intoxication, and just sheer marvel, you'd be hard pressed to find places which compare with the barren elegance of Bodmin Moor or the literally towering majesty of the North Cornish Coast. Some of my best work has been here, and I will go back again and again and again.

I never tire of such magnificence - it truly weaves itself into the soul.

"Sand"
Art Model Magenta

How I understand you ! Beauty is the best reason to live... By the way, some words about your so beautiful models ?

I've worked with around thirty models over the last three years, but the joy of my current work are my local 'Muses', Kari and Kat and most especially, Magenta.

I met her two and a half years ago and it was like we were from other planets, but as we talked, we quickly found a common creative passion, and we haven't looked back since. She is one highly artistic nymph.

Kari is gorgeously natural, and Kat is still comes over as superbly innocent in front of the lens.

I love working with these very intuitive and original 'movers and shakers', who bring a richness to the genre that would remain pretty uni-dimensional without their flair.

I am enormously grateful to them, to the other models I have worked with and especially to the likes of Alison and Joceline in 2005 and 2006, for all their superb contributions.

"Her Gaze"
Art Model Kari

Do you remember a shooting you particularly liked ?

One of the most memorable, I think, was a choreography shoot last summer with Magenta. The aim was a set of images and video for the In the Flesh arts festival here in October. Not only did she create her own improvised dance, but she also made a costume and did her own body art and make up. It was a superb piece of work, which actually got taken off of You Tube as it was deemed to show too much flesh (!). It was certainly well received at the festival.

"The New Look"
Art Model Kari

"Form"

How do you feel at the end of a shoot ?

Um - Mentally delighted, spiritually inebriated and physically exhausted ! I relish the moment when you can sit down and review the highs of what you've just produced, it's like opening presents at Christmas, especially if you get to share this with the subject of the work.

I usually find I'm pretty 'wired' after a session, and keen to start the download process right then, so I tend to go straight into that side of things, usually eating a meal and playing some favourite tracks whilst I do. I often find myself wanting to share the best items from a day as soon as I can, so these quite often get posted on the net within 24 hours.


What a work ! Bravo. Have you some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ?

I'm about to begin my third year of studies in Photography with the Open College of Arts here in the UK. Whilst the first two years were focused on tuning my general skills and developing approaches to landscape, I should be able to spend more time this year on assignments directly related to fine art work, so I'm hoping my main subject will be the nude.








"Epiphany"





After much time away of late, my muses are now back in the area, so we're already planning some new projects for the forthcoming year, including, hopefully, another project abroad.

It's also been brilliant this year to have the opportunity to work with Photographer, Laurie Jeffrey, and I'm hoping that this will happen again very soon.


I wish you the best ! Then, when and where will be your next exhibition ?

A selection of some of my work will be displayed at the BAF International Photography and Arts Exhibition in India this November.


Good news ! Keep us informed. You have published 4 books !... Is there a new one to come ?

That's certainly looking possible.

I am working on producing a hard back edition book at present entitled "Gentle upon the Eye", which I hope will feature some of my best work over the last five years. If all goes well, it could be in print next Summer.

Here again, don't forget to announce it ! And besides shooting, have you another passion ?

Several ! I guess that a biggie is Science Fiction. I've been a big Star Trek fan since I first saw the show in the late 70's, and that lead me to enjoy lots more in the genre. I also love movies and music of several varieties, and meeting artistic and interesting people, so life is pretty good.


It seems we share the passion for Science Fiction. Is there a message you’d like to leave our readers ?

Keep enjoying the beauty and, as and when possible, engaging with it, whether the medium is light or paint or sound.

"The honor is to inter-act with the dance, the art of life,
so when the door's open, get up and go !"

A big thanks Howard ! It's a wonderful interview. Thanks for your support and your confidence... And come back soon ! This site is truly yours.

"The Daydream"
Art Model Kari

The Howard Nowlan's books are available at Lulu.com.

Note : Any profits made from the sales of these publications will assist in financing further projects for his Photo Arts Group.

Howard Nowlan ©