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Model: Caroline Madison
I met Caroline a few days ago, I took many pictures of her. I'll share the best of them in the coming days. She is a beautiful Model!
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KANIKA GUPTA: Please introduce yourself to our readers. Tell us a bit about your background as an artist and a photographer.
BEN HEINE: I’m 27-year-old, born in Africa, living and working in Brussels, the Capital of Europe. I paint, I draw, I take photos… visual art is my major interest in life. My creations got noticed mainly thanks to a new series called "Pencil Vs Camera". I graduated in Journalism several years ago. I’ve done different jobs so far, but graphic art was always the strongest passion and I’m now making a living out of it. I’m exhibiting my photos/paintings in several countries.
What motivates you to create such masterpieces? Who/what is your inspiration?
"Masterpiece" is a big word... I just make art for people. I want them to dream and forget their daily troubles. I used to write poems many years ago, I want to convey a poetic meaning into my pictures, each new creation should tell a story and generate an intense emotion, like a poem, like a melody. I also want to discover new universes and use new tools or mix them together in an unusual way. Everything around me is a source of inspiration.
There is always a story behind becoming a successful person. We would love to learn your story as well.
Well, I’m not sure I have something spectacular to say about that. My life is rather normal. Luckily, I made some artworks that had an impact on people recently, and that’s it. In the past, I used to make some political illustrations (mainly during my studies in Journalism). I was an artist before being an activist. I’m no longer an activist; I remain an artist, forever. I’ve also had the chance to meet some amazing persons so far. They give me strength and hopes.
When I first viewed your "Pencil Vs Camera" images, the first word in my mind was "awesome" and the second thought was "how are these made". Well, I am still wondering. Tell us briefly how these images are created? How did this idea occur to you?
Thanks for the compliment. Concerning the making, there are several methods but the concept is quite easy to understand: I usually make a drawing on a small piece of paper and take a photo of my hand holding it in an interesting place. May I suggest you to see this recent video report intending to quickly show the way I’m making a Pencil Vs Camera image. The original idea came almost one year ago (in April 2010) quite by coincidence but I’m sure it was the result of a slow evolution and the outcome of my personal graphic exploration. For instance, I made this drawing more than 2 years before I started the Pencil Vs Camera project. It is only a rough drawing but the concept is very similar. Later on, I thought it would be nice to mix my 2 creative passions: Photography and drawing, reality and imagination. I just had to find the best way to do it. In this series, I like to focus on architecture, portraits, and animals. Among many others, the main themes approached in "Pencil Vs Camera" are love and friendship. My hand is always clearly visible. That was a difficult choice but it emphasizes the intimate connection between the viewer and the action happening on the piece of paper. The concept will certainly evolve in time.
On your blog, I came across a project of yours called "The Dancer". It is so impactful! What do you have to say about it?
That piece is very personal. It is dedicated to my mother who is a fervent and talented choreographer and dance teacher. It is made with hundreds of hand-written words. It is a combination of calligraphy and typography. I always love to use small elements that make a whole new image when placed together.
Another of your image got my attention: "Maybe", a contradiction made in a creative way. I read its caption, which really moved me. What are your views on it?
It's just a very rough idea quickly realized. The group says "no" but the individual says "yes"... This is a contradiction I have often noticed in human societies, especially in Belgium, where we have some serious political troubles right now. The people of Belgium (the group) want to stay united and say "yes" to a peaceful nation but a few politicians say "no" and want the division of this (already small) country.
You have made an awesome portrait of Julian Assange using '@'. The good news is you're going to make a portrait of the 20,000th person subscribing to your Facebook Page. Do you already know what you'll do for that lucky 20,000th person?
Haha, I see you’re aware of my latest notes on Facebook… I don’t know yet what exactly I’ll do for this 20,000th person. But I’ll do my best to give him/her something original and that suits his/her goals and personality. The "At sign" typographic characters were perfect for Julian Assange as he is quite a powerful cyber activist.
You possess so many creations! Which one is closest to your heart and why?
Usually, my favorite image is the latest I’ve been working on. So right now, the closest to my heart is "Pencil Vs Camera – 49". But my next pictures will be even more exciting to do!
What was the turning point in your career or is it yet to come?
Pencil Vs Camera was certainly a major stage in my artistic life. I don’t know how the public will react to my next projects. We’ll see. I’ll do my best.
What are the challenges that a struggling artist has to face to create a space for himself in this competitive web world?
Competition is sadly very present in our society. We learn it at school from a very young age: If you don’t get better marks than your fellows, you’re seen as a very silly, incompetent and uninteresting person. It’s the same for adults… You’ve got to be the best or you’ll be treated like trash. Of course, I despise this. I find it awful and terrible. But it’s difficult to change the core values and the culture of a whole system in our society. There isn’t a single intelligence. There are many sorts of aptitudes for sure. Everybody is good at something! I think an artist should stand out from the crowd simply by being himself/herself. Creativity, quality, hard work and innovation should be the leitmotivs.
How and where do you promote your work? As an experienced and successful artist, what do you think is more important to promote your work: online or offline? Which brings more recognition to an artist's artwork?
Online or offline… That’s the question. I would say it depends from one person to another. There are many options to get more exposure. For instance, if you have a huge network offline and get opportunities to exhibit your work in art galleries and fairs and that you can make a living out of it, that’s great and I guess you won’t even need to promote your art online. But if you start from scratch, and if you believe you’ve got something interesting to show to others, then, online platforms can definitely help you to get noticed. They are easy to use and not expensive. If your art really brings something new, it will be noticed. Keep hoping. Keep working. As far as I’m concerned, I started sharing my works mainly on 3 sites since 2006: my blog, Flickr and DeviantArt (also my official website, but it’s less frequently updated so I don’t count it in). Online or offline… Both are important in the end. I would say, try having a consistent presence on the web and also in the real world. This is the most interesting choice in my views.
How would you rate "Social Networking Sites" as a tool to promote your work online on a scale of 10?
I would say 7/10. Social Neworking Sites are awesome and very helpful. I mainly use them to stay in touch with people that find interest in my creations and to build a network. But in my opinion, art sites like Flickr and DeviantArt are even more powerful to get known in your field.
Any project on the cards? Is there any dream project of yours?
To be honest, there are a lot of new projects I would like to start. Too many. I will not explain in details, but my current dream project would be to go in a foreign country and make something creative with a local community. I’m currently working on finding some real opportunities for this goal. I’m also going to focus on other projects in Belgium, including some big size creations mixing sculpture and traditional painting.
(*) E-Junkie is a blog focusing on E-Commerce and Technology
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VERONICA PETRELLI: First, tell me a little bit about your trajectory in life. You were born in Ivory Coast. How long have you been living there? Why did you decide to go to Brussels? Are your relatives from Belgium?
BEN HEINE: Yes, my family is originally from Belgium. My parents traveled to Ivory Coast in 1980 for professional reasons (my father worked as a commercial engineer in Abidjan). I was born there in 1983 and we all came back to Brussels in 1990. I lived one year in UK and 6 months in The Netherlands during my studies. I lived the rest of my life in Brussels. I’m willing to move abroad permanently as soon as possible.
What are the differences between life in Ivory Coast and life in Belgium?
I was just a little child but I still have lots of good memories from the life we had in this beautiful country. Everything was more colorful, there was more light, lots of smiles and happiness on people’s face. Belgium is much colder and less colorful but it’s a nice little country, full of surrealism.
You have a degree in Journalism. Where did you graduate? Beside this, are you graduated in any other course, such as Photography, Digital Arts or Design? Or you are a self-taught man?
I graduated in Brussels, Belgium. I also studied Sculpture and Painting during one year in Hastings, England. One year is not enough, so I’m mainly a self-taught person in arts, especially in drawing, photography and digital arts. And I think it’s better this way, as I prefer to not have any academic influence on my work.
When did you realize that drawing was your passion? Were you a young boy?
Oh, yes, I was quite young when I realize that! Every child loves to draw. This interest never disappeared in my case.
Talking about your job: how did the Internet contribute to the propagation of your work?
The Internet has always been very useful for me. I think it is a gorgeous tool for anybody willing to get noticed worldwide and to build a network.
How did the idea of “Pencil Vs Camera” appear? Are you enjoying doing it?
The idea came at a very random moment. It’s always a huge pleasure to start a new Pencil Vs Camera image. I’ve been focusing on this series since almost one year. I can’t believe time went that fast!
Why do you think “Pencil vs. Camera” had a really good reception in the public?
I’m not sure about the answer. What I’m sure of is that the majority of the people appreciates this series, no matter their language, their culture or their nationality, which is really unbelievable. I think it speaks to the child that’s still in every one of us. It’s very simple and accessible to everybody. There is something universal about that and imagination has no boundary!
And “Digital Circlism”? How did it all start?
I’ve been doing portraits since several years now. I always love to use small elements that make a whole new structure when viewed together. I like to add texture and little details to the images I’m working on. So I tried with different shapes (triangles, squares…), when I tried with circles, I thought it looked really cool and special. I think this series is a bit less creative than my other projects. I see it more as a delight for the eyes and a technical challenge because it is always time consuming and sometimes tricky to do.
How does your experience in Journalism modify the way you make art?
Journalism has had a huge influence on my perception of the world. During my studies, I started making pictures having strong political connotations (I stopped making political illustrations a few years after my studies). So I guess this period of my life really had a direct effect on my sources of inspiration. As I often said, I was an artist before being an activist/journalist. I’m no longer an activist but I remain an artist, forever. More positively, Journalism also helped me be curious about everything, be willing to read the worldwide news, have a critical eye about what’s happening in general and verify twice everything I say or do…
Inspiration, creativity… For you, where do they come from?
There is something magic and divine about it. I guess they come from events happening around us. I think artists are used to find these little creative universes hidden around us. As far as I’m concerned, they are the results of past events in my life and expectations for the future. They are also the fruits of a long and slow evolution. Inspiration and creativity are everywhere! Each thing I see around me could be the subject of a creative project.
Do you have a personal style at your pieces of art? I noticed that some of your drawings are surrealistic… Do you like surrealism?
Certainly true I love surrealism! But I don’t think I have a particular style. Uniformity and sameness are not my priority at all. In my opinion, they diminish the potential of a creator. The mediums and instruments I use define the style and I use many. Creativity, quality, hard work and innovation are my leitmotivs.
There is a huge conflict between the traditional ways of making art (with paints and brushes) and the technological ways (with computer programs). What do you think about this? Which one do you prefer? Is this confrontation worth?
Yes, there is a big difference between digital and traditional, especially in the making of an image. But the results are often very similar in the end. I don’t see it as a conflict or a problem, I think both traditional and digital tools can be mixed with harmony. I use them in my daily work. Pencil Vs Camera is a good example… I think artists should live with their time. There will be other tools available in 20 years. Softwares and hardwares are now being employed by creators to express their feelings in an even more powerful way.
Tell me a little bit about your blog “Ben Heine in Colleague’s Eyes”. How is the sensation of being portrayed by other artists?
It’s a nice feeling! We do that quite frequently between artists. =)
I noticed that, in some of your “Pencil vs. Camera” pictures, you use some Walt Disney’s characters, such as Mickey and Tinker Bell. Why do you have this preference? Are you a big fan of Walt Disney?
Walt Disney and his contribution to our western culture is amazing. So I used these 2 famous characters (Mickey and Tinker Bell) as a tribute to his enormous legacy and vision.
To end up: what is art for you?
For me, Art is a door to imagination, freedom, hopes, meditation and happiness.
(*) Grappa is an advertising company based in São Paulo, Brazil.
BEN HEINE: Yes, my family is originally from Belgium. My parents traveled to Ivory Coast in 1980 for professional reasons (my father worked as a commercial engineer in Abidjan). I was born there in 1983 and we all came back to Brussels in 1990. I lived one year in UK and 6 months in The Netherlands during my studies. I lived the rest of my life in Brussels. I’m willing to move abroad permanently as soon as possible.
What are the differences between life in Ivory Coast and life in Belgium?
I was just a little child but I still have lots of good memories from the life we had in this beautiful country. Everything was more colorful, there was more light, lots of smiles and happiness on people’s face. Belgium is much colder and less colorful but it’s a nice little country, full of surrealism.
You have a degree in Journalism. Where did you graduate? Beside this, are you graduated in any other course, such as Photography, Digital Arts or Design? Or you are a self-taught man?
I graduated in Brussels, Belgium. I also studied Sculpture and Painting during one year in Hastings, England. One year is not enough, so I’m mainly a self-taught person in arts, especially in drawing, photography and digital arts. And I think it’s better this way, as I prefer to not have any academic influence on my work.
When did you realize that drawing was your passion? Were you a young boy?
Oh, yes, I was quite young when I realize that! Every child loves to draw. This interest never disappeared in my case.
Talking about your job: how did the Internet contribute to the propagation of your work?
The Internet has always been very useful for me. I think it is a gorgeous tool for anybody willing to get noticed worldwide and to build a network.
How did the idea of “Pencil Vs Camera” appear? Are you enjoying doing it?
The idea came at a very random moment. It’s always a huge pleasure to start a new Pencil Vs Camera image. I’ve been focusing on this series since almost one year. I can’t believe time went that fast!
Why do you think “Pencil vs. Camera” had a really good reception in the public?
I’m not sure about the answer. What I’m sure of is that the majority of the people appreciates this series, no matter their language, their culture or their nationality, which is really unbelievable. I think it speaks to the child that’s still in every one of us. It’s very simple and accessible to everybody. There is something universal about that and imagination has no boundary!
And “Digital Circlism”? How did it all start?
I’ve been doing portraits since several years now. I always love to use small elements that make a whole new structure when viewed together. I like to add texture and little details to the images I’m working on. So I tried with different shapes (triangles, squares…), when I tried with circles, I thought it looked really cool and special. I think this series is a bit less creative than my other projects. I see it more as a delight for the eyes and a technical challenge because it is always time consuming and sometimes tricky to do.
How does your experience in Journalism modify the way you make art?
Journalism has had a huge influence on my perception of the world. During my studies, I started making pictures having strong political connotations (I stopped making political illustrations a few years after my studies). So I guess this period of my life really had a direct effect on my sources of inspiration. As I often said, I was an artist before being an activist/journalist. I’m no longer an activist but I remain an artist, forever. More positively, Journalism also helped me be curious about everything, be willing to read the worldwide news, have a critical eye about what’s happening in general and verify twice everything I say or do…
Inspiration, creativity… For you, where do they come from?
There is something magic and divine about it. I guess they come from events happening around us. I think artists are used to find these little creative universes hidden around us. As far as I’m concerned, they are the results of past events in my life and expectations for the future. They are also the fruits of a long and slow evolution. Inspiration and creativity are everywhere! Each thing I see around me could be the subject of a creative project.
Do you have a personal style at your pieces of art? I noticed that some of your drawings are surrealistic… Do you like surrealism?
Certainly true I love surrealism! But I don’t think I have a particular style. Uniformity and sameness are not my priority at all. In my opinion, they diminish the potential of a creator. The mediums and instruments I use define the style and I use many. Creativity, quality, hard work and innovation are my leitmotivs.
There is a huge conflict between the traditional ways of making art (with paints and brushes) and the technological ways (with computer programs). What do you think about this? Which one do you prefer? Is this confrontation worth?
Yes, there is a big difference between digital and traditional, especially in the making of an image. But the results are often very similar in the end. I don’t see it as a conflict or a problem, I think both traditional and digital tools can be mixed with harmony. I use them in my daily work. Pencil Vs Camera is a good example… I think artists should live with their time. There will be other tools available in 20 years. Softwares and hardwares are now being employed by creators to express their feelings in an even more powerful way.
Tell me a little bit about your blog “Ben Heine in Colleague’s Eyes”. How is the sensation of being portrayed by other artists?
It’s a nice feeling! We do that quite frequently between artists. =)
I noticed that, in some of your “Pencil vs. Camera” pictures, you use some Walt Disney’s characters, such as Mickey and Tinker Bell. Why do you have this preference? Are you a big fan of Walt Disney?
Walt Disney and his contribution to our western culture is amazing. So I used these 2 famous characters (Mickey and Tinker Bell) as a tribute to his enormous legacy and vision.
To end up: what is art for you?
For me, Art is a door to imagination, freedom, hopes, meditation and happiness.
(*) Grappa is an advertising company based in São Paulo, Brazil.
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SIMON CRISP: Your images seem to have got a lot more popular in the past 12 months, are they getting a lot more views online?
BEN HEINE: Yes, it’s true all these Pencil Vs Camera images have been heavily seen on the web. There was an amazing buzz when I started the series. Although people are getting used to this concept, the interest didn’t end yet. Each time I post a new PvsC, there is a new audience peak. Among all my pictures, the PvsC creations are the most viewed, commented and rated everyday… Of course, all this came as a surprise for me. It’s totally impossible nowadays to predict how the public will react… hard work is always important and a key factor but there is certainly a bit of coincidence and chance too. Beside its simplicity, the force of this concept is that it allows the viewer to travel in a fantasy world and there is no boundary to imagination.
Have you had many gallery exhibitions of your work?
Yes, many! I’ve been exhibiting Pencil Vs Camera and Digital Circlism in various art galleries and art events in Belgium, USA and soon in UK, France and Germany. Slowly, I manage to make a living out of my work, which is important if I want to keep on developing new creative projects.
I understand your method for creating the images has changed slightly (printed background scenery) can you explain this?
Yes, there are actually 4 different methods to achieve the same results (see below). Most of the time I choose the traditional way, being as genuine as possible, it is always a hand made drawing started from scratch. As said in our previous interview, I simply draw something that comes in my mind on a small piece of paper and then take a picture of it with a realistic background behind. May I also suggest you to see this very recent video report intending to quickly show the way I’m making a Pencil Vs Camera image.
And here are the 4 possible methods:
A) (Traditional way++) Make a drawing on paper; take a picture of your hand holding it with a nice scenery behind. When it’s possible, try to draw things that are more or less connected with the environment behind the paper but don’t forget that there needs to be a contrast between your imagination and the reality of the photo (this is the technique I have used most of the time).
B) (Traditional way+) Take a photo of a great place, print it in big size, make a surreal drawing still connected with the atmosphere of the photo, place the drawing over the picture with your hand holding it, take a new picture of this composition, reframe and retouch the arrangement afterwards if necessary.
C) (Digital way+) Take a photo of your hand holding the paper with a drawing on it, take another photo of any landscape, match them and assemble them afterwards in a photo editing software.
D) (Digital way++) Make a full digital work: create a digital drawing over a digital painting (landscape + paper), you don’t even need a camera if you choose this method, but you’ve got to have some good skills in painting to make everything look natural.
How many works have you created now?
I made 49 Pencil Vs Camera pieces so far and there are a few other variations, which I didn’t name “Pencil Vs Camera” but that carry exactly the same concept… For instance that one.
Which are your favourites?
I like especially those that show the paper in fire (For instance that one) because I think they convey a special emotion. The viewers realize that something is happening. It is an instant captured by my camera that will never be repeated. I also like those that have a strong vanishing point/perspective (For instance that one) because the illusion of depth is more interesting.
Have you been approached to create any images for advertising? (I wish Newslite made enough money to do this)
I receive many new propositions every day from individuals and also from private companies. I’m lucky to have a commercial associate to help me manage all these requests. I know that using the “Pencil Vs Camera” concept for any advertising company would devalue the artistic quality of the series, so right now I prefer to focus on collaborations with art galleries solely… But I’m open to any attractive suggestions.
(*) Newslite is a website publishing "odd and quirky news stories".
Ben by J. BoscoDUSTIN BRYSON: Tell us about yourself without including your profession or artistic background.
BEN HEINE: Well, I’m a human being willing to share my art with other human beings.
What fills your thoughts as you create your art? ie., Chaos, love, childhood, cheeseburgers...
Here are a few words that constantly come to my mind when I’m working on a new project: freedom, friendship, love, illusion, mystery, originality, environment, oxygen, childhood, innocence…
Do you carefully compose your photos with the end result in mind or do you sort of "wing" it?
I usually have an idea of what will be the end result when I take a photo. I sometimes readjust it afterwards when it’s necessary.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
My favorite subjects so far are: nature, animals, architecture, people…
How has social media affected you and your art?
It’s very nice and enriching to get constructive feedbacks from people who follow you. I also like this friendly atmosphere.
If you lost the ability to illustrate, what would you do? Would you continue pursuing another art form or would your entire lifestyle change?
I have already thought about that… I’m sometimes wondering what I would do if I lost my hands in an accident for example. That may sound crazy, but I would take this as an opportunity to try new forms of art, being obliged to use other tools. So definitely, whatever happens to me in the future, I would continue my creative quest.
(*) Shoot Love is a website dedicated to Photography.
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BEN HEINE: Well, I’m a human being willing to share my art with other human beings.
What fills your thoughts as you create your art? ie., Chaos, love, childhood, cheeseburgers...
Here are a few words that constantly come to my mind when I’m working on a new project: freedom, friendship, love, illusion, mystery, originality, environment, oxygen, childhood, innocence…
Do you carefully compose your photos with the end result in mind or do you sort of "wing" it?
I usually have an idea of what will be the end result when I take a photo. I sometimes readjust it afterwards when it’s necessary.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
My favorite subjects so far are: nature, animals, architecture, people…
How has social media affected you and your art?
It’s very nice and enriching to get constructive feedbacks from people who follow you. I also like this friendly atmosphere.
If you lost the ability to illustrate, what would you do? Would you continue pursuing another art form or would your entire lifestyle change?
I have already thought about that… I’m sometimes wondering what I would do if I lost my hands in an accident for example. That may sound crazy, but I would take this as an opportunity to try new forms of art, being obliged to use other tools. So definitely, whatever happens to me in the future, I would continue my creative quest.
(*) Shoot Love is a website dedicated to Photography.
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(See it on DeviantArt)
(See it on DeviantArt)A picture I took in a nice bar called "Pixel Bar" in Brussels.
It's a long exposure shot, but the guy with the red
pull-over wasn't moving at all!
© 2011 - Ben HeineIt's a long exposure shot, but the guy with the red
pull-over wasn't moving at all!
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(with subtitles in Dutch)
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It was a lot of fun. Quite a little challenge, because I made this "Pencil Vs Camera" image in a few minutes only (I usually spend more time on my drawings). I was interviewed by Tomas Teetaert for "TV Brussel". The report happened at the "Gallery Garden" and was broadcasted on "TV Brussel" the 18th of February 2011. Many thanks to Anne, Guy and Tomas!(See the whole album)
© 2011 - Ben Heine
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(See it on Flickr)Half fish, half bird =D
(I made the quick drawing
and took the photo in Greece.)
(See the whole album)
© 2011 - Ben Heine
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Dedicated to Daft Punk. I made the drawing and took the photo in Brussels.
Daft Punk is an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The musicians recently composed the score of the film "Tron: Legacy".
The duo is well known for its elaborate live shows, in which visual elements & effects are incorporated with the music. The group is also known for its emphasis on visual and story components associated with their musical productions, as well as for wearing ornate robot costumes while performing.
Daft Punk is an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The musicians recently composed the score of the film "Tron: Legacy".
The duo is well known for its elaborate live shows, in which visual elements & effects are incorporated with the music. The group is also known for its emphasis on visual and story components associated with their musical productions, as well as for wearing ornate robot costumes while performing.
3 random details:
Some 10 creations (mainly "Pencil Vs Camera" and "Digital Circlism", printed in limited editions) were exhibited from the 1st of February till the 13th of March 2011 (ongoing) at the Gallery Garden in Brussels, Belgium. 6 other atists participated in this show: Clif ARDI, Sylvie BREYSSE, Fabienne CLAESEN, Cédric MICHIELS, Michel SOUCY and Anne VEAUTE.
I want to D R E A M !
(I made here a very simple sketch,
just an idea with a few lines and shapes)
(I made here a very simple sketch,
just an idea with a few lines and shapes)
See the whole "Pencil Vs Camera" album.
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