Interview for Lucky Compiler (*)

Accessible Art Fair, Brussels, September 2012

At a very young age you have experimented various avenues of visual art forms. What is the pleasures of working with different genres of art and having an intuition of starting something that has never been attempted before?

When I started my "Pencil Vs Camera" series in which I mix photography and drawing, I didn't know of course it would generate so much interest. I really started this randomly and I didn't know exactly what impact it would have. I had in mind to do only one image with this concept, but the interest was so big from the beginning that I quickly realized it was important to keep working on it. So I spent 2 years of my life developing this idea and building a portfolio of artworks with many variations.

Through photography you portray both human emotions and nature’s beauty. What is your approach in capturing the many hues of life and planet earth?

I like to portray people and animals, capturing their emotion and giving them a new dimension. I like to show in a simple way the beautiful landscapes earth offers. I often do outdoor shootings and work with natural lights, it's beautiful enough.

Describe your feelings when you are completely one with your work, your artistic creations.

Most of my recent artworks are a complete reflection of what I am. There are different levels of interpretation for each of my pictures. There is the visible message I try to convey and there is what the image means for me and the context in which I made it. This is less obvious for the viewer and only people who know me well can clearly see the connection.

You have successfully managed to blend your passions for both photography and drawing. You incorporate a piece of imagery through your sketches of something that is only happening in your imagination. Did you ever feel it was not so much of pencil “vs” camera but how pencil tied-the-knot with camera that was depicted through the project?

Yes, you're right, at the beginning, I thought it was the opposition between the two disciplines that was the original part of the concept, but I realize more and more that maybe it's more the harmony between the different mediums that makes it interesting and special. Drawing and photography work well together because photography shows the reality as it is and drawing show it as I would like it to be. The strong point of the concept is that there is no limit, everything can be represented on the piece of paper.

As an artist, how difficult is playing the balancing act of satisfying the client’s interests for commercial projects along with his own urge of creative contentment?  Do you have any suggestion for the beginners in this field who may be struggling to balance the two?

When doing a project for a client, it’s indeed often difficult for both parties to be totally happy with the final work, so it’s important to establish the terms of collaboration from the beginning and to anticipate any potential conflict. Usually, I bring my personal interests, creative process, passion and sources of inspiration even when I'm working for a client, but it may be useful for creators to put their personal emotions away when they work on professional collaborations so that they meets the client's wishes.

You are also a multi-linguist. Can you share a couple of phrases that are very close to your heart from all the languages you have learned so far besides the language of art?

Lovely. Here are a few sentences I like to say when I speak one of these languages: French: oh là là, il est temps de faire dodo! English: I love you because you're special! Dutch: Twee vliegen in één klap, het is altijd beter! Spanish: Más vale solo que mal acompañado! Polish: Kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje! Russian: Мне бы хотелось побывать в вашей стране!

How to ensure that exposure to different cultures, experiences and even knowledge of artistic movements at different era do not become a limiting factor but work as an impetus for being adventurous and seeking out new territories in the infinite world of art?

I think art is a never ending cycle, but it's still a cycle, it means that for each era of time and in each human culture, there are some general aspects reappearing. It is important to know that. So as a creator, I try to be a reflection of the society I'm living in, let's say in a specific time and space. And I always try to be innovative, that's the most difficult part.

If Ben is requested to illustrate “Looking at Myself” featuring himself what would his artistic journey thus far reveal?

I don't really know who I am and where I'm going. I only know what I'm doing and in which context I'm evolving. So if I were to depict myself, I'd show me asking questions.

(*) Lucky Compiler aims to share inspiring stories of ingenuous and original efforts capable of enriching life and adorning society...

© 2012 - Ben Heine

Interview for PocketStock (*)

Creative Pro Show, Rome, Italy, November 2012

How are you using video with your art?  Do you see it as an artistic tool on its own or more of a means for promoting art to larger audience?

I see it more as a communication tool and this is how I use it. It is definitely a creative medium that can be used for artistic purporses as well, but it's not my main goal right now.

You have been copyrighting your work and even trademarking some pieces for a while now.  Can  you speak a bit to why that is important and how you see your work being distributed and protected?

Any kind of intellectual or creative material produced by a human being and shared publicly is by definition copyrighted. It's important for artists to protect their artworks because once it's shared publicly, it's impossible to control what's happening. Some people steal other person's work and use them commercially for their own benefits. This is what I try to avoid. I usually don't mind when bloggers or news websites feature my images as long as they mention a credit line.

There have been some distinct periods in your art career: your poetry, your political art, and now your current work.  Do you feel that shifting focus is important and how do you know when you’re ready to transition to your next phase?

It's the first time I get this question, and I think it's an important topic. I know a bit in advance when a big shift is coming. I’m living such a transition right now. It's really my personal sources of inspiration that are evolving. I'm changing and my production is changing too simply because what I do is a complete reflection of how I'm thinking and what I'm living. I'm just listening to the little voice inside me telling me to do something different. The transitions are not easy moments, because they require a new organization, a different approach to work flow, new tools to learn, finding a new audience, etc.

What concepts do you find recurring mostly in your art?  Do you find that certain ones resonate more with you?

Nature and people are my main sources of inspiration. I often talk about love, friendship and I often make animals portraits. These are the things I like to evoke in my graphic work.

We are seeing more and more photographers who have day jobs as the industry changes but you’ve gone the other way from many different jobs to fulltime artist.  Can you give us a brief rundown of those jobs and how they’ve helped shaped your perspective over the years?

I've been developing creative projects all the time since a young age, but I also had a normal life before my full time commitment to art. For instance, as soon as I finished my studies of Journalism, I worked in a communication agency for a few months, then I worked as a teacher and then I worked in a supermarket. I was an employee in all these early jobs. Then I decided to give up everything and focus exclusively on my projects as a freelance person. It was a bit difficult at the beginning and now it's fine.

How do you feel about starting a new movement?

I don't think I'm starting a new movement, we're a big community of creative people influencing each others. I know Pencil Vs Camera introduced something new in the current art and design industry. I just brought my small contribution. History of Art will only remember a few names. It has always been like this.

As a very successful artist, you must see people trying to emulate your work.  How do you feel about that?  What do you believe is the difference between copying, evoking, and being inspired by?

It's always gratifying to be an inspiration for other people. What else can I say? If some people use my Pencil Vs Camera concept and bring a new dimension to it and manage to do something even better, it's their right. Copying is different. Copying is almost stealing.

What personal techniques, that you might be able share with our audience, do you have for staying at your most creative and what's next for you?

Living new experiences is the best way to fight against lack of inspiration because life is always full of surprises and stimulations. I'll have some new exhibitions soon, I'll do some new Pencil Vs Camera works and I'm also working on some music projects.

(*) PocketStock is a royalty free stock content agency set up and owned by industry expert Russell Glenister. See the above interview on PocketStock.

© 2012 - Ben Heine

Interview for The Art Inquirer (*)

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(Flesh and Acrylic - Caroline Madison - Making)

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At what age did you become interested in drawing?

I think I was 11 year old or so. At that age, I knew that drawing would change my existence and that it would become the primary way to express my ideas and my conception of life.

What other mediums have you used or keep using?

To mention just a few, I’ve tried many different mediums like pencils, ballpoint pens, pastels, acrylic, oil, watercolor, ecoline and ink, on paper or on canvas. I’ve also made some sculptures and I’m more into photography, painting and digital art now.

Tell us what those mediums offer you. What makes you want to work with them?

Each medium offers something particular. It’s also nice to mix them together to get unexpected results. I used to work only with simple tools, easily available. I’m now trying more and more to prepare my projects in advance and to make unusual combinations with the instruments I use (See my most recent work “Flesh and Acrylic”, for instance).

Before your series “Pencil Vs Camera”, what other forms of creativity have you tried?

I’ve done in the past other series that have had less impact than Pencil Vs Camera, like “Wild Animals Downtown”, “Chess Art”, “Digital Caricatures” and others. I never know how the public will react to my new works so I try not thinking too much about it. But when I see that people really don’t like something I’m doing, I just stop and start something else because I want to make art for people, not for me. I’m trying to make it understandable by everybody.

How did you get to the kind of art you are doing now ? What triggered it?

Pencil Vs Camera is a mishmash of my two favorite disciplines: drawing and photography, so this series came quite naturally. Before starting this project, I saw some artists merging a photo in a photo or a drawing in a drawing, but I had never seen a drawing in a photo. So I thought there was a perfect opportunity for me to bring something new and creative.

Which are your favourite themes and subjects?

In Pencil Vs Camera, the main themes and values I want to share are love, friendship and happiness. I like to focus on architecture, portraits, nature and animals (a bit of everything). This series mixes imagination and reality in a simple way with simple tools. The only boundary is my own perception of the world, my own imagination. I like playing with illusions, visual tricks and surrealism. Finally, my hand is always visible. I think it emphasizes the connection between the viewer and the action happening on the little piece of paper.

When you include people in your works, do you try to do it without them noticing, do you tell them or give them a hint of the situation, or it's not relevant?

When they are famous, there is usually no problem at all, because these people are used to see their personal image exploited, as long as it remains positive. When they are random people I meet in the street, it’s more delicate, I have to make sure we don’t recognize them too much. If we can identify their face, I have to ask them the permission to have their image potentially published in the entire world.

How do people react when they realize that you're drawing them or are asked to serve as models?

They are often surprised and intrigued but still very positive and willing to collaborate.

What's their reaction after seing the final result?

Most of the time, they are very happy with it.

When you decide to start one of your artworks, how do you plan your day?

I often find ideas before going out and starting a new project. I just decide a bit in advance where I’ll go and I do the sketch on the place where I’ll take the final picture. If needed, I do the drawing home, at my desk, more comfortably, and I come back later to the scenery where I intend to take the photo.

Do you have plans to make this kind of creative work with other mediums?

Good question. I might be doing “Pencil Vs Camera XXL”, which means that I might use some huge paper on wooden panel (several meters long) and ask several people to carry it in front of a nice landscape, then make a giant drawing on it and take a final picture…

What would you like to try next?

I just started a new project called “Flesh and Acrylic”, in which I paint abstract shapes with acrylic on a life model. I think this series has a big potential too, but it’s only the beginning.

(*) The Art Inquirer is a blog intending to be a source of information for artists and art lovers.

Interview for E-Junkie (*)

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(See the interview on E-Junkie)

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