интервью для "Российское фото"

December 12, 2013, 5:05 am

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(Бен Хайне на Тур де Франс Фото © 2013 Томас Давида)

Введение: Бельгийский фотохудожник Бен Хайнеизвестен своими проектами Pencil Vs Camera, Digital Circlism, Flesh and Acrylic. С детства у него было много разнообразных интересов. Но с течением времени Бен все сильнее ощущал тягу к графике, благодаря чему смог найти свой стиль в искусстве и создать множество удивительных полуфото-полурисунков. О своем творчестве он с радостью рассказал нам в эксклюзивном интервью.

Российское фото: Здравствуйте, Бен! Расскажите пожалуйста, как давно вы занимаетесь фотографией?

Бен Хайне: Добрый день! Я начал рисовать двадцать лет назад, а фотографировать – около десяти.

Вы профессиональный фотограф?

Вообще-то нет, но я изучал журналистику, и там мне пришлось учиться пользоваться камерами, плюс кое-что нам рассказали об аналоговой и цифровой фотографии.

Кем вы сейчас работаете?

В настоящее время я фрилансер, занимаюсь творческими проектами, продаю свои фотографии на выставках и так далее... В данный момент это мой основной источник дохода, но вскоре я буду искать работу, потому что в сфере искусства трудно зарабатывать на жизнь.

Вам удается создавать поистине уникальные фотографии. Как приходят такие идеи?

Я уже много лет занимаюсь графическими проектами. Сочетание рисунков и фотографии для меня естественно.

Очень многие современные фотоиздания и сообщества по фотографии называют вас признанным мастером фотоманипуляций. Согласны ли вы с этим?

Нет, считаю, что многие обрабатывают фотографии качественнее, чем я. А у меня лучше получается придумывать всякие идеи и концепты и смешивать выразительные формы. Сидеть несколько дней над одним и тем же изображением – рисунком или фото, – стараясь довести его до совершенства, бывает довольно нудно, я занимаюсь этим лишь потому, что никто за меня этого делать не будет, но сам больше люблю первый этап творческого процесса: придумывать...

Сколько времени уходит на создание одной работы?

От нескольких дней до нескольких недель в зависимости от сложности.

Насколько трудно совместить фотографию и графику?

Мне это дается легко, я вижу не просто фотографию или рисунок, но еще и пиксели, линии, тени. Некоторые из моих снимков похожи на рисунки, потому что мне это нравится.

Какую технику вы выбираете?

В настоящее время я пользуюсь фотоаппаратами Canon и Samsung.

Вы проводите мастер-классы?

В целом нет, только иногда.

Что вы можете посоветовать начинающим фотографам, тем, кто ищет свой стиль?

Не старайтесь имитировать чей-то стиль, ваше творчество должно полностью отражать только ваш внутренний мир. С опытом вы познаете себя и научитесь выражать то, что хотите сказать.

Как вы сами думаете, в чем секрет вашей популярности?

Я не думаю, что популярен. Я знаю, что всегда стараюсь быть честен и с другими и с собой. Еще я всегда стараюсь делать все как можно лучше, и чтобы мое творчество было оригинальным и щедрым. Мне хочется делиться любовью и энергией. Думаю, что мои зрители это чувствуют.

Вы были в России? Планируете посетить нашу страну?

Пока нет, но мне нравятся Россия и ее культура. Несколько лет назад я учил русский и надеюсь, что вскоре удастся приехать к вам.

Будем рады вас видеть и желаем удачи!

И вам всего доброго!

В завершение нашего интервью Бен сделал нам своеобразный подарок – прислал свой автограф.

(*) Портал Russian Photoпродолжает 10-летнюю историю журнала "Российское фото", размещая самые интересные и полезные материалы о фотографии: информацию о событиях, портфолио признанных мастеров и талантливых фотолюбителей, исторические материалы, уроки фотографии, тесты, обзоры, новости и новинки фототехники. Читайте интервью на Российское фото здесь.

© 2013 Ben Heine

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Interview for Russian Photo (*)

December 12, 2013, 6:04 am

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Ben Heine at Tour de France Photo© Thomas David 2013

(Русская версия)

Russian Photo: How long have you been taking pictures? 

Ben Heine: I started drawing 20 years ago and started taking photos some 10 years ago.

Did you study photography professionally? 

Not really, but during my Journalism studies, I did have to manipulate cameras and learn a bit of analog and digital photography.

What is your profession? 

Now, I'm doing creative projects as a freelance artist and selling prints during exhibitions etc... This is my main source of income right now, but I'm planning to find another job soon because it's hard to make a decent living in the art industry.

You create truly unique pictures. How come such ideas? 

I've been working on graphic projects for many years. Mixing drawing and photography really came naturally.

You are called the master of photo manipulation. Do you agree with this? 

No, I don't, I think there are plenty of better people doing photo manipulations. I'm doing something different. I'm better at finding ideas and concepts and I love mixing mediums. Spending days on the same image (drawing or photo) to improve it and making it look good can be really annoying, I'm doing this only because there is nobody else that could do it exactly the way I want. I generally prefer the first steps of the creation process: finding ideas...

Pencil Vs Camera 64 - No More Routine

How much time does it take to create one work? 

Several days or several weeks, depending on the image complexity.

How difficult is it to combine photos and sketches? 

It's easy for me, I'm working like a robot, seeing pixels, lines and shadows instead of the whole drawing or photo. some of my pictures look like drawings because I like to edit them this way (view some before and after versions).

Which brands of photo cameras do you use? Do you teach master classes? 

I currently use Canon and Samsung cameras. I don't teach master classes, but I do some workshops and conferences from time to time.

Is it possible to combine originality and professionalism? 

Originality is the most important for me, then if people like it, I try to make a business out of it.

What can you advise to beginners who are looking for your style? 

Don't try to imitate any style, your creations should be a complete reflection of yourself only. With experience, you'll learn who you really are and you'll then be able to express what you really want.

What is the secret of your popularity? 

I'm not sure I'm popular. But I know that I'm always trying to be sincere with other people and true with myself. I'm also always trying to give the best I can and to be be innovative and generous in my art. I want to share love and energy. Hopefully the persons who view my works can feel it.

Have you visited Russia? Are you planning to visit our country? 

Not yet, but I love Russia and Russian culture. I've learned Russian language several years ago (see a small hand written note here below). I hope I can visit your country soon and organize an art event or exhibition!

Ben Heine autograph in Cyrillic alphabet for "Russian Photo"

(*) Russian Photo is a 10 year old magazine dedicated to photography. It gives information about art events and exhibitions, interviews of masters, photo tutorials, camera reviews and trends. Read the above interview on Russian Photo website at this link.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Exhi-B at The Event Lounge

December 12, 2013, 10:11 am

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Photo report - Exhi-B - Collective Exhibition at The Event Lounge

An awesome collective exhibition (via Exhi-B) with an electro after party that happened the 11th of October 2013 at the very trendy and prestigious Event Lounge in Brussels, Belgium. I exhibited my portrait of Jullian Assange (Diasec finishing) made exclusively with thousands of "@" symbols. Nice memories for me. You can view more pictures here below and on my Facebook page. Many other photos on Exhi-B's page.

Ben Heine Brochures at Exhi-B

Julian @ssange - Authentic Diasec finishing

@ The Event Lounge, beautiful VIP space!

Julian @ssange - Authentic Diasec finishing

Exhi-B on Facebook

Ben Heine Business Cards

Good laugh with Najwa Borro

With artist Jan Werkt in front of his installation

Traditional and digital art exhibited together

After Party with some delicious creatures :)

The Event Lounge decoration

© 2013 Ben Heine

Mac Gyver Photography

December 13, 2013, 6:20 am

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I lost my tripod somewhere but I used my shoe

for a photo recently and it was totally fine!

© 2013 Ben Heine

Old Lock Mechanism

December 13, 2013, 6:30 am

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Would you guess what this is? It is an impressive lock mechanism (from the 16th century) of a big metal box I found in the Citadel of Dinant, Belgium. I really love the shapes, textures and symbols... I took this photo last summer and forgot to share it (I made some edits to improve the details, colors, composition, click to enlarge...). View some of my other photos taken in Belgium.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Climate Changes

December 13, 2013, 6:53 am

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Detail of a wide acrylic abstract painting (recent project). I titled it "Climate Changes" because I had the feeling it looked like clouds and tornadoes seen from space but with strange colors... :)

© 2013 Ben Heine

If You Didn't Exist

December 13, 2013, 7:09 am

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If you didn't exist, I'd have to invent you. 

Quick sketch on paper, unfinished. 

Dedicated to Marta.
More here.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Ghost

December 13, 2013, 7:23 am

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Marker pens on paper, quick study, recent project. 

View some other illustrations at this link.

© 2013 Ben Heine

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Ballpoint Pen Sketch On Paper

December 13, 2013, 7:41 am

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Quick ballpoint pen sketch on paper. I have made hundreds of small ballpoint pen sketches like that. I'll scan some more shortly. View some other works here and here. Contact me if you want to buy some original illustrations (info@benheine.com)

© 2013 Ben Heine

Lines - Colors - Woman - Music

December 13, 2013, 7:54 am

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Unfinished sketch, mixed media on paper. I simply made this with Stabilo markers and pastels on paper. Contact me if you want to buy some original illustrations (info@benheine.com). By the way, this is my Soundcloud page: www.soundcloud.com/benheine. PS: Get some cool and affordable gifts for Christmas!

© 2013 Ben Heine

Led Lights Abstracts in My Studio

December 13, 2013, 11:57 pm

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Abstract led lights composition in Ben Heine Studio © Ben Heine

A recent project. Long exposure photos. I was playing around with different led lights gadgets in my studio. Leds give beautiful sharp and incandescent lines surrounding the room furniture. It's an experimental project. View my other long exposure photos at the following link or buy some prints to decorate your home.

Abstract led lights composition in Ben Heine Studio

Abstract led lights composition in Ben Heine Studio

Abstract led lights composition in Ben Heine Studio

Abstract led lights composition with Zhuzhu in Ben Heine Studio

© 2013 Ben Heine

In Memory of Nelson Mandela

December 14, 2013, 3:28 am

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Freedom and Peace, RIP Nelson Mandela, sketch by Ben Heine © 2013

In memory of Nelson Mandela. My small tribute for a hero. RIP. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Seoul by Night

December 14, 2013, 4:05 am

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Gangnam Routine (long exposure) © 2013 Ben Heine

A selection of photos I took in downtown Seoul, South Korea, a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed walking by night in the streets of the Gangnam district and visiting Seoul Tower (236m high). I was truly impressed by the beauty, height and style of every building in the city. I travelled to Seoul for a solo exhibition (view the photo report about this event at this link). I took all the photos in this blog post with the new Samsung Galaxy NX Camera.

Seoul Panorama and Han River seen from Seoul Tower © Ben Heine

Small restaurant in a street of Gangnam © 2013 Ben Heine

View from the top of a buiding in Gangnam © 2013 Ben Heine

Seoul Panorama and Han River seen from Seoul Tower © Ben Heine

Seoul Panorama and Han River © 2013 Ben Heine

Long exposure photo in a street in the Gangnam District © Ben Heine

View from the top of a buiding in Gangnam © 2013 Ben Heine

Long exposure photo in a street in the Gangnam District © Ben Heine

Psychedelic long exposure photo in Gangnam © 2013 Ben Heine

Street in the Gangnam District of Seoul © 2013 Ben Heine

View from the top of a buiding in Gangnam © 2013 Ben Heine

© 2013 Ben Heine

Petal by Petal

December 14, 2013, 11:24 am

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Life is a never-ending stream of passion, love and colors. I recently took this photo with the new Samsung Galaxy NX Camera (Macro Lens...) PS: Some cool & affordable gift ideas for Christmas!

© 2013 Ben Heine

Pencil Vs Camera - 76

December 14, 2013, 12:03 pm

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Dragon landing on Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace © 2013 Ben Heine

A sketch I made at Gyeongbokgung Palace in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1395, later burned and abandoned for almost three centuries, reconstructed in 1867, then destroyed by Imperial Japan in the early 20th century, it was the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It has been gradually restored back to its original form.

I took this photo with the new Samsung Galaxy NX Camera and drew the quick sketch by hand as always! View the photo report about my travel and exhibition in South Korea at this link. View the full Pencil Vs Camera album. You can buy prints  of the above image here. 

Adjusting the drawing and tearing the paper at the chosen location

Sketch in progress, pencil and pen on paper © 2013 Ben Heine

© 2013 Ben Heine

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Heart-Shaped Face Barn Owl

December 15, 2013, 12:13 am

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Cute heart-shaped face barn owl in a Belgian forest © 2013 Ben Heine

A very cute and colorful heart-shaped face barn owl I found in a forest near where I live in Rochefort. I took this photo with the Canon 5D Mark II. You can view my other pictures of animals at this link.

More info: Barn owls (Tytoninae) are one of the two families of owls, the other being the true owls. They are medium to large sized with large heart-shaped faces and long legs. They live in a wide range of habitats from temperate latitudes to the tropics. They are mostly nocturnal, and generally non-migratory.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Ben Heine Solo Exhibition in Seoul

December 15, 2013, 4:18 am

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One of the rooms with Ben Heine Signed Limited Edition Prints

A photo report about my recent exhibition at Hyehwa Art Center in Seoul, South Korea. That was my first exhibition in Asia. Many thanks to INMD for making this event possible, to the Belgian Embassy for their presence at the private viewing and to Samsung for their precious support. 

More info about this event and the signed limited edition acrylic prints can be found on www.theuniverseofbenheine.com. View all the photos here below, in this Facebook album or in this Flickr set. (You can also check a previous post with my photos featuring "Seoul by Night"). All the photos in this blog post were taken with the new Samsung Galaxy NX Camera. © 2013 Ben Heine.

Removing the protective film from the acrylic Lamina print

The Universe of Ben Heine - First Solo Exhibition in Asia

  

Pencil Vs Camera Exhibition at Hyehwa Art Center in Seoul

Digital Circlism celebrities portraits exhibited at Hyehwa Art Center

Opening Ceremony with INMD CEO Phyungkyu David Chang,  Belgian Ambassador François Bontemps, and Artist Ben Heine

Explaining the creative concept to Ambassador François Bontemps

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

© 2013 Ben Heine

Interview for Flickr (*)

December 16, 2013, 9:41 am

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Photographer literally draws life into his photos (Read the following interview on Flickr Blog or listen to the audio interview on Yahoo Screen).

In this edition of The Weekly Flickr, we profile Belgian artist and photographer Ben Heine. To call Ben Heine’s photography“cool” or even “eye-catching” is a bit of an understatement. His images are mesmerizing. Ben’s Pencil Vs Camera series perfectly blends illustrations in surprising but clever juxtapositions. The end result offers viewers a glimpse into an imaginative and surreal world.

Ben Heine has created a form of art that is truly all his own. Einstein once said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Ben Heine is using art to show that if you can see it and believe it, there are no bounds to creativity! 

“In my work, I’m really trying to interact with the viewer,” the Belgian artist tells The Weekly Flickr in the accompanying video. “I want to make them laugh or smile, and if I can, surprise people so that he or she doesn’t understand how it’s made. I’m having so much fun and I want them to feel the same.”

“Pencil Vs Camera” mixes drawing and photography, imagination and reality through illusion and surrealism. Ben says the idea was the result of a long graphic exploration and the evolution of his artistic ability.

“The initial idea happened randomly while I was writing a letter in 2010,” Ben explains. “When I held the letter up to put it inside an envelope, I noticed the paper was transparent enough that I could see my television in the background. I suddenly saw two images working together: the words on the paper and the action of the television. It was surreal, and I instantly thought I could do something creative with this.”

“The very next day I made Pencil Vs Camera #1,” Ben says. “It wasn’t very creative, but it was the beginning of this new concept. Since then, it’s evolved into more and more complex drawings, and it’s always changing into something bigger and better.”

The process behind the series is very simple. Ben draws a picture by hand and then takes the photo of the drawing at a specific location. His hand is almost always visible in the image to represent the connection between viewer, artist and artwork. In “Pencil Vs Camera”, Ben generally focuses on architecture, portraits and animals. Among many others, the main themes he approaches are love, freedom and friendship.

“The drawing has to be nice, and the location where I’m taking the photo has to be interesting,” Ben says. “When I edit my photo, like every photographer, I’m always adjusting. Since these are raw images, I’m adjusting the light, the colors, the contrast – everything (see some photo editing examples here). In some cases, I even adjust the composition because I want the final image to be perfect!” An admitted perfectionist, he uses perspective to create unexpected images that are open to interpretation, going back to the drawing board and readjusting if necessary.

“Love, freedom and friendship are the main things I’m trying to express in my art because they are a reflection of what I love the most in life,” Ben says. “I’ve made many photos showing duos… either two people or two animals in love or in a friendly situation with each other. It’s a beautiful feeling.”

“One of my favorite images shows a lion jumping out of the image,” Ben says. “I took this photo in Tunisia and drew a ferocious lion jumping and appearing. The picture is unfinished, because I mainly wanted to attract the attention of the viewer on the lion’s roar. I liked the powerful effect of this image– you know the lion’s screaming and shouting. For me, graphic art can sometimes be dull, but this image is powerful.”

There is also a lot of illusion and surrealism depicted in Ben’s art. Throughout his career he’s been influenced by famous artists like Rene Magritte. Ben says he likes to play with shapes, geometrics and create illusions with tricky objects and perspectives. The reactions Ben’s received from his series has been extremely positive. 

“I started posting my pictures on Flickr in 2006, and since then, the feedback from other members has helped me to improve my work,” Ben admits. “I really strive to create a new form of art. For me, it’s very important to be innovative and do something different. I’m having fun only because I’m trying to surpass myself daily. I want people to see I’ve given my utmost best in each of my images.” 

(*) Flickr is an image hosting and video hosting website, and web services suite that was created by Ludicorp in 2004 and acquired by Yahoo in 2005. In addition to being a popular website for users to share and embed personal photographs, the service is widely used by photo researchers and by bloggers to host images that they embed in blogs and social media. The Verge reported in March 2013 that Flickr had a total of 87 million registered members and more than 3.5 million new images uploaded daily.

© 2013 Ben Heine

Pencil Vs Camera - 77

December 17, 2013, 3:17 am

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Space shuttles taking off from the heart of Seoul - Art by Ben Heine

Another creative project I made at Cheonggyecheon, South Korea. This picture shows space shuttles taking off from the heart of the city. It is about underground life and new technologies in Korea. You can view the sketch in progress here below and at this link. This image was printed and exhibited among other artworks at Hyehwa Art Center in Seoul, only a few days after its creation! If you wish to buy a signed limited edition print of this artwork, please contact info@benheine.com or contact@inmd.co.kr. View the other artwork I made in Seoul. Also view my photos of Seoul by night. All the photos in this blog post were taken with the Samsung Galaxy NX Camera.

Ben Heine working on Pencil Vs Camera 77 in Seoul - © 2013

Cheonggyecheon is an 8.4 km (5.2 miles) long, modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul. The massive urban renewal project is on the site of a stream that flowed before the rapid post-war economic development required it to be covered by transportation infrastructure. The $900 million project initially attracted much public criticism but, after opening in 2005, has become popular among city residents and tourists.

Sketch in progress - Pencil Vs Camera 77 - © 2013 Ben Heine

Ben Heine adjusting his drawing - Pencil Vs Camera 77 - © 2013

The image made in Seoul exhibited among others at Hyehwa Art Center

Hanging of the artwork at Hyehwa Art Center - View more

© 2013 Ben Heine

Ben Heine on Instagram

December 17, 2013, 6:01 am

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I'm finally on Instagram: www.instagram.com/benheineart I hope you can join me there too! I plan to post more personal photos (but still creative) on my Instagram account. Coming soon.

© 2013 Ben Heine