Interview of Jasper Geenhuizen a gifted light graffiti artist from Netherlands. Astonishing pictures inside.
FC : How and why did you start doing light drawing photography ?
Jasper: I always wanted to do something with art, but I could not paint nor draw. At a certain moment I discovered light graffiti on the internet and became fascinated by it. This lead me to try it myself, and so I started practicing. In doing so I was discovering a lot of different techniques and styles, which resulted in my own style.
FC : How many tries does it usually take to get to the image you were hoping for ?
J : That depends on the location, as on one location it is easier to make a photo than on the other location. Usually I start by making a few pictures to get the composition and the settings right. I usually take about 15 photos on one location, but sometimes I'm only satisfied after the 50th shot. I pay a lot of attention to detail in my work and am, therefore, not easily satisfied.
Jasper: I always wanted to do something with art, but I could not paint nor draw. At a certain moment I discovered light graffiti on the internet and became fascinated by it. This lead me to try it myself, and so I started practicing. In doing so I was discovering a lot of different techniques and styles, which resulted in my own style.
FC : How many tries does it usually take to get to the image you were hoping for ?
J : That depends on the location, as on one location it is easier to make a photo than on the other location. Usually I start by making a few pictures to get the composition and the settings right. I usually take about 15 photos on one location, but sometimes I'm only satisfied after the 50th shot. I pay a lot of attention to detail in my work and am, therefore, not easily satisfied.
FC : What are your tools or technical configuration ?
J : That depends on the location and the target object. I try to set the ISO as low as possible and set the aperture as large as possible, depending on the circumstances. I use various tools, from children's toys to LED bulbs to steel wool. This allows me to be really creative.
FC : You named your art Light Graffiti. What are your connections with the graffiti movement ?
J : Even before I started with light graffiti, I knew people that were active in the local graffiti scene. Through them I started to appreciate street art. When I discovered light graffiti I saw people also used the term light painting, but it is basically the same thing. I choose to use the term light graffiti, because I feel my work links more to the graffiti scene. Some of my work, for instance, resembles "wildstyle graffiti".
FC : Do you always have a goal in mind when you start shooting, or are your photographs more spontaneous in nature ?
J : Sometimes I have a goal in mind for what I want to achieve when I'm on the road, because I got a tip from friends or because I saw beautiful location on the internet. But, most of the time I drive around until I discover something that sparks my imagination. On the other hand, I may get inspired by one of my own photos. When I look at a shot during a photo session, for example, I may notice a coincidental pattern that I want to emphasize.
FC : If Jasper was asked to paint a shape with his torches that defines his artistic journey thus far what would he draw ?
J : Then I will draw a figure which resembles growth, as I have started from scratch and ended up where I am now. I have a lot of ambition and still want to achieve a lot, but I've just begun. And, I believe that if you want something, you can also achieve it.
FC : Do you do commissioned work ?
J : I would not prefer it, since a client may have specific requirements. I am quite the perfectionist and find it more satisfying when I can let my creative mind go, and do what I like. Basically I’m afraid I might be hampered in my abilities.
J : That depends on the location and the target object. I try to set the ISO as low as possible and set the aperture as large as possible, depending on the circumstances. I use various tools, from children's toys to LED bulbs to steel wool. This allows me to be really creative.
FC : You named your art Light Graffiti. What are your connections with the graffiti movement ?
J : Even before I started with light graffiti, I knew people that were active in the local graffiti scene. Through them I started to appreciate street art. When I discovered light graffiti I saw people also used the term light painting, but it is basically the same thing. I choose to use the term light graffiti, because I feel my work links more to the graffiti scene. Some of my work, for instance, resembles "wildstyle graffiti".
FC : Do you always have a goal in mind when you start shooting, or are your photographs more spontaneous in nature ?
J : Sometimes I have a goal in mind for what I want to achieve when I'm on the road, because I got a tip from friends or because I saw beautiful location on the internet. But, most of the time I drive around until I discover something that sparks my imagination. On the other hand, I may get inspired by one of my own photos. When I look at a shot during a photo session, for example, I may notice a coincidental pattern that I want to emphasize.
FC : If Jasper was asked to paint a shape with his torches that defines his artistic journey thus far what would he draw ?
J : Then I will draw a figure which resembles growth, as I have started from scratch and ended up where I am now. I have a lot of ambition and still want to achieve a lot, but I've just begun. And, I believe that if you want something, you can also achieve it.
FC : Do you do commissioned work ?
J : I would not prefer it, since a client may have specific requirements. I am quite the perfectionist and find it more satisfying when I can let my creative mind go, and do what I like. Basically I’m afraid I might be hampered in my abilities.
FC : What's next ? Future projects ?
J : In the future I want to work with modeling people, for instance making silhouettes of people with light graffiti. Also, at some point in the future I'd like to bundle my best work in a book.
FC : Any last word ?
J : One common misconception about light graffiti, and light painting, is that people think that the artists use a computer program to make the light graffiti. However, it's all created in the real world, without a computer, but with the tools and techniques described above ! In any case, it is good to see so many people enthusiastic about this art form.
FC : Thank you Jasper !
J : In the future I want to work with modeling people, for instance making silhouettes of people with light graffiti. Also, at some point in the future I'd like to bundle my best work in a book.
FC : Any last word ?
J : One common misconception about light graffiti, and light painting, is that people think that the artists use a computer program to make the light graffiti. However, it's all created in the real world, without a computer, but with the tools and techniques described above ! In any case, it is good to see so many people enthusiastic about this art form.
FC : Thank you Jasper !
Props:
menlohog