(if you wish to have any more information or simply want to download and own
Here below are answers I gave to
Simon Crisp (for Newslite.tv) concerning this new
technique
(2 other interviews will be released in the coming days):
How did you come up with the idea for
Pencil Vs Camera?
I’ve been taking photos and drawing
since almost 10 years. This « Pencil Vs
Camera » series is nothing but the
result of several years of graphic
exploration and a logic consequence of
my artistic evolution. But the real idea
came while I was watching television and
writing a letter at the same time a few
weeks ago. Reading my letter before
putting it in the envelope, I saw in
transparency the television behind the
paper. I then realize it would be great
to make something similar in a single
image showing 2 different actions.
I went outside and Drew « Pencil Vs
Camera 1 » which is very simple and
shows 2 chairs with a small table. About
¼ of the scene is represented on the
paper, the other ¾ happens on the photo.
So this is roughly how the project
started. In my other « Pencil Vs Camera
» images, I tried to introduce weird
elements on the paper (such as
dinosaurs, ufo’s, double pair of eyes…)
to contrast with the realism of the
photo.
How do you pick the photos you use?
The photos and drawings always come
from my own stock/production. I somehow
consider the surface of the image as a
battle between drawing and photography
and the tools of this fight are my «
pencil » and my « camera ». So I usually
choose photos with a striking subject
and a specific action. It can also be
nice to use a background scenery with a
very simple or low semantic effect and
make everything happen inside the small
piece of paper.
The great thing is that photo and
drawing are 2 different ways of
expression but they go well together and
they definitely have the same purpose:
share an idea, an emotion, a concept or
a message.
How do you pick what to add?
There are no rules. There mustn’t be.
Imagination and creativity are the
leitmotif. This is why this series is so
amusing to do for me. You can choose to
draw something in a realistic way or to
rather go crazy. I personally prefer to
show unreal things on the paper because
the photo is a mere reflection of the
world we live in.
I noticed that representing a strong
perspective on the paper (for instance
in Pencil Vs Camera 4 or 8) gives a good
illusion and generates a nice visual
impact when it matches the main lines of
the background scenery. It is very
exciting for the viewer to ignore what’s
really behind the paper. It is clear for
me that it really is the battle between
drawing and photography that is the
whole message and purpose of the series.
What are your favourites so far?
I don’t really have favourites. I let
the viewer decide what he prefers and
I’m only thinking about my next
projects.
What reaction have you had to them?
This series has had a very positive
outcome. I really didn’t expect that.
I’m very happy of the good feedbacks
I’ve received from all over the world. I
think and I hope this technique will
become a new form of expression for
everybody. So good luck!
Ben Heine
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::: VISUAL CREATOR :::
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My Blog ::: My
Flickr ::: My DeviantArt
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