GLIMPSING AN INSIGHT

Hi Ken

I recently saw your galleries on pixiport, and was instantly `in awe` Numerous superlatives spring to mind about your great bodies of work; energizing, mesmerizing, amazing and inspiring, an ingenious imagination; technically and creatively clever and in a 'World of their Own.'

Scarlet: When and where did you first fall in love with Photography?

Ken: Approximately 30 years ago when I obtained my Nikon F2 SLR camera and took a workshop in photography. I used black and white film and had my own darkroom. It was love at first sight.

Scarlet: What came first the human form, or the desire to create?

Ken: I have always had the desire to create and discovered photography as the medium for it. Although I enjoyed many subjects for my work, I found a natural attraction for the human form and the ability to create images that were different than what already existed.

Scarlet: Non?? that sounds too easy, no blood, sweat and tears? There is so much going on in your work; not only are the images beautiful, good on the eye, the brain has to be engaged as well and they hold such emotion and movement. Plus the projects look well planned, are you prepared and the magic begins or? Where do your dreams and passion begin; from a past experience, influence?

Ken: Some projects are planned, some spontaneous. They are an interaction of my conscious and unconscious dynamics. All artistic work is based upon our experiences and mine is no different. I am inspired with how the Surrealists used their free associations to create their art. My training as a psychoanalyst facilitates free associations that are reflected in my images, and it enables me to work intuitively with my models. Sometimes, I start with the nude and sometimes the background and free associate. I want the background to interact with the figure and not just be a support for my nudes. I desire to create images that people relate to on an emotional and spiritual level, not just intellectually. As I experiment and blend the various image elements, the magic begins. The actual compositing takes planning and the most detailed work. Some images come together in hours others take months and when the image comes together, I sense it on a visceral level. Projects can develop many ways. I might get them from a client, walking down the street, being in a gallery or museum and of course dreaming. An example is my Roentgen Dream (X-ray) series. I was having oral surgery on my mouth and I looked at the x-rays of my mouth/teeth and a project idea was born. I suspect it was my way of unconsciously working through the trauma I was experiencing from the medical procedures.

Scarlet: I much admire your X-ray series, which has an ethereal `feel` about it and certainly covers the criteria of producing emotion from the viewer. An excellent idea and execution. Do you still have heroes Ken? And who were and maybe still are your mentors?

Ken: I am inspired by the Dutch Masters to search for unusual ways to utilize light, and, like the Surrealists, I shape my fantasies into dream-like realities. I am impressed by Jerry Uedelsmann`s work in combining images in the dark room via enlargers which predated the use of computers. I've taken workshops with Elizabeth Opalenik (at the Center for Photography in Woodstock, NY) on photographing the nude. Her workshop helped me to develop a level of comfort when interacting with my models and she encouraged me to develop my own sense of vision/style and to create images that have never been seen. Really the list could go on & on.

Scarlet: I agree about the list, mine is growing every day, and Jerry Uedelsamnn is a genius. By the amount of work you create I presume you do have your own studio?

Ken: Yes, in New York City.

Scarlet: Wow, I am very impressed, actually more than that I am envious. And that you should have such a lovely bouquet of dancers to model for you. Do you play music while you work there?

Ken: Yes, I love to play music while I photograph or create. When I work with my models (mostly dancers), I let them choose the music. When working by myself, I am most inspired by classic rock and roll and reggae. 

Scarlet: You mentioned earlier that you`d had a darkroom. Do you miss the Darkness and Solitude of it; the smells and taste of `toxics`?

Ken: Don't miss it all, I found it boring and under stimulating. I like the immediacy of the digital darkroom and the experimentation that it allows.

Scarlet: Does the Computer and its complex technology satisfy all your creative needs then?

Ken: I doubt if anything could satisfy that. But it has allowed me a great amount of creativity. Similar to painters; what I visualize in my mind, I can create. Plus I became bored of photographing nudes in the studio with just material backdrops. I enjoyed working with models on location. By the use of digital magic, I could photograph the nude and background separately and later creatively merge them to form an interactive image where the background would not be just a supportive element. Additionally, the technology allows me to create prints superior to any custom prints done by myself or a lab. Unfortunately, there is a steep learning curve when using the technology; at least more so than with a darkroom. In the early nineties, I took a six year hiatus from doing much work and exhibitions while I learned the use of Photoshop and desktop printing. I realized that the program was a tool and would not create art by itself. I needed good images to input and this reinforced the need for good photography to begin with. I have always felt when doing digital compositing/blending that each element (nude, background, etc.) should be capable of standing on its own. Otherwise, 'garbage in leads to garbage out`.

Scarlet: Would or indeed do you go back in the Dark?

Ken: No, although the room I work in, except for my monitor, is pretty dark.

Scarlet: Yes I`ve had a similar experience with pheonixing out of the Dark into the Light! Well Ken I think I`d better let you get back to work without interrupting, although personally, I could go on forever asking questions about you and your amazing work. For me it has been an exciting journey but only a glimpse of what goes on in the mind and imagination of such a creative artist. Thank you for sharing, Ken, it was a honour, I wish you continuing success and best wishes.  

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