Artist Interview: Barry Greenland

Today’s article features an interview with a highly talented photographer I stumbled across on Deviant Art – Barry Greenland. Not only is Barry a talented artist, but he is also a very pleasant person as well as an avid supporter of artistic endeavours (he even offers photography related tutorials on his website in order to help other aspiring artists).

Why did you become an artist?

In 2004 I got my first small point and shoot digital camera as a Christmas gift and it all started there. I also taught myself how to manipulate images as I was now able to take my own stock images and use them for that purpose. In 2006 I joined Deviant Art and started sharing my work there – I was quite surprised with the positive response I got and I’ve been there ever since – even though my work presently focuses primarily on photography, but I still use manipulation skills during the editing process at times.

How long have you been a practicing artist?

I’ve always had a love of art and being creative, so when I started to get tools such as cameras, computers, graphic software and so on, I just got deeper into the whole process of creating. I have a need to discover how others have achieved certain ways of editing images or what settings were used on the camera to take a certain photograph. I love learning and there is always something new and exciting to discover when it comes to photography and editing.

Tell us more about your work?

My images are usually muted in tone. I prefer soft colours to bright – although if the image requires it, I’ll enhance the colours to make them ‘pop’. I’m an avid nature photographer: I love getting up close to plants and trying to capture their essence, as well as photographing landscapes and “skyscapes”.

I also love still-life photography which involves setting up a small scene such as a fruit basket or flowers and then photographing it. I tend to use texture overlays quite a bit as well. (What this does is give an image a vintage look, which is a style I’ve enjoyed for some time.) I adore old images and being able to create my own is quite a pleasure. Most of my images will involve editing as I try to create a piece of art with the photo rather than just having a simple snapshot.

What inspires you?

Inspiration comes from many things – movies, TV, books and other artists. There is so much beauty around us that it is hard not to find inspiration somewhere. I sometimes make little notes when I get an idea – this helps when I hit a blank wall because I can simply go to my notes and discover a few ideas that I had a while back. I also try to photograph and edit every day.

How do you stay motivated?

Motivation comes from discovering what I can do. I’ve often surprised myself by attempting something new and being successful. I also look through tutorials available on the Internet to see what others are doing and then try them out to see if I can achieve something similar. Practice is something I feel is always necessary, no matter how good you might be.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Practice, practice and practice some more. Your heart needs to be in your work or you just won’t get anywhere. Don’t get disheartened when things don’t go as planned, keep at it and you will eventually achieve what you want. I never think that my work is perfect; I always feel that I can improve on something and this helps me with motivation...

For more information about Barry, his exquisite works, and the prints he offers for sale, visit http://bgphotography.za.net. You can also find him on Facebook and Deviant Art at: http://www.facebook.com/BarryGreenlandPhotography and http://bazzabent.deviantart.com

Blessings,

Mel