— The featured artist of the 69th issue of Living the Photo Artistic Life magazine is AWAKE artist Marjut Korhonen of Finland. I’m pleased to share my interview with Marjut here on Quill and Camera . . .
Q: I’m curious about your background. What got you started in photo artistry?
I grew up around art. My father was a master woodcarver and also made copper jewelry. My mother was his partner and she did the finishing touches. Something artistic was always being made at home.
I got a camera early on, but of course at that time one was encouraged to save film and certainly not “waste” it on experimentation. I got a digital camera when they first come out as my company needed product pictures, gift cards, and illustrative materials for lectures. I quickly realized that without Photoshop the task would be almost impossible. At the time there were no Photoshop courses in my area and I found learning Photoshop from books awkward and difficult. But I prodded on and learned things one trick at a time with the idea that practice makes perfect …
When I discovered various US-based online courses I was a happy camper. And after going through a few on specific areas I realized that this was what I had been looking for all along — a way to express myself artistically and pursue my creative ideas.
Q: You’ve also been involved in photography competitions I believe. Tell us about that.
I joined the Helsinki Camera Club exhibit photographers group in 2013. I immediately became hooked on competing in the FIAP world organization competitions (Federation international de l’art photographique) that were held all around the world. The series I entered my works in were color, black and white, and sometimes creative. They were all sections that allowed photo-manipulation to a degree.
Needless to say, I sought out the creative sections whenever possible. My aim was to get to the platinum level. And I reached that goal this year. I have also taken part in the Nordic countries competitions and have a master photographer gold level there. I was already on my way into making rather than taking photographs. And it has certainly pushed me, because in competitions one must use 100% of one’s own photos and elements (including textures).
Q: Photoshop of course opens up everything. What has that meant to you?
The turning point in my photography came when I stumbled across the Photoshop Artistry courses. These were exactly what I needed. I am still to this day awed at the incredible source of continuing growth that is made available through the advanced AWAKE and KAIZEN groups.
Before, I had the experience that photographers were like magicians, bound by a secret oath never to share their knowledge or reveal how they layered things in their compositions. So the tutorials that unveiled these incredibly complicated works layer by layer were a revelation, and they continue to inspire me.
These groups have also provided the camaraderie of other photo artists around the world. This isn’t something readily available in a small country like Finland, where there are very few people involved in digital artistry.
The idea that I can make my own memories and dreams come alive is fascinating. I love to capture emotion and feelings in my work. To be able to create whatever inspires me will never cease being fascinating. And I think my young models have shared in part of that magic, and they will have the memories and pictures to keep and share.
Q: Where do you get your ideas? And how do you approach creating your art?
Sometimes ideas appear to me in dreams. But the inspiration can come from almost anything. Last week I was watching Master Chef Australia on television and was very inspired by one contestant’s dessert looking like the golden snitch from Harry Potter. That inspired me too, just had to make something with the snitch in it. Often I go through my model photos until I find something that speaks to me and I just see where it leads. I let the idea evolve and change directions along the way. When I begin, I never have my mind set to make something specific. I listen to my favorite music — Roy Orbison or Helmut Lotti — and just go where the creative path takes me. I often let a composition sit for a while and visit it again to see where it needs to go. Nowadays I jot down the ideas and let them develop until I am ready to work on them. And because of this I often have several pieces underway at the same time.
Q: How has your pursuit of creating artwork changed your life?
I am in a very good place now with my artistry. When I sit down to work I feel happy and content. There is no pressure, I can be myself and enjoy what I do.
I have had three solo gallery exhibits and taken part on 13 group exhibits. The feedback I have received from people has been very positive. My works have a story to tell. I lead the viewer into it by leaving hints and innuendos but the final story comes together in the viewer’s mind. And of course every time somebody buys one of my pieces it fills me with joy. Though in truth the appreciation is payment enough, the money secondary.
One of the items on my list of creative ambitions came true this past July. I wrote a children’s storybook where the pictures and story have equally important roles. To see my printed book in the libraries and online bookstores is satisfying. And it is also a way to leave a mark — something concrete that will live in the national archives for generations to come. I wanted to spread joy with the stories and expand the imagination of the young readers. Maybe my pictures in the book will inspire them to create a story of their own.
Q: What’s your next step as an artist?
I always need to have a goal, something that drives me to learn more. I definitely want to keep the door open to combining writing and photo artistry. Illustrating another book would be wonderful. Spreading the knowledge of digital artistry in Finland is also important to me.
There is also a big national competition each year that has a category for illustrative works. I plan to enter some of my work in 2021 and see where that leads. Then there is one more international distinction (MFIAP — master in fine art photography) I’d like to pursue. One has to submit a 20-piece cohesive printed set of images to the judges. Only 4-6 of these distinctions are given out each year around the world. My ultimate goal to submit a series of work in pursuit of that honor.
Q: Any advice for other aspiring digital artists?
I feel it took me years to develop a recognizable style. And while it can take that kind of time — nothing happens overnight — I would recommend every aspiring artist aim for that. Also one needs thick skin as there will always be those who think that only an art school graduate can “really” call herself an artist. However, many of the most famous photographers and artists are self-taught. Never forget that. Hold to your chosen path, be patient in your pursuit of professional competence, and take pride in your accomplishments along the way.