While all the artists of AWAKE are talented, from time to time a stunningly original voice emerges. We saw this with the remarkably original German artist Norbert Grill — our featured artist in Issue No. 5 of Living the Photo Artistic Life. And with the help of a translator, I’m excited to bring this interview to you …
Q: What you accomplish with your photography is SO artistic … I have to know: Were you always interested in art and in being an artist?
Norbert Grill: No, to my regret, it was not something I ever thought was in my reach – I could never have imagined that it was possible for me to create art. But then, around 2 years ago, I first saw digital artwork online that seemed to me to be true art. After that, I could not let go of the urge to create my own such art — it was clear to me that I had to do it.
Q: That was just two years ago? How long then have you worked with Photoshop and similar programs?
Norbert Grill: Oh, I’ve used an image processing applications with my digital camera for around 12 years. However, I only did rudimentary corrections and never realized that you could change an image in a non-destructive manner. Much less turn it into serious art. Two years ago, I started the Photoshop Artistry course with Sebastian Michaels. Since then, I’ve used Photoshop intensively.
Q: Do you feel everyone can develop the talent to create serious digital art? And to what extent can a person be trained in this?
Norbert Grill: That I would one day be creating art the way I am now … this is something that I never would have believed possible. But I had the desire and the will to do it. So I would advise other people to try as well, if they feel drawn to photo artistry. No one can say in advance how much talent a person has, much less what they can do with it. And you will never know if you don’t try.
Q: Your images are quite recognizable. (There’s nothing quite like an original ‘Norbert Grill’ composition.) How important is this to you, having your own unique look?
Norbert Grill: It’s funny, even when I use a variety of different techniques and try something new, there is always this common thread in my works, and it seems to make them recognizable. I suppose it has evolved in such a way that all of my compositions carry telltale features that show they are mine. I’m very glad of this.
Q: How do you begin creating an image? Do you have an idea already finished in your head before you start, or do you develop it as you go along – even if you end up going in an entirely different direction than you thought you would?
Norbert Grill: No, I never have a fully thought-out concept in my head when I begin something new. I believe that to do so would hamper my creativity. It’s more important to me that everything just flows naturally. I begin with an initial idea, something that comes to mind, and then I develop the artwork step by step, seeing where it takes me. In doing so, I can make sure that the work comes into being in a genuine way.
Q: How long do you work on an image? And do you work on more than one composition at a time?
Norbert Grill: This can vary a lot — sometimes a piece can take me a couple of days … and sometimes it takes as long as two weeks to finish a piece. I don’t like to present a piece of my work that I am not completely satisfied with, so I spend as long as it takes. And I very rarely work on more than one piece at a time.
Q: Do you find commissioned work easier or more difficult than original work? Have you ever had to create something that you didn’t care for as an artist? And if so, how difficult is to create in such situations?
Norbert Grill: To date, I’ve had only one commissioned work. Truthfully, when I first got the commission, I was really anxious about it, but the butterflies in my stomach disappeared as soon as I started working on it. As soon as I plunged in, I felt in my element and was able to quickly offer two versions of the piece … and after only two or three small changes, the work was finished.
Q: Do you listen to a variety of opinions on a piece before presenting it to a wider audience?
Norbert Grill: No, generally speaking, I don’t do this. Once in a while, I ask my wife what she thinks of an image, but beyond that I am an adherent of the principle that too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the meal …
Q: I feel your work is so passionate … Where do you get your inspiration from?
Norbert Grill: I am inspired in all sorts of ways, for instance: reading art books, exploring images on the internet, visiting art galleries, and simply being outdoors in nature or exploring cities. And I can’t forget the great art produced by the wonderful “AWAKE” community — I am continually amazed by their work and look forward to the magazine every month.
Q: Do you think that an image must have a message, or is it enough that it is well-crafted?
Norbert Grill: I believe all art has a meaning expressed by the way that color and form are used within the piece. Indeed, as the composition unfolds, that message is continually shifting. It’s when the piece is completed that the message is fixed.
Q: In pursuing that message, do you feel artists have any kind of sociopolitical mandate? Living in Europe, where politics have carried so much importance over the centuries, how do you see your own work in this regard?
Norbert Grill: Perhaps there are artists with a sociopolitical mission … I am not one of them however. I like to invite the viewer to engage with digital art. I also want to provoke an emotional reaction to it. But above all else, I simply want to create something that people enjoy looking at. Politics needn’t come into it.