— The featured artist of the 59th issue of Living the Photo Artistic Life magazine is AWAKE artist Bernie Tuffs of County Kent in England.  It’s great to be able to share my interview with Bernie here on Quill and Camera . . .

Q. What was it that got you started in digital photo artistry?

As a child I was forever sketching, colouring, then painting. My parents were very supportive and were both artistic themselves. My dad designed model aeroplanes and was a talented musician also. My mum is an accomplished writer and has had books and poems published. Whatever the expression of their talents, there was always that certain something within them that a creative, artistic soul somehow exudes. My sister is also artistic and an amazing musician. I was a church organist for 20+ years, am interested in writing, but feel my real creative calling is art.

When I had my first daughter, I left behind my oil painting and started more photography. After my second daughter was born, I started using my photos in paper scrapbooking. From there I discovered digital scrapbooking and learned Photoshop Elements. As my pages developed, they became more artistic than scrapbook-style. Through my membership of various scrapbooking sites, I met a lovely lady called Foxeysquirrel! She saw my pages were somewhat different and told me I really should take Sebastian Michaels’s Photoshop Artistry course.

When I did, it was as if a lightbulb had gone on! I learned so much, met like-minded people online, and my artwork really took off! I  loved it! I purchased the actual Photoshop program, and went on to AWAKE and then the KAIZEN Group.  Just recently I took up Sebastian’s collaborative course with Brooke Shaden.  Photo Artistry fulfills my love of photography and artistic exploration at the same time!

Q. What would you say most inspires your work?

I love images of nature – trees, fields, beaches, mountains — and I like to include them in my artwork. Using models was a new concept for me and I’ve found I can be quite picky when it comes to what poses and wardrobes call to me. Flowing dresses and more natural poses seem to inspire me the most.

When I’m out and about, the colours in the sky and the mood invoked by my surroundings can often spark thoughts of how I could bring those into an art piece.

Most recently, I’ve found inspiration from my experiences within local groups I’ve worked with concerned with the environment and my own area. The not-so-good experiences seem to have unleashed a new direction for my artwork.  I also find that words in books I’m reading suddenly jump out at me, connect with my feelings on an issue, and from there an image is born.

I’m learning to trust my intuition more and I’m finding this leading to a new way of creating my images. Previously I’d just browse photos of models or landscapes and see what inspired me; I never really had an image or theme in mind when I started. I’d let the piece evolve on its own.  But it was always frustrating when a piece didn’t quite come together.

Now, I’m starting, more often than not, with a specific theme and image in mind. I’m working harder, and in more detail, to make it what I want it to be. Where before I may have given up on a piece, I’m learning patience and the value of walking away for an hour (or a day) and then starting again refreshed and even inspired by how much I had actually done.

Q. What does living a photo artistic life mean to you?

Before Christmas 2019, I’d have said it means enjoying my artistic talents – practicing, sharing my work, and recognizing myself as an artist.  Even just seeing the artistry in the natural world around me. But with my newfound way of working and new ways of finding inspiration and ideas, I have to add to that.

For me, it now feels very important for my art to have purpose and meaning, both for me and for others. I hesitate to call certain issues political as I think that downplays their importance, but I am now working with feelings around the issues of the environment and animal rights, as well as public awareness and consciousness of the importance of those things to our world. I suppose I’m also observing human behavior in these regards and exploring the psychology behind those behaviors.

I like my artwork to have a point, whether it’s obvious to others or not, and often find that when I’ve accomplished my planned image, the little extra elements that I add in have expressed thoughts and feelings which push the backstory further than I’d intended when I started the piece.

I don’t know whether this is just a phase or a permanent new direction for me, but I’m loving this way of working and expressing myself, and I’m finding it so fulfilling.

Q. How do you approach your artwork now?

I’m learning to take more quiet time for myself and really feel the origins of a piece. Themes, phrases, or full-fledged images will suddenly pop into my mind … or words will jump off a page … and I then find myself noting it all down in a little journal.  I’ve also adopted Brooke Shaden’s tip of brainstorming for words that associate with the idea or theme, and that can really help to push it further.

I’m also getting out and about more now with my camera and using more of my own photos in my artwork. I’m even inspired enough to contemplate getting in front of the camera myself and exploring creative self-portraiture – this from someone who doesn’t even like posing for selfies with family!

I love using elements as textures or sources of light – it’s so much fun seeing what they can do when used with different blend modes — and that can serve as a starting point.  I’m also  enjoying creating backgrounds from multiple photos of mine.  And although early on I’ll feel I have an idea of how I want the piece to look, it will inevitably evolve on its own within that perception as the rest of the composition builds up.

Q. What do you see as your next step as an artist?

I want to continue this way of working, especially in the sense of exploring important global issues and ‘the human condition.’ Although I sometimes fear that, for others, these topics can seem quite dark, I am enjoying creating beauty from such darkness. On a personal level I think it helps me to live in this world with all its problems (and all its goodness as well!) and process the attitudes and activities I see around me and turn these often negative affairs into things of loveliness and hope.

I’ve had a few commissions previously but I think in those situations I worry too much about whether the recipient will like what I’ve done. I’ve also shown my art in local exhibitions and had lovely feedback.  But for now I’m simply working on building a body of work in my new ‘style’ and plan to get the best work printed. Maybe then I’ll hire a local space for exhibiting my artwork and see how that goes. It’s not a burning ambition at present, more a curiosity making itself known in my quiet times!

Q. Any advice or tips for aspiring digital artists?

Just enjoy yourself! Also, don’t compare yourself to anybody else or put pressure upon yourself to find your ‘style’ – these are counterproductive activities. Relax into your art, and love what you create. Then practice, keep improving, and appreciate your efforts along the way.  Ultimately, keep an open mind and just go where you feel led!