— The featured artist of the 79th issue of Living the Photo Artistic Life magazine is Australian AWAKE artist Hemant Kogekar. It’s great to be able to interview Hemant here on Quill and Camera . . .

Q: How did you get into the world of photo artistry?

I have always been interested in travel and photography. Some years ago, when looking at a friend’s travel photobook, I noticed that her photos were much better than mine. I realized that I needed to become a better photographer to make my travel photos more memorable. I bought a new Olympus mirrorless camera in 2014 and also joined a couple of local camera clubs. Thus, the photography journey began. Being in a club opened my eyes to good photography. I bought Lightroom, then took up Photoshop and the learning continued. 

While I’ve long been part of the Northside Creative Photography club, I’ve never quite believed I’ve had any creative skills.  At the club I was exposed to creative work of others, but always thought that was beyond my reach. 

That began to change when I first came across the Creative Black and White Photo Artistry course about four years ago. This opened up a whole new way of processing images and presenting art. My initial tentative efforts were limited to the use of textures and other basics, but everything grew from there.  And then I moved to the Photoshop Artistry course, and then last year signed up to join the AWAKE group.

Q: What inspires you as an artists, or gives you inspiration to create your art?

Before lockdown, travel provided the most inspiration for my photography. We used to travel regularly, and even went on  a couple of serious photo trips. But I often find interesting opportunities during everyday encounters such as walking in the local area or in the central business district.  

And then there’s the inspiration drawn from other artists. I did a course with Pamela Pauline just before the lockdown. I liked what she did with natural elements such as trees, leaves, and birds. I created a series of called ‘Celebrating Summer’ using these techniques. 

The AWAKE training gave me a deeper insight into how other artists put together their images, and that’s been an inspiration — all these opportunities to see the work of other talented digital artists. In creating my most recent work, I feel I’ve taken inspiration from artists such as Ingrid Klerks, Jamie Heiden, Cheryl Tarrant, and Glenys Garnett to name but a few. 

Q: Do you have a certain approach to creating your art?

The various courses and Photoshop Artistry training has influenced and inspired how I work. They have showed me a variety of new approaches that I can use. I am not set on one approach for my work.  I like to try different styles and approaches in my art. 

For instance, I created a series of pieces using blur and painterly effects, though of late I am trying to focus more on layered compositions. Maybe it’s that I simply don’t enjoy early morning hikes to sunrise shoots, or have the patience to wait for the special shot. Instead, I prefer to use my creativity and some post-processing skills to make the images stand out more. 

I mostly use my own images of nature and everyday elements and try to craft landscape images from these. Once I have an idea of the scene I am trying to create I first assemble a rough background (which necessarily includes both background and foreground elements). I then place the key elements in the right place and work from there.  Once the composition starts coming together, I add in the smaller details and begin bringing in brush work and textures.  (And for this I use my own brushes and textures.)  The final step is getting the colours right. Often this can be most challenging part of the creative process. 

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

I get great satisfaction when I can successfully complete a piece of art. Post retirement, photography has given me a hobby that I can invest as much or as little time as I like. For me, having come from an engineering /technology background, making creative art is quite an exciting challenge.  I can see my art improving over time, and I am happy with that. 

Before the photo artistry journey commenced, I had not truly explored creative art. Now, living a photo artistic life has given me a new purpose. Creating art has become an integral part of my life. It has given me a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.

Since committing myself to the pursuit of photo artistry, I think I now have more freedom and overall confidence in taking  risks in creating art. I am more willing to try different techniques or styles. Some are successful and others aren’t. But there is such a wide array of styles to explore, and so many approaches and techniques explained in the courses, that there are always new and exciting possibilities. My work is getting better and has matured. 

To be able to create art is very satisfying. As an image starts to evolve, I am often amazed at the different directions a composition can take. I love that moment when the story, atmosphere, and mood all begin to align, and I believe that every completed new piece carries me forward in my artistic journey.

Q: What’s your next step as an artist?  Where do you wish to take your work next?

I don’t have any especially ambitious goals for my photography or art. In the last twelve months, I have focussed mostly on landscapes. I am now working on a couple of portfolios and a photo book. I am also exploring opportunities to exhibit some of my images in a gallery. 

I’m always interested in trying something new. So I’ll keep experimenting with new techniques, and at some point something will click.  Just not sure when or in what way!  As long as I keep learning and growing as an artist, I shall be happy.

Now that borders are beginning to open, I would certainly like to travel and explore the world more, and see what that does for my art.

Q: Any advice or tips for aspiring digital artists?

Rather than provide advice, I would like to share what has helped me grow as a photographer and then as a digital artist. 

First, keep learning new things. It may be camera skills or post processing skills or digital painting skills. Just keep learning.  Also, look at what other photographers and digital artists are creating and try to learn from their work. But that said, learning by itself is not enough. You must put it into practice. Incorporate new techniques, experiment, and work to apply what you’re learning. 

Continual practice and experimentation have, over time, helped me elevate my skills and made my work more distinctive.  You should be creating new art all the time. During the lockdown periods, I devoted regular time each day to creating art, and that has definitely helped me become a better artist.

I also benefited from having a mentor/friend who gave me frank feedback. I accept it all, good or bad, and use it to improve my work. I know this is not for everyone, of course, but I just don’t think that vying for “Likes” on social media is a substitute for a good mentor. 

I never thought I would one day be considered a serious digital artist. So if that’s you right now, just keep practicing.  Identify the kind of art that inspires you, and use that to spark your own passion to create each day. 

You will get better.  And you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.

.