About Richard Vanek | |
| Photography? |
The interesting thing about my photography is the fact that I need it
to survive. I am creative person, not really handy in the sense of
being able to craft something from wood. But I feel a strong need to
create and express my inside thoughts.
I love photography and its
power to communicate this inner world. I do not have any formal
education in the art area. It all began when I was around eight. I
developed my first films with a friend in his parent's bathroom. Still
today, when I smell fixer I remember those days, when we spilled drops
of fixer or developer on the floor there. On cold days, I loved to
walk to fields covered with snow with my old heavy camera and take
pictures or images. Being there alone and having time for my own
thoughts was great. I applied for photo academy study. I even sent a
set of images for consideration as a test of acceptance. My mother
decided differently. She didn't like the fact that I would, at age
fifteen or so, live several hundred kilometers from her. So, I went to
gymnasium and then to university.
|
| Black and White |
I was making pictures all that time. It was always black and white
images, primarily because I could develop them myself and second, this
approach gave me total control. I do the same today. I develop my
films myself. The reason now is that black and white gives space to
the observer for their own thought. Such an image do not contains all
the information. Observer needs to be involved in creation if the
image reflection in own mind.
And yes, I am still using analog cameras. But I am scanning films and I do not use the classical darkroom anymore. As I wrote, I am not very handy and the computer gives me the option to easily undo the errors that I make in an easy way. It also allows me to pause on image creation at any time I wish. I always get questions about what equipment I use. Well, I try to always answer this question like this: The best camera for me and I guess for everybody is the one you forget about when taking pictures, a camera which doesn't distract you from creating and composing. There is not one that fits all. I found mine; you need to find it for yourself. |
| Expressing the inner world |
It is much easier to just go around and shoot images the way they
come, or how you encounter them. Making them perfect in a way you
like, and let others see them is a goal. Mostly, those isolated images
give a momentary pleasure or raise short interest. But there is no
continuation, the observer will lose contact and interest as time goes
on.
I try to create a set of images, which will create a way for an observer to get into a mood and to bring memories from their own childhood. Something which will create space to think, slow us down and remind us of those times when each of us was a child. Remind us about the fact that we are not robots to fulfill everyday tasks, but we are creative persons. |
| Exposition |
|
| Publications | |
| Thanks |
I like to have contacts with other people interested in photography,
especially those which work I like and persons who are open to
communicate.
As a first I like to thank Andrej Ban for that unforgettable week workshop I had with him back in 1996. I would like to send my thanks to Dave Beckerman, for his attitude and nice work which gave my a lot of ideas and strength. I would like to thank Caroline Schroeder very much for her way of sharing enthusiasm and opinions! I am truly thankful to Hape Smeele who gave me possibility to try commercial work and for his open view on things. I can't thank enough to Vierka, my wife, for her support and love. Richard Vanek
-richo- |