Jøran Juveli Marstrander | Norway
It is what I can achieve with only the camera that catches me the most about photography (Photoshop only used as a darkroom). I am using one exposure, long time and movement to create my own magic. This technique with many variables makes it impossible to repeat the same motive twice, a quality I greatly appreciate. By working non-figuratively I want to give more room for the viewer’s own imaginations. My fascination with light is the reason why I love copying directly onto acrylic, up to 40 mm thick - then the refraction becomes magical!. Exhibitions: Solo/joint exhibitions in Norway, Brick Lane Gallery London, Bologna, Madrid, Gothenburg, Biennale of the Nations Venice (got the Tiziano Prize), Miami Art Week, Art Expo New York.
Rococo
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have photographed my entire adult life, especially on trips around the world, so it has evolved a little over the years and became more apparent to me from the mid-2000s.
Especially my two years in Oslo Photo Art School in 2004-2006, developed my artistic gaze.
The Easter 2008 I spent at my cabin, located in the Norwegian mountains 20 km from the nearest road. I woke up about 02.30 at night to a beautiful full moon light over the mountains. My first thought was this I want to catch with my camera. I jumped into my clothes, put on my skis, and climbed up a mountain top half an hour away.
I use freehand photography, and tried hard to keep the camera steady long enough to catch the full moon light across the landscape. Suddenly I slipped the camera, and when I looked at the picture I saw a glowing line made by the moon.
I then understood that I could draw with the shining point as a pencil, and after many attempts with different shutters, time and motions I finally ended up with a picture I liked three o'clock at night.
This was my very first experience of using only the camera, one exposure, long time and movement to create my own magic.
Since then I have been working a lot with how to control and move the natural light in different motives.
CAS: What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?
My process consists extensively in clarifying the natural light on the subject, and how I can technically achieve the expression I want only with camera time and movement.
Sometimes I look for special motives for years.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?Being in the technical photo process there and then - time becomes non-existent.
The next phase is in front of the computer to see if I've got something exciting - it's like being on a treasure hunt!
Poetry in Mint
CAS: What role does art and the artist play in the broader social conversation today?
Art has always been, and will be, essential for people and society.
The art mirrors and reflects the thoughts, experiences, and needs of people's in completely different ways than they are expressed elsewhere in society.
Art problematizes social issues. Art brings beauty and joy – a beautiful image relieves a troubled soul. We need both.
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
I have always let myself be inspired by art in all forms techniques and expressions, and therefore I have no special favorite or role models.
My expressions and techniques have evolved through my own processes.
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
To believe in what I am doing and never never give up.
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
My voice as an artist has evolved over the past ten years - and is still evolving.
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
To believe in what you are doing and never never give up!
Yellow Wibrations
