Oogmerk – Erik Odijk

Summary

This transcript delves into the creative journey of an artist deeply engaged in nature and its representation. The artist explores the balance between wilderness and arcadia, reflecting on the tension between chaotic, sublime landscapes and more tranquil, cultivated environments. Their process involves a thoughtful and often ambiguous interaction with nature, captured through photography and drawing. The script highlights their evolving artistic process, the introspection involved in translating organic experiences into visual art, and their exploration of spiritual connections to the natural world. The artist’s work is marked by a profound sensitivity to detail, movement, and the raw beauty of nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The process of creation often begins with a sense of walking aimlessly in nature, where one may discover specific, captivating places that inspire art.
• 😀 Nature, with its unpredictable and chaotic elements, plays a significant role in the artist's work, especially in creating contrasts and capturing beauty in unexpected spots.
• 😀 Photography is an essential tool for the artist, not only as a means of capturing the moment but also as a medium for exploring composition and aesthetics.
• 😀 Despite the importance of photography, the artist values the physicality and emotional impact of drawings over photographs, finding them more intense and tangible.
• 😀 The artist frequently faces a long process of doubt and self-questioning about the meaning and aesthetic of their work before reaching a final conclusion.
• 😀 Exploration of natural landscapes, such as during travels to Canada and Mexico, profoundly influences the artist's perspective on art, shifting focus to what they truly find beautiful.
• 😀 The artist reflects on the ongoing struggle of finding satisfaction in art, constantly grappling with what their work truly means and how it relates to broader artistic traditions.
• 😀 Spirituality and the balance between wilderness and Arcadia (a more cultivated, peaceful natural landscape) are key themes in the artist's work.
• 😀 The artist seeks to mediate between the extremes of wilderness (chaotic, raw nature) and Arcadia (soft, designed landscapes), attempting to reconcile these in their art.
• 😀 Drawing, for the artist, is more than just creating images; it is a process of obsessive repetition, evolving and expanding through a natural, almost automatic hand movement.
• 😀 The artist believes that once the drawing process reaches a certain point, it becomes self-sustaining, where the artwork seems to create itself.

Q & A

What is the initial step in the artist's process when exploring a new location for their work?

The artist first drives to a location, parks the car, and then walks a bit further to immerse themselves in the surroundings. This walking without a specific goal helps them encounter new places, often leading to spontaneous discoveries.

How does the artist describe the kind of places that attract their attention during these explorations?

The artist is drawn to locations where the lighting or natural features stand out. This could be due to light shining through a dark forest or a striking contrast of colors in nature, which then inspires them to take photos.

What role does doubt play in the artist's creative process?

Doubt is an important part of the process for the artist. After the initial feeling about a scene or subject, they often go through a long period of questioning and reevaluation before they return to their original instinctual feeling.

What is the artist's perspective on the difference between photography and drawing?

The artist views drawing as more intense and physically connected to the work, whereas photography is seen as a more distant process. They find that drawing often allows for a deeper emotional engagement with the subject.

How does the artist use nature in their work, specifically with regards to trees and their forms?

The artist is fascinated by the organic shapes found in nature, such as the intricate lines in tree bark or the forms of branches. These natural elements often inspire detailed drawings, which capture both the texture and movement of the natural world.

What cultural and geographical experiences influenced the artist's approach to nature in their work?

The artist was deeply influenced by their travels, particularly in places like Canada and Mexico. Their experiences in the American metal landscapes, where nature appeared in a sublime form, helped shift their perspective and allowed them to view nature as something beyond traditional artistic concerns.

What is the concept of 'arcadia' in relation to the artist's work?

Arcadia represents a more idealized, calm, and cultivated version of nature—something that feels safe and serene, like sunlit alpine meadows. The artist contrasts this with the 'wilderness', which is chaotic and overwhelming, and explores the balance between these two extremes in their art.

What is the artist's philosophy regarding the physicality of their work?

The artist emphasizes the physical nature of their creations, particularly with drawing. They describe the process as something that becomes almost automatic or organic, where the drawing itself takes on a life of its own. The tactile experience of creating the work is just as important as the visual outcome.

How does the artist view the relationship between their drawings and photography?

While photography serves as a reference or archive, the artist sees their drawings as more alive and physical. They believe that drawing involves a deeper engagement with the subject, as it is created through direct interaction with the materials, unlike photography, which can feel more detached.

What role does spiritual exploration play in the artist's work?

The artist views their work as a search for spirituality, particularly through their connection with nature. They describe themselves as a romantic artist, attempting to find a deeper meaning and connection through the natural world, and exploring the tension between wilderness and arcadia.