COOL was born in hope of becoming a bridge to let the art lovers all over the world inspire each other, link together as one, and create a new future in arts. The main contents consist of interviews of both New York-based and international artists and creators, special feature articles, art reports from around the world, reviews and column series. We contribute to the cultural exchange through arts and to the development of the art industry so that people in the world can enjoy arts casually and New York and major cities in the world can connect through the media COOL.
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Michael Kenna, the titan of landscape photograph, keeps attracting people with his unique prints which reminds of Japanese ink printing. He visits Hokkaido almost every year, and this winter he conducted photo shoots at Lake Kussharo, which he explains as the ‘most memorable place’ for him. He shot the black-and-white pictures of ‘the most beautiful moments’ taken out from his encounters with nature in his own and unique way. COOL looks into his aesthetic, which is backed up by his brilliant sense and spirit.
© Michael Kenna/RAM
COOL: How did photography get introduced into your life first?
Michael Kenna: Well, I was born in 1953 in Widnes, Lancashire, England, the youngest of six children in a working class, Irish-Catholic family. There was certainly no tradition of art among my family at the time. Growing up I was highly impressed by the Catholic church and at just under 11, I entered a seminary school to train to become a priest. I left the school when I was 17. Art had been one of my strongest subjects and I was accepted at the Banbury School of Art in Oxfordshire. I later went onto the London College of Printing, where I studied photography for three years. After that, I did some assisting and b&w printing for an advertising photographer, and continued my hobby, landscape photography, on the side. It was really only when I went to the USA in the mid seventies that I considered the possibility of making a living in the fine arts. There were photography galleries in New York and there seemed to be a higher acceptance of photography as an art form. I decided to base myself in San Francisco, and subsequently lived there for many years, before moving North to Portland, Oregon in 2004.
COOL: When did you first start taking pictures and how did it happen?
MK: I think I took pictures in my mind from when I was a child, but my first serious efforts were made while studying at the Banbury School of Art in the early seventies. Photography was one of many art mediums that I was exposed to as part of the coursework. I made images of my surroundings. It was very exciting.
COOL: Who were influential photographers and artists for you?
MK: Initially I studied more commercial aspects of the medium; fashion, advertising, sports, still lives, photojournalism, etc., and did not know about the rich tradition of landscape photography. Later on I saw the works of such luminaries as Bill Brandt, Josef Sudek, Eugene Atget, and Alfred Steigliz. They were profoundly impressive and influential. I had studied the history of art in other courses and I was particularly entranced by the painters Casper David Friedrich, John Constable and JosephTurner. But who knows where influences come from. I am sure that there have been thousands of painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians, poets, etc., who have greatly influenced me. The list would be very long.
COOL: What are the attractions of photography?
MK: Imagine being out at night, alone, under starry skies, listening to silence, watching the world slowly move, all senses alive, thinking, imagining, dreaming. The camera is recording, creating, documenting, seeing what the eye cannot see - cumulative time. Or, the sensation of being in a field as the snow falls on a single, exquisite tree. White all around. Just the sound of snow falling. I love almost all aspects of the photographic process - except perhaps processing film! Traveling, searching, image making, seeing the first contact sheets, printing, exhibiting, making books, everything. I am a very lucky person to have found this path through life. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time.
COOL: In what moment do you feel the urge like “wow, I want to take pictures of this” ?
MK: There are moments when things come together; conditions, place, subject matter, inner connections; moments that are singular and special. It is a privilege to be present at such times and to have the possibility to integrate into the scene and subjectively interpret. It is an experience that defies description, at least from me.
COOL: What were the impressive places or things that occurred while you were in Japan this time?
MK: Hokkaido was exquisite as always. Cold, expansive, solitary, white, graphic. It seemed every time I saw something that I wanted to photograph, the elements would be kind to me; snow, wind, mist. In-between the sun would come out again. I think the highlight was revisiting Kussharo Lake Tree which I had previously photographed in 2002, 2004 and 2005. We got there when it was still dark. The stars were out, a startlingly clear morning. As I circled the tree, making my presence known without disturbing the snow, the clouds moved in. A gray mist descended. Silence, for awhile. The nearby swans woke up creating a wonderful dawn chorus. I photographed for some hours, slowly, getting ever closer, having a conversation. Finally I was able to touch the tree and wish it her a Happy Valentine’s Day. It was, after all, the morning of February 14th.
COOL: Why do you think you get so attracted to the scenery in Japan?
MK: There are characteristics of the Japanese landscape that resemble and remind me of my homeland England. Japan is a country of islands, surrounded by water. It is a place that has been lived and worked in and on for centuries. It is geographically small and spaces are quite intimate in scale. The people are fastidious and disciplined, friendly and welcoming. I feel there is a powerful sense of atmosphere that resides in the Japanese soil and I identify with it. I like to photograph memories and stories, and I feel strangely at home wandering around this beautiful land. I could happily return many, many more times.
COOL: Why do you choose to use 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 inch sized prints?
MK: It is a fairly intimate size that reflects the way I like others to view my work. Our eyes see about 35 degrees in focus so my prints usually mean viewers stand 10 inches away to view them. That is pretty close. I like that engagement. Larger prints would mean a greater distance. I have made prints pretty much the same size for a long time and like the thought that a print from 30 years ago can happily live with one I make today. One big, happy family....
COOL: Where do you want to visit next, out of all the places that you have never been?
MK: The places I photograph are like friends. I like to revisit them over and over to deepen the friendship. I don't need new friends all the time. They would take up a lot of time. In general I would prefer to spend more time in places I am currently photographing, particularly in China, India, Japan and Korea. We will see where the winds of travel take me. I am happy to go anywhere, anytime. I love to travel.
COOL: In what moment do you feel the pleasure of being a photographer?
MK: When I read your question I thought you said “pressure” instead of “pleasure”! Sometimes it is difficult to juggle and prioritize all the aspects of a life well lived. There are not enough minutes in a day or days in a year or years in a lifetime to do everything that one would like to do. So, yes, there is some pressure at times. There is also a lot of pleasure. I love what I do and it gives me great satisfaction. Being a photographer means that I go hunting for experiences. I feel them and photograph them. I act as a medium for others to see them. I touch them with my own subjective interpretations but I am really a guide. I get to point out aspects of the world that are wonderful, mysterious, inspirational, beautiful, at least in my mind and eyes. What greater pleasure could there be?
COOL: What is your favorite camera?
MK: Right now I use pretty old and battered Hasselblads. They are fully manual, no batteries, no digital displays, fancy bells or whistles. They can function in extreme conditions and are generally reliable. They are versatile and don’t weigh too much, which is an important consideration for me. I get a decent sized negative which I can print whole frame or crop as required. I have used these cameras for the last 20 years so know them quite well. We get along together. Until the digital revolution dictates that no more traditional film or printing paper is manufactured, I will probably stay with my friendly work horses..
COOL: Messages for your fans, please!
MK: If there is one thing I KNOW, it is that I don't know anything. I receive many e mails these days asking for “answers”. How to photograph? How to live? How to break into the art world? How to get an exhibition? How to have a book published? I wish there were answers. I don't think there are. Well, at least I don't have them and I always feel frustrated trying to write back. Perhaps there are no secrets to living a good life or being “successful”. Work as hard as you can. Live in the moment. Be responsible. Enjoy life, you might not get a second chance! And, treat others as you want to be treated yourself. Be well. Thank you for this interview.
Michael Kenna Official Site
www.michaelkenna.com
© Michael Kenna/RAM
COOL: How did photography get introduced into your life first?
Michael Kenna: Well, I was born in 1953 in Widnes, Lancashire, England, the youngest of six children in a working class, Irish-Catholic family. There was certainly no tradition of art among my family at the time. Growing up I was highly impressed by the Catholic church and at just under 11, I entered a seminary school to train to become a priest. I left the school when I was 17. Art had been one of my strongest subjects and I was accepted at the Banbury School of Art in Oxfordshire. I later went onto the London College of Printing, where I studied photography for three years. After that, I did some assisting and b&w printing for an advertising photographer, and continued my hobby, landscape photography, on the side. It was really only when I went to the USA in the mid seventies that I considered the possibility of making a living in the fine arts. There were photography galleries in New York and there seemed to be a higher acceptance of photography as an art form. I decided to base myself in San Francisco, and subsequently lived there for many years, before moving North to Portland, Oregon in 2004.
COOL: When did you first start taking pictures and how did it happen?
MK: I think I took pictures in my mind from when I was a child, but my first serious efforts were made while studying at the Banbury School of Art in the early seventies. Photography was one of many art mediums that I was exposed to as part of the coursework. I made images of my surroundings. It was very exciting.
COOL: Who were influential photographers and artists for you?
MK: Initially I studied more commercial aspects of the medium; fashion, advertising, sports, still lives, photojournalism, etc., and did not know about the rich tradition of landscape photography. Later on I saw the works of such luminaries as Bill Brandt, Josef Sudek, Eugene Atget, and Alfred Steigliz. They were profoundly impressive and influential. I had studied the history of art in other courses and I was particularly entranced by the painters Casper David Friedrich, John Constable and JosephTurner. But who knows where influences come from. I am sure that there have been thousands of painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians, poets, etc., who have greatly influenced me. The list would be very long.
COOL: What are the attractions of photography?
Kussharo Lake Tree, Kotan, Hokkaido, Japan, 2002 ©Michael Kenna/RAM
COOL: In what moment do you feel the urge like “wow, I want to take pictures of this” ?
MK: There are moments when things come together; conditions, place, subject matter, inner connections; moments that are singular and special. It is a privilege to be present at such times and to have the possibility to integrate into the scene and subjectively interpret. It is an experience that defies description, at least from me.
COOL: What were the impressive places or things that occurred while you were in Japan this time?
MK: Hokkaido was exquisite as always. Cold, expansive, solitary, white, graphic. It seemed every time I saw something that I wanted to photograph, the elements would be kind to me; snow, wind, mist. In-between the sun would come out again. I think the highlight was revisiting Kussharo Lake Tree which I had previously photographed in 2002, 2004 and 2005. We got there when it was still dark. The stars were out, a startlingly clear morning. As I circled the tree, making my presence known without disturbing the snow, the clouds moved in. A gray mist descended. Silence, for awhile. The nearby swans woke up creating a wonderful dawn chorus. I photographed for some hours, slowly, getting ever closer, having a conversation. Finally I was able to touch the tree and wish it her a Happy Valentine’s Day. It was, after all, the morning of February 14th.
COOL: Why do you think you get so attracted to the scenery in Japan?
MK: There are characteristics of the Japanese landscape that resemble and remind me of my homeland England. Japan is a country of islands, surrounded by water. It is a place that has been lived and worked in and on for centuries. It is geographically small and spaces are quite intimate in scale. The people are fastidious and disciplined, friendly and welcoming. I feel there is a powerful sense of atmosphere that resides in the Japanese soil and I identify with it. I like to photograph memories and stories, and I feel strangely at home wandering around this beautiful land. I could happily return many, many more times.
COOL: Why do you choose to use 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 inch sized prints?
MK: It is a fairly intimate size that reflects the way I like others to view my work. Our eyes see about 35 degrees in focus so my prints usually mean viewers stand 10 inches away to view them. That is pretty close. I like that engagement. Larger prints would mean a greater distance. I have made prints pretty much the same size for a long time and like the thought that a print from 30 years ago can happily live with one I make today. One big, happy family....
COOL: Where do you want to visit next, out of all the places that you have never been?
MK: The places I photograph are like friends. I like to revisit them over and over to deepen the friendship. I don't need new friends all the time. They would take up a lot of time. In general I would prefer to spend more time in places I am currently photographing, particularly in China, India, Japan and Korea. We will see where the winds of travel take me. I am happy to go anywhere, anytime. I love to travel.
COOL: In what moment do you feel the pleasure of being a photographer?
Pine Trees, Wolcheon, Gangwando, South Korea, 2007 ©Michael Kenna/RAM
COOL: What is your favorite camera?
MK: Right now I use pretty old and battered Hasselblads. They are fully manual, no batteries, no digital displays, fancy bells or whistles. They can function in extreme conditions and are generally reliable. They are versatile and don’t weigh too much, which is an important consideration for me. I get a decent sized negative which I can print whole frame or crop as required. I have used these cameras for the last 20 years so know them quite well. We get along together. Until the digital revolution dictates that no more traditional film or printing paper is manufactured, I will probably stay with my friendly work horses..
COOL: Messages for your fans, please!
MK: If there is one thing I KNOW, it is that I don't know anything. I receive many e mails these days asking for “answers”. How to photograph? How to live? How to break into the art world? How to get an exhibition? How to have a book published? I wish there were answers. I don't think there are. Well, at least I don't have them and I always feel frustrated trying to write back. Perhaps there are no secrets to living a good life or being “successful”. Work as hard as you can. Live in the moment. Be responsible. Enjoy life, you might not get a second chance! And, treat others as you want to be treated yourself. Be well. Thank you for this interview.
Interview by Kyoko Kobayashi, Photo © Michael Kenna/RAM
Michael Kenna Official Site
www.michaelkenna.com
PR
Exclusive Interview “Untold Story Behind The Beijing 2008 Olympics”
Eiko Ishioka × Cai Guo-Qiang
Special Interview for two issues in a row
Tadanori Yokoo
Interview with
Fang Lijun
■■ COOL Vol.17 Special Issue Contents ■■
☆Special Interview for two issues in a row: Tadanori Yokoo
☆Interview with Fang Lijun
☆Opening report & Chief curator interview: Museum of Arts and Design
☆Interview with Nalini Malani
☆Interview with Huma Bhabha
☆Exclusive Interview "Untold Story Behind The Beijing 2008 Olympics": Eiko Ishioka x Cai Guo-Qiang
☆The Nomadic"decob" Osaka → Hong Kong
☆The Worldwide Art Views
☆Pick Up Artist ー Jordan Galland
☆LOOK! LOOK! Art Books
☆Big Apple Entertainment Stage 2
☆Chinese Art Now Vol.6
☆Film Freaks Scene 11
☆Toronto Art Report #8
☆The Diary of a Nomadic Artist Vol.3
☆NY Style #6
Subscribe to COOL NOW !!
There will be two exciting locations Shanghai 2009!
New York based art magazine, COOL is calling for artists to contribute their original, hand-made eco-bags: Decorated Eco-Bag, a.k.a “decob,” for an exhibition and a product-release project, The Nomadic “decob.”
In midst of the global environmental issues, we believe taking initiative on what we can do locally, around our personal surroundings is the step towards solving the global issue. The “decob” will be shown to international audiences in effort to raise awareness of environmental issues and call to take initiatives.
※Partial income from this project will be donated to environmental organizations.
※All bags are made of Recycled cotton. Fair Wage / Fair Labor.
We would like you to participate in this very important exhibit by submitting your designs!
*Please follow the directions below carefully
[Project Description]
The hand-made eco-bags will be shown in an exhibition and will be available for sale.
Best of “decob” and other awards will be given to selected eco-bags.
Project will be covered by the art magazine COOL on its paper and online publications.
The exhibition will go on to tour to major locations such as New York and London.
[Project Dates]
January 10-23, 2009
Venues:
-The Foundry Gallery （筑造空间） End of lane 729, Shanxi Bei Road (x Kang Ding Road), 200040 Shanghai, China
-Ligare Gallery - Room No.102, Build. D, Kangding Road 528 (x Xikang Road), 200040 Shanghai, China
We would like for you to submit your design, online, by no later then December 10th, 2008.
>You can download our template here.
All online submissions must be emailed to cool.decob@gmail.com
Please include the following information:
1- First name, last name
2- Artist name (if you have)
3- Title of the work
4- Media/ Material
5- Design description/ Concept
6- Price US$ (should be kept at no lower than $99 US)
7- Artist Bio, C.V.
8- Artist’s website
9- Mailing address
10- Email address
11- Phone number
A select group of arts and design community representatives will select works on the following submission guidelines:
1: All works must be clearly related to the concept of “decob”
2: All bags must be wearable and function as a bag
3: Artists selected by the committee will be provide the bags by the organizers
4: All works must be original and produced solely for the exhibit
5: All submission are free. There is artist’ material cost will only be charged to the artist who accepted the submission as folows:
130 Yuan/2,000 JPY/20.00 USD
6: Works not selected for the exhibition will be posted on the organizers website (a non refundable fee for selected artists will cover the cost
7: All original works on display will be for sale. The artists will spilt the sale 50/50 with the organizers
8: all bags are 40hx35w cm
[Deadlines for submission]
Dec 10/08, All artwork must be submitted online by no later then.
Dec 15/08, Artists selected will be contacted and a non refundable administration fee of $20 must be paid at this point.
Dec 22/08,Artists will be received a blank-cotton-bag by then.
Jan 7/09, Deadline for finished work by selected artists. Artists must send a bag to the venue directly by no later then.
Contact us if you have questions regarding submission guideline at cool.decob@gmail.com
Article taken from The Nomadic “decob” - www.cool-ny.com/decob
URL to article: www.cool-ny.com/decob/?p=555
One of the most diversity and unique ECO-friendly contemporary art show, The Nomadic decob (organized by COOL, NY), will be held from November 21 to December 2, 2008, at La Belle Beauty Salon, G/F NO.7 Glenealy Central, in Hong Kong.
In midst of the global environmental issues, we believe taking initiative on what we can do locally, around our personal surroundings is the step towards solving the global issue. The hand-made eco-bag, Decorated Eco-Bag (decob) will be shown to international audiences in effort to raise awareness of environmental issues and call to take initiatives.
Artist from around the world have been invited to participate in this exhibition by using these bags as a canvas to express their thoughts about the subject. The decob has been exhibited in Toronto Canada, Tokyo and Osaka Japan, and will travel to the following cities: Shanghai, London and New York.
All original works will be for sale.
DATE: November 21 to December 2, 2008
PLACE: La Belle Beauty Salon
G/F NO.7 Glenealy Central, in Hong Kong
MAP
HOURS: 9：30－20：30
TEL: 2526-9313
LUCKY DRAW!
-Win a Special prize from La Belle Beauty Salon,
La Belle Hair Salon, HUMZAP ENTERTAINMENT, and decob.
Please fill in the front of this card with your artwork and bring them to the venue that you will be automatically entered a special lucky draw!
Download HONG KONG Postcard PDF
OPENING EVENT!!
The event will include art, beauty, and music performance in the theme of “ECO & BEAUTY”.
NOV 21 18:00 - 21:00
ADMISSION FREE
- Serving free glass of wine
- Express Manicure with Art $50~ (by La Belle Beauty Salon)
- Free Hair Styling & Consultation (by La Belle Hair Salon)
- Special DJ “La Belle x Decob Mix” (by DJ TAKU and KAGE from HUMZAP ENTERTAINMENT)
DJ TAKU and KAGE will be DJing for the opening of 4th Stage in Hong Kong.
Click here for DJ TAKU's Interview.
Workshop Application Now Open!!!
Email sign-up registration now open. Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting, there are two dates, different language classes and teachers.
PART 1
DATE: Sunday, November 23
TIME: 13:00-14:30
INSTRUCTOR: ERI
LANGUAGE: Japanese & English
PART 2
DATE: Saturday, November 29
TIME: 13:00-14:30
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy
LANGUAGE: Cantonese & English
fee: HK$200 (include material cost, tea, and souvenir)
HOW TO APPLY:
Send email to cool.decob@gmail.com with following information.
1. Name
2. Number of attendee
3. Email
4. Tel
5. Attending Date
For inquires: cool.decob@gmail.com
DECOB OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS!
Submit your art-eco-bag for Hong-Kong show!!
Submit your art-eco-bag for Hong-Kong show!!
Freely express your “ECO” with “decob”
New York based art magazine, COOL is calling for artists to contribute their original, hand-made eco-bags: Decorated Eco-Bag, a.k.a “decob,” for an exhibition and a product-release project, The Nomadic “decob.”
In midst of the global environmental issues, we believe taking initiative on what we can do locally, around our personal surroundings is the step towards solving the global issue. The “decob” will be shown to international audiences in effort to raise awareness of environmental issues and call to take initiatives.
※Partial income from this project will be donated to environmental organizations.
※All bags are made of 100% Recycled cotton. Fair Wage / Fair Labor
We would like you to participate in this very important exhibit by submitting your designs!
Please follow the directions below carefully:
[Project Description]
The hand-made eco-bags will be shown in an exhibition and will be available for sale.
Best of “decob” and other awards will be given to selected eco-bags.
Project will be covered by the art magazine COOL on its paper and online publications.
The exhibition will shown in Toronto, and thereafter tour to major locations such as New York, Tokyo, London and Hong Kong.
[Project Dates]
The Nomadic “decob” 4th Stage in Hong Kong, China
Nov 21-Dec 2, 2008
Venue: Labelle Beauty Salon
We would like for you to submit your design, online, by no later then October 6th, 2008. You can download our template here. All online submissions must be emailed to cool.decob@gmail.com
Please include the following information:
1- First name, last name
2- Artist name (if you have)
3- Title of the work
4- Media/ Material
5- Design description/ Concept
6- Price US$ (should be kept at no lower than $99 US)
7- Artist Bio, C.V.
8- Artist’s website
9- Mailing address
10- Email address
11- Phone number
A select group of arts and design community representatives will select works on the following submission guidelines:
1: All works must be clearly related to the concept of “decob”
2: All bags must be wearable and function as a bag
3: Artists selected by the committee will be provide the bags by the organizers
4: All works must be original and produced solely for the exhibit
5: All submission are free
6: Works not selected for the exhibition will be posted on the organizers website (a non refundable fee for selected artists will cover the cost
7: All original works on display will be for sale. The artists will spilt the sale 50/50 with the organizers
8: all bags are 40hx35w cm
Entry period =========================
October 6th, 2008
==================================
[Deadlines for submission]
Oct 6, All artwork must be submitted online by no later then.
Oct 13, Artists selected will be contacted and a non refundable administration fee of $20 must be paid at this point.
Oct 20,Artists will be received a blank-cotton-bag by then.
Nov 15, Deadline for finished work by selected artists. Artists must send a bag to the venue directly by no later then.
Contact us if you have questions regarding submission guideline at cool.decob@gmail.com
Article taken from The Nomadic “decob” - www.cool-ny.com/decob
URL to article: www.cool-ny.com/decob/?p=414
[Organizer] COOL Magazine Inc.
[Co-hosts] Keep Six Contemporary / BOOK246 / COOKCORP / The Artcomplex Center of Tokyo / Gallery at the HYATT Projects / Gallery at the Lexus Senboku
[Sponsor] Turner Color Works Ltd. / ECOBAGS®
[Creative Producer] White Inc.
For inquires: cool.decob@gmail.com
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