Henrik
Bakmann
1. Welcome Henrik to The Influx Gallery family. Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I come from Denmark and I work with many different types of art. I was just a little kid when my grandfather introduced me to art, but it was only when I was 12-13 years old that I started drawing myself. However, the drawing did not last; when computers started to appear, I started training as a media graphic artist, and I was more and more attracted by the possibilities that lay here. In my younger days, however, it was not art that filled my time. I taught children and young people drama, which led to a new education as a drama leader and later drama pedagogical art and culture communicator for children and young people. I have also published two youth books. My previous educations were combined in a third education as a teacher, but in the end it was the arts that came to occupy the most space.
2. Were your family supportive of you deciding to become an artist?
Throughout my life, I have had the support and backing of family and friends. Perhaps - and this is not to negate myself - it is also connected with the fact that I have actually succeeded in what I have dealt with; whether it has been as a project manager on cultural activities/experiences, as an actor, teacher or with my art.
3. Was there anything specific that you can remember that made you want to become an artist?
I don't know when it dawned on me as such that there was an artist hidden inside me... I think it came quietly and was slowly reinforced with my theater work and my training as a drama pedagogical art and culture communicator for children and young people.
4. Did your schooling or work affect your creative development in any way?
In my theater work, I was both in front of and behind the stage - both as an actor, director and scenographer, and my graphic education came in handy when I had to be trained as a drama pedagogical art and culture communicator for children and young people, because in this studio, it was really about being able to use art and scenic setups that were necessary to convey one's message.
5. When did you first discover the ability to create such original and multi faceted works?
I have always been very creative, and since I have succeeded in what I have started and have been constantly encouraged to do more and new things, it probably just came naturally.
6. Could you give us a little teaser as to the process that helps you create such fabulous artworks?
My graphic images are created by processing photos of different surfaces and patterns and putting them together into imaginative landscapes. In the way, the images become an expression of my feelings and dreams and my desire is therefore to give the imagination wings to fly out to the people and give the outside world the opportunity to form their own imaginative dreams and experience, thereby making the art experience personal.
7. Where do you get your inspiration and influences from?
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including my personal experiences, the work of other artists, current events, the environment, and the world around me.
8. You have a background in teaching drama and young people. Do you have any tips for any young inspiring artist picking up the brush/pencil/laptop for the first time?
- Practice consistently: The more you practice, the better you will become. Set aside some time each day to work on your art. - Learn from others: Look at the work of other artists and try to understand what makes their art succesful. Take inspiration from their work, but also develop your own style. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and materials. You may discover new ways to express yourself and create unique pieces of art. - Take classes or workshops: Learning from experienced artists can help you improve your skills and learn new techniques. And be patient... Mastery of any skills takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if your art doesn't look perfect right away. - Show your art to others and get feedback. This can help you improve and gain confidence in your abilities. - Have fun: Enjoy the process of creating art and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Art is about selfexpression and creativity.
10. We love how a wide range of artistic materials is used within your work. How long does it take you to finish a piece?
It is difficult to put a time on; Some images can be done in a few days depending on how much time I have to work with it and others take weeks. From the moment I start on a new picture until I stand with the finished result in my hand, two to three weeks can easily pass. First of all I need to find some textures; something that I think can be used in the various sub-elements of my images. It can be, for example, an iron plate with rust, old wood with peeling paint, crystals or just stone, wood, yes, only the imagination sets the limits. Then I make a template of the landscape I want and then the fun comes, finding out which textures the different template parts should have. The next part is to use various graphic tools to bring out the effect I want to be in the image. After this, it is time to find out whether there should be trees or animals in the picture or whether it should just be a beautiful natural landscape. The last part is to get it printed. My pictures are either printed on canvas, plastic or paper