Thomas Fontein

G: How do you think your work resonates with the theme of development?

T: “I think my work is very much in line with the developments I go through as a person and as an artist. I am constantly looking for new ways to express myself more authentically, by finding what truly inspires me and exploring that. For example, I’ll try out a technique I haven’t used before and see where that leads me. Then I might combine it with another technique and discover new tools of expression. I believe that while working on my projects I am simultaneously evolving as a person.”

G: Do you have a clear goal that you want to communicate through your work?

T: “Through my work I want to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire people to follow their curiosity. That is what gives me the energy to create. I feel like as humans, we tend to get stuck in our ways of seeing the world. Creating art is a way for me to reflect on my perception of life and to better understand myself. It gives me the space to just exist and appreciate my life. I hope to give people the chance to experience that same space within themselves, because sometimes that is all we need.”

G: Where do you usually seek inspiration?

T: “Usually I find inspiration in interactions with others or simply by observing daily life. Relating to others helps me to better understand myself and brings about new perspectives on which I can build further. In addition I get inspired by unusual things I see in nature or out on the street. Taking care of my inner world plays a significant part in that. Noticing what I’m feeling and sitting with whatever I’m going through, allows me to be more open towards the outer world and create from curiosity.”

 

G: In most of your works, I felt like I could always expect the presence of someone, be it a self-portrait or just their silhouette. What role does spontaneity play in your photography?

T: “Spontaneity is one of the main aspects in my work. Hardly anything I photograph is planned. I might have some premeditated thoughts or concepts I’m working with, but while taking photographs I leave everything to chance and what the moment brings me. I try to integrate life’s unpredictable nature into my work and daily life. Most of the people that appear in my photographs are people that are close to me. Even though my work is not focused on them, they are important to me as they contribute to my life in a way I could not be more thankful for. That is why I choose to share my moments with them.”

 

G: What is the connection between the colours you select (black, white, grey, etc.) and the subjects you choose to discuss?

T: “I choose to use black and white or colour depending on what I want to communicate. Sometimes the presence of the subject already holds enough power on its own. In that case, colours would be a distraction to the essence of the photo. Whereas in other cases, such as when I want to depict feelings, warmth and an unfiltered experience of a moment, I choose to use colour. I believe that showing the colours of a photograph can add a completely different dimension to it, but again, that is not always necessary.”