Picasso once said, „You don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find art?
We find art in the interaction between portraits and other materials. We use light throughout our working process to find inspiration, specifically in how shadows interact with materials to create new compositions.
From concept to creation: How do you approach your work?
First, Alex captures a portrait of a model and prints the photo. Then, Akke embellishes the photo using analog techniques. The resulting product is photographed once again. This digital-analog journey, in combination with our use of light and shadows, builds texture and creates new effects to give the image an entirely new look. We call out work ‘overprints’.
What’s your favourite book?
There are a few books we both like, including The Café at the Edge of the World by John Strelecky and The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. In terms of art books, we have a large collection, but Fred Herzog’s Vancouver Photographs and Sugimoto’s Seascapes are especially dear to us.
Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?
We would love to have coffee at The Café on the Edge of the World with Erwin Blumenfeld (Alex) and Daniel Roseberry, the current Schiaparelli designer (Akke). We would discuss sources of inspiration, working methods, culture, and the meaning of life!
How did your interest in art develop?
We both consider art a calling. We feel most in our element and self-aware while creating new compositions.
Who in your life influences you the most?
Our children, family, and dog Gibson.
If you had a time machine, where would you travel?
Akke: Mexico – more specifically, Mayan civilization. Alex: Ancient Egypt. We’d love to travel both places together and create overprints on-site.
What is your greatest passion – aside from art?
Akke: Spending time in nature. Alex: Cooking for family and friends.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re working on a new overprint project. A book about New York and unique jewelry.