28/11/2011
Interview: Ronen Goldman
by Simon Skellon. 23 Nov 2011
We interview conceptual photographer and Photoshop expert Ronen Goldman, in order to gain a better understanding of his Surrealistic Pillow Project
Starting with sometimes nothing more than a single emotion, Ronen Goldman realises his subconsciousness using art. But it’s not all just about Photoshop, as his photography skills need to be just as meticulous and predisposed. Ronen’s Surrealistic Pillow Project exploits the power of the two mediums, merging the lines between what’s reality and what may have well been imagined inside a hazy dream…
do the ideas come from for your Surrealistic Pillow Project?
Almost all the ideas for the Project begin from dreams I’ve had while sleeping and sometimes when awake. Sometimes these ideas are only an emotion or state of mind that I start from and develop into visual scenes. Like dreams, the places and actions that take place are reminiscent of the things we encounter in our waking life, with some kind of twist that leaves you wondering if you indeed are viewing something real or dreamlike.
and how is Photoshop incorporated into your work?
I use Photoshop all the time, whether it’s for straightforward photography or for my surreal creations. Photoshop is the digital age darkroom, and in my opinion it’s an extremely important part of the photo-making process. With all this said, I try and stretch my photographic knowledge and skill as far as they will go when taking the picture, before moving into the next phase – the darkroom.Tell us about which Photoshop tools or features you rely on the most
editing the Surrealistic Pillow Project.
When creating the Project’s photos, I used layers and masking a lot. The photos are all shot on location using the same lighting and positioning, and then put together using layers and masks. I use the Zoom tool extensively to make sure every pixel is in its right place. For creating the man on the bench photo, I used a lot of layering and blend modes to combine the wooden bench with the human arms.
You have a new Videos! section on your site – tell us why you decided to include this?
I learned a whole lot about photography from reading things online, and I felt it would be interesting for people to see a ‘behind the scenes’ of how I created the project, and maybe to create their own! I also directed a whole music video made entirely from still images – and I thought people may find that interesting. Also in the video section are other music videos I was involved in creating.
things only going to get stranger… or do you have plans to experiment with other styles of photography?
Depends what will come up at night in my dreams! I find the things that are strange to me aren’t always strange to other people, and vice versa. So I think I can say things are going to get more surreal, and involve more people and farm animals!http://www.facebook.com/Ronengoldman.photo?sk=app_4949752878
Commercial Photographer, Creator of "The Surrealistic Pillow" project.
www.Ronengoldman.com
