CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
BH: Stylistically and aesthetically I would describe my work as abstract, detailed, precise, a little alien and revering of the sublimity of nature.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
BH: My inspiration comes from many places in many forms… Photography, design, architecture, science, technology, literature, film etc. My biggest influence and source of admiration is nature and its intricate complexities and beauty. It never ceases to amaze me, and my art practice is centered around it. My appreciation for design and architecture may help explain the fixation on lines and shapes throughout my work.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
BH: When I’m beginning a new project or artwork series, I tend to do a lot of research through Google Earth/NASA satellite images. I’m looking for landforms and structures of the terrain that speak to me visually. From there I research those places, their history, if there’s a specific relationship or significance to humans and what the effects of climate change are having on the area.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
BH: My work traverses the unique and complex bonds humans form with the natural environment. The relationship between us is beautiful and problematic – and there’s a tension that I seek to understand. I’m interested in how humans and nature effect each other, to what extent, and what the direct implications are. With concern for the
fragility of our planet, I usually select my locations based on their significance within the global context of climate change. I believe that all humans have some kind of individual relationship with nature in some capacity, so my work might speak to each person in their own way and incite some of their own questions.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
BH: My lifestyle and day-to-day is a mix between working on my projects and working for architecture, design and other commercial clients. When I’m in New York I am usually working for others, but when I’m working on my projects I’m usually traveling or away from the city.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
BH: When you’re working within the natural elements, you can only plan so much. You can’t control the weather, exactly what you will see or what might happen. That’s the beauty of it. My personality and working style are a mix of preparation and instinct. I start a project with concepts, ideas and a plan but it’s also very important to me to let the landscape guide me and speak to me. When I’m shooting, I usually know when something is working or not – it’s a gut feeling and it leads me to the right place.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
BH: Take criticism and opinions with a grain of salt, trust your instincts, always try to be better than yourself, don’t compare your work to others.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
BH: As a visual artist, yes I do think the aesthetic language is of utmost importance. However, if the concept behind it is weak, I think it shows. Aesthetics and taste are also subjective, so the research should inform the work and the outcome should be a combination of strong visuals and a clear message or rationale.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
BH: Making a living and surviving within society’s constraints without compromising your values, integrity and reasons for why you make your art.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
BH: Photography is a way for me to express and investigate my innermost thoughts, feelings, questions and desires. The work represents who I am. I also appreciate that some people have been so affected by seeing my work. The idea that it can give someone inspiration, or a therapeutic means of release is a privilege and I am grateful to share it.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
BH: There are so many creators and artists that inspire me and way too many to list here but some of my favorite photographers are (in no particular order) Irving Penn, Annie Liebovitz, Sally Mann, Ansel Adams, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Edward Burtynsky, Andreas Gursky, Olaf Otto Becker, Naoki Ishikawa, Diane Arbus, Mattias Schaller, Vivian Maier,
Mickalene Thomas, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Henri Cartier Bresson, William Eggleston, Benedict Redgrove, Andrea Galvani, Liat Elbling, Tim Walker, Kevin Cooley, Richard Mosse, Gregory Crewdson, Bence Bakonyi.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
BH: The technology we have today is impressive. Even since I began photography around 2007, the technology has improved vastly. I am continuously astonished with the tools we have access to now. In saying that, I also love going back to basics and shooting film now and again. With new and better technology comes more innovation and possibility as an artist so I’m about embracing it and seeing where it can take me.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
BH: As artists, we have chosen to immerse ourselves in our creative practice which may expose us to more information or specific themes that we tend to explore, but I’m doubtful that people in creative paths have some kind of superior view on the world compared to those in non-creative paths, maybe just more focused. This is because I think every human being is creative in their own way. Just because society hasn’t labeled certain work as ‘creative’ doesn’t make it so. It’s human nature to question, create, progress and desire/pursue a purpose and your chosen job doesn’t necessarily reflect you as an individual or how creative you are.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
BH: Usually when I’m traveling I’m working on projects – which mostly involves avoiding cities. If I had to pick, my favorite city would be either Melbourne because it’s my previous home, or Tokyo.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
BH: This would be like choosing a favorite child. Though a book I read not too long ago that really impacted me is ‘Sapiens’ by Yuval Noah Harari. Everyone should read this.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
BH: I’m working on my latest body of work from The Arctic Circle artist residency I participated in this year in Svalbard. I have an exhibition in NYC later this year of my Sand Sea and previous Arctic series’ and something in the works for London next year.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
BH: Being an artist, for me, is being in a constant state of questioning, confrontation, exploration of self and environment, evolution, humility and expression.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
BH: Feather by Little Dragon
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