Words and Photography by Nadine Wilmanns
Art and Photography
“Whatever you do in life, if you want to be creative and intelligent, and develop your brain, you must do everything with the awareness that everything, in some way, connects to everything else.”
(artist Leonardo Da Vinci)
As a photographer based in Metzingen and East London, I am constantly surrounded by creativity and art. My photography and visual storytelling are strongly influenced by my everyday surroundings, and I make a conscious effort to look at art regularly to continue evolving my work as a photographer. This is also what helps me to work both in Metzingen/South-Germany and East London.
Closer to life
Today is World Art Day — celebrated every year on the 15th of April, the birthday of the painter, sculptor, and all-around artist Leonardo da Vinci. He is the one who painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Da Vinci was chosen for this day not only for his art, but also because his life embodied curiosity, friendship, peace, and tolerance. It is said that he loved animals and had a habit of purchasing caged birds just to set them free.
Root in the present
World Art Day was established in 2012 by the International Association of Art to celebrate the fine arts, and was later recognised by UNESCO as a global moment to appreciate what art actually does: it connects us across cultures and gives form to things, thoughts, situations, and feelings we cannot find words for. It also offers an entry into the present moment, because when you paint or draw, it becomes much easier to stop the trains of thought that pull you into the future or the past. Art grounds you in what you actually have: this moment in time.
World Art Day is also a good reminder that art is not just decorative. It also brings peace, joy, and a sense of community into the world.
I have been lucky enough to photograph quite a few artists and people working in the art industry. Here are a few of them:
Tatiana Zhabina
My university friend Tatiana Zhabina, with whom I studied fashion design. She has always been more of an artist than just a designer. I could see that straight away. She explores many creative techniques, for example punch needling flower pots and wall accessories. She also creates amazing illustrations and paintings. Her label is called Gleich 12. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Eva Doelker-Heim
A truly exceptional artist I visited in her studio is Eva Doelker-Heim. She creates large-scale paintings that are impressive and calming at the same time. Canvases several metres wide are no issue for her. She collects soil and other natural materials to create her own pigments. She followed her passion with determination, despite having a seemingly settled future in the family fashion business. I’m glad for her that she did. Because art is what truly makes her come alive, as she told me.
Charline Jackson
Unforgettable, of course, was the colourful photo session with Charline Jackson. Charline is an illustrator and textile print designer. I love her sophisticated and professional use of vivid colours. It was also impressive how seamlessly she moved between hand painting and digital work, as well as between paper and textiles.
Anaïs Masetti and Freddie Darke
Also pictured is Anaïs Masetti, founder and curator of The Shoreditch Modern in East London. When I walked into the gallery just off Brick Lane, I was immediately liked the light yet powerful paintings of Freddie Darke, who was exhibiting there at the time. His thoughtful and careful interpretation of everyday moments makes you appreciate the ordinary and seemingly unremarkable so much more.
Art and Photography
As a photographer I don`t want to settle for what is practical — my goal is always to create art. Whether I photograph an accountant, a fitness coach, or an illustrator, I want to approach every shoot with an artistic mindset. That is one of the main reasons I do photography: I want to spend time creating art while also making a living from it – and to be able to live both in Metzingen and East London.
As a teenager at school, I considered studying art, because I was quite ok at drawing. But having chosen art as my main subject for my A-Levels, I eventually found it too depressing. There was so much tragedy and sadness. Most of the famous artists we studied seemed to have mental health issues and at the time I thought: this is just too sad.
East London
Still, I always came back to the need to create. Looking back, it feels almost funny that I once studied law — what was I thinking? I was clearly meant to do something visual. And, after a few detours, I found my way back to the path I believe I`m supposed to be: working in visual storytelling and photography. Seeing light as in truly seeing and noticing it. And communicating in this kind of quiet but also quite powerful and sometimes even whimsical way.
Studying fashion and later living in East London has definitely brought back my love for art and also helped me let go of the reservations I had built up during my school years. I learned that art can be applicable and practical in everyday life. It can be such a happymaker, a way to treasure moments, time and conncetions and it can be a huge source of energy and excitement.
Art my way
Over time, I also learned that I don’t need to spend hours in a museum or gallery until I feel completely drained and fed up. I also don’t have to like or understand everything that is labelled as “good art.” Instead, I can choose what resonates with me. And a short gallery visit in East London can be a refreshing small break of the routine. Most of all, I like to learn about the stories of the artists – there is no boring person, but there is even less such a thing as a boring artist.
Working as a photographer in East London means being surrounded by a lot of creativity and ideas. From independent galleries in Shoreditch to museums and the interior design of shops – there is always something visually exciting. This environment has also shaped my photography style.
Happymaker
Personally, I love surrounding myself with art — if it makes me happy. Not all art evokes happiness, hope, peace, or a sense of gratitude. And that’s okay, it’s just not for me. I still remember when I bought my first piece in a gallery in Shoreditch in East London over 10 years ago: a colourful painting of a comic-like fish with a speech bubble. I bought it as a belated birthday present to myself, and with the purchase came the nice feeling that I was not only making myself happy but also supporting the artist who had created it.
Gift art
Art is something very personal, after all, and showing support elevates and multiplies all the goodness that comes with creating it. Art also makes a brilliant gift. While we may not always be able to buy an original, a signed print is a lovely alternative.
I’m always especially happy when I’m gifted art — whether it’s a print by a well-known artist or a painting by a hobbyist. What matters most — apart from, of course, liking its aesthetics — is that someone has put thought, love, and effort into it. That’s what makes it truly precious.
Whether you are a professional artist or not, a photo session can be a great way to capture your personality and creativity. You can find more information here: BUSINESS OFFER
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