Thanks for the opportunity to have an interview, make me think of some questions about the relationship between Arts and photography.
Chan Ho Yin (Scofield) is a street photographer, YouTube blogger and coordinator of photography courses. He has a major in Fine Arts and he loves exploring the city on foot and organizes photo walks in Hong Kong. He has won various awards including PX3 2022 and the winner of the National Geography Hong Kong Photo Contest in 2019.
After seeing my first interview Scofield was eager to to participate in this series, to our benefit. Thank you so much, the opportunity to do this with such an accredited and acclaimed photographer is not missed on me. He is also our first mixed media artist, being a painter as well as photographer, though today we will be concentrating on his photographic work.
I have to say Scofield, after seeing your more traditional documentarian work, what you sent me hit me from left field and really challenged me as an interviewer.
David - As a mixed media artist what is your opinion on photography as an art form?
Scofield - Photography is an interesting and special medium, the invention of photography had changed the style of painting from academic to impressionism. In terms of production method, it can be classified as a type of printmaking. Photographers just need to press the shutter, especially in the digital age, seems losing the "craft" work, what have shown is reproduced the eyes of the creator. However, when someone refers to a photographer as an "Artist", we feel a little strange.
I think photography is definitely an art. As for what art is, I believe art is a person's persistence with the exploration of human life issues. Many artists will only focus on single creative medium for their entire lives, and deeply study the possibilities of this medium. I am not satisfied with the study in one single creative form. What I like to pursue is not excellent photography skill, but exploring what life issue interests me the most via photography.
David - How do you feel about Content Creation; Is there a difference between Content and Art ?
Scofield - After I heard your explanation of "Content", I think the social media platforms allows everyone become a master of the art of living. People share the beauty of life, or a sense of quality and mood on their own platforms. Sense of quality is indeed how the modern art is being created from. Why do you collect his paintings instead of the others? To avoid being vulgar, people discover many more different artists. For me, Content and Art exist in the same place. Is there be some places where Content has it, but Art doesn't? I think it is the spirit of Fine Art, an ineffable mystery, and the pursuit of "persistence".
David - When making images do you think about the role the viewer plays and does that contribute to your process?
Scofield - I do care how people think about my photos, the work itself is the only way for me to express myself. I accept the audience's interpretation of my work, and I hope they can feel what I feel when I create.
David - Is there a difference between how you approach creating images and teaching others photography?
Scofield - I'm currently teaching photography in a secondary school. Since they're not familiar with camera, I teach them in the most authentic and orthodox way that isn't the technique and style I've always created. If any of them are interested, I will be more than happy to share, but unfortunately not yet.
David - You are quite celebrated having many awards to your name, is there a craving for validation in your own work?
Scofield - Indeed, it is a validation of my work by winning the award. Many people think creation should only focus on creator’s point of view, regardless of success or failure. I am a more direct person, I enjoyed winning a prize from the competition I am interested. Winning an award is not as simple as vanity, it is also about the difference between one's own vision and the society and professional circles. It is a good learning experience. What are the differences and how much they accept are the source of their own style.
David - I always use one question selfishly. This time I want to ask; Is there any advice you can give someone (like myself) who has always struggled to transform their art into their profession?
Scofield - It's really tough, and to be honest I don't take my hobby as a career at the moment. The income from photography work and art sales is far less than the income by regular job. However, as long as you persist and never giving up, there are always some people who can turn their interests into a kind of professional job.
As always a pleasure, thank you so much for wanting to be involved and taking an interest in this interview series.
© David Roberts 2017 - 2023
