Guilhem Nicolas – Light Painting Artist Jadikan-LP

Light Painting Photographer Guilhem Nicolas, also known as Jadikan-LP, has experimented with long exposure photography for many years; in 2008 he discovered Light Painting Photography and has been hooked ever since. “Jadikan” is a Malaysian word that means “to create or transform.” Guilhem wants his work to bring transformation to his viewers and convey that we are all light—and capable of creating Light Art.
Known for his mystery and secretive process, Guilhem works mainly in France and enjoys creating with a wide range of subjects—from the human form to architecture. He recently traveled to Nepal to create a tribute to his favorite street artist, Space Invader. Scroll down to view some of his images, read his full interview, and explore more on his website: jadikan-lp.com.
Light Painting Photography Interview
Interview conducted by Jason D. Page in 2010
1.. What is your name?
Guilhem
2.. Do you have an alias that you go by?
Finally admit that jadikan is an alias 😉
3.. Are you a soloist or are you part of a Light Painting group? If a group who is in your group?
I usually work alone for the photography and the light painting job but I like to share competencies for specific projects.
4.. What education do you have?
Master of international economic policy …
5.. What is your occupation?
I can maybe say « visual artist » and my artwork is based on light painting photography
6.. How long have you been a photographer?
Full time job since 2 years but I use photography for different purposes since I am 14.
7.. How long have you been light painting?
4 to 7 years, depend on what level of addiction you are talking about. The first image I can be proud is from 2007. 25 seconds exposure. At this period, I was more into stencilling and wanted to make a picture of the 2 trumpetists I just sprayed.
8.. How did you discover Light Painting Photography?
Mistakes and repetition to handle them
9.. What was your first Light Painting Image?
Lost in southeast Asia in 2005, a cigarette and a cheap digital compact camera made me understand the concept.
10.. Film or Digital?
My first experiences with photography were film and I went digital when I discovered light painting in 2005. I use film again for some upcoming projects
11.. Do you believe in aliens?
Why not.
12.. What is your standard Light Painting Photography setup?
Camera on tripod with a remote. A location that you feel good with. Few selected light tools. Music sometimes… snacks, water and beers can help too, because light painting expeditions can last long…
13.. What is your favorite color?
I don’t know yet, and I am not sure I will find one
14.. Who influences your Light Painting Photography work?
Light painting has enough possibility to draw your own way.
15.. Who is your favorite Light Painting Artist?
Many light painting artists have their own touch, can be subtle with this art, and I like a lot of them! In my opinion, Dana Maltby aka TCB is one of those who made some really inventive photographs in this discipline the last two years.
16.. What is your favorite food?
Anything I am hungry for …
17.. Do you create in any other mediums other than light painting? If so what are they?
Light painting discipline links you to create light sources, think about choreography, drawing, installations, videos…
18.. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image that you have created?
Next one will be so new!
19.. What is your favorite Light Painting Photography image of another artist?
I am in admiration of Tokihiro Sato’s “Photo-respiration” series—especially the daylight part. Light painting with an 8×10 large format view camera!
20.. What is the most difficult part of Light Painting Photography?
Be sure of what you want to light paint
21.. How do you get your Light Painting Photography work seen?
Websites, magazines, galleries, festivals or live shows
22.. Do you sell your Light Painting Photography work?
Yes
23.. Are you represented by a gallery?
No
24.. Where can we see more of your work?
Website www.jadikan-lp.com for selected images. Every exhibition has special and unpublished artwork to discover. I like to keep some surprises for those who can join those events. You can also be my “facebook friend” for updated news 😉
25.. What is your favorite quote?
None
26.. Who is your favorite artist?
I cannot say that I have a favorite artist but I try to open my eyes more than necessary to appreciate new stuff
27.. What is your favorite activity other than light painting?
Gardening
28.. Tell me a good light painting story.
So many, but the light painting experiences I made with the Nepalese people in some temples are unforgettable
29.. Tell me a nightmare light painting story.
Arriving at home and remembering that I forgot my last homemade torch on location… and this specific location was quite far and not really easy to enter
30.. Have you ever been arrested or ticketed for light painting?
Never, but I didn’t say that I was not close …
31.. What do you say to people when they see you light painting and they ask “what the hell are you doing”?
Please have a look, it is difficult to explain clearly
32.. Where do you find inspiration for your Light Painting Photography?
On location
33.. Who would you like to punch?
No one
34.. Who would you like to kiss?
It is too late to say thank you to Nicephore Niepce but if I could …
35.. Why do you Light Paint?
This question is on my “to do list”
36.. What is your favorite time to shoot?
When the idea of the final composition starts to blink in my mind
37.. What is your favorite subject to shoot?
Locations with shadow opportunities
38.. Where is your favorite place to shoot?
I feel well in most of the quiet and dark locations I choose
39.. If you could travel anywhere to Light Paint where would you go?
I will go there.
40.. Have you ever invented a Light Painting Photography tool? If so what was it and how did it work?
Most of my tools are customized for a special use… and it is quite simple 😉
41.. Do you ever get sick of explaining your work to people?
Never
42.. How many times have you heard the word Photoshop when someone was describing or asking about your work?
Often but they usually quickly understand
43.. What makes you happy?
Good news
44.. What makes you mad?
Things I don’t understand
45.. What part of Light Painting Photography do you enjoy the most?
Walking in a dark and huge location with a very tiny light torch
46.. What part of Light Painting Photography do you hate the most?
Run out of batteries or a sunset just before finalizing the photograph you want can be a nightmare.
47.. Do you have a website? If yes what is the address?
jadikan-lp.com
48.. What is Light Painting Photography?
Being mad about photography and other possibilities to catch light performances.
49.. Give me some advice for anyone that might like to try Light Painting Photography.
If you manage to do it once, do it again to be sure!
50.. Are you scared of the dark?
Sometimes, it depends where you are…
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