Interview: Nikki de Kerf
Photographer Nikki de Kerf (b. 1989) is known for her beautiful, atmospheric photography. Capturing every detail no matter how small, is very important to her. Every movement, glance, hair and marking creates a unique photographic moment to document. Viewing her subject with an artist eye.
At what age did you become interested in art?
First of all, when is something art? In primary school I learned to express myself in a creative way by drawing and writing. Later on, photography was added to the mix. That’s when I started looking at art differently. When I was a teenager musea did not interest me at all. I am a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I found musea dull. I preferred to be in the stables between the horses.
What is it about horses that inspires you?
I first became inspired by horses when I started working at a stable for Arabian Thoroughbreds, around the same time I started with photography. The Arabian horse is best known for its attitude which makes it very photogenic. But also the serene beauty of the breed touches me, their independance and people-orientedness. The latter still inspires me, especially with my own mare Mahlika. I want to capture every little dot in her fur, every hair, look and movement. Everything that she is and what makes me so in love with her is an inspiration to me.
How did you develop in your work, creating your own signature style?
I do not believe in talent but in hard work and practice. Of course you can have a knack for something, but you can develop yourself further by specialising and enjoying yourself. The latter is perhaps the most important thing. I do my best work when I let go of the technical rules. I go my own way and only look at what is beautiful.
You own a beautiful mare, Mahlika and you must share a thousand memories with her. Tell us about your favorite memory.
I think the best part is when you really feel ‘the click’ with a horse: you can not explain it, but you know it is there. A brief moment with an unknown horse can be truly enchanting.
Actually, I love all “horse moments”, but a special memory was the first meeting with a mare in the stable where I worked. She was known as shy and reticent, but was extremely gentle in her contact towards people. I did not think I could ever find this a second time with a different horse, but years later it happened again. This time during the first meeting with my own horse. That immediate click was so special! As a tribute, I named the foal of my mare, Lambada, after that special mare.
Who are your sources of inspiration and people you admire?
There are a lot of good horse photographers out there and thanks to social media it is easier than ever to get in touch with their work and be inspired by all the beauty you see. That goes unconsciously and naturally.
One of the photographers who inspires me the most and has even made me look at photography with different eyes, is the American photographer Robert Vavra. His photography is an art form. What I learned from him is, not always go for the perfect picture. There is beauty in small imperfections and a more 'raw' image. And that appeals to me more and more!
JTH
This interview was published in the Februari 2018 issue of Bit, nr. 253.
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