by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 13th of May 2024

Brig Barkow strives to show non-standard thinking works, building attractive compositions, and looking for interesting, unique and unusual images. To him, photography is an important part of  his life, a way of self-expression and self-realization. It is both a hobby and a lifestyle at the same time. Come along with me walking through his amazing photographs and learning more about this modest but great artist.
 

'Geometric still life with balls'

'Fish and violin'

Hello everyone! Brig Barkow is my creative nickname. My real name is Valentin Ivantsov. Photography is my hobby, to which I devote all my free time.

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I got my first personal camera when I was a student. It was a small format camera with automatic exposure control. From student life to vacations and parties, my camera was always with me. I always have used the possibilities of the Internet to study photography. I have completed several online photography courses. It was very interesting. In addition to that, I read a lot of photography literature, bought books, and looked at various photographs.

'Fallen leaves'

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?
Photography is an important part of my life, a way of self-expression and self-realization. It is both a hobby and a lifestyle at the same time.

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?
I can say that the most significant experience is getting acquainted with the work of the best artists and photographers, and constant self-education. I enjoy watching, reading, creating, solving, and understanding photos.

'Bouquet of mushrooms'

'The hidden bottle'

You have your own style creating exquisite still life photographs but also exclusive surreal portraits. Can you explain why you are so drawn by these totally different categories?
I try and strive to show non-standard thinking, my ability to build a composition, to make it attractive to viewers who are looking for new and interesting images. I try  to create something unique and unusual and to see the invisible in the visible. In fact, the portrait genre is the most challenging for me. One must be able to work with people. It's also a responsibility towards the model being photographed. I would like to learn more about portrait photography.

'Outgoing'

'Portrait'

'Where the dream ends'

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

Of course, the mood and the story are more important because they help to convey my emotions and meanings that I want to express and demonstrate through my works.

'Walnut'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer? And do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
It all starts with the subject of shooting.
I'm trying to capture scenes from objects' life. I want to ensure that they begin to exist, sound different in artificially created and imagined conditions. These are things close to us, the life of objects around us...
As for the shooting location, really nothing unusual. It's the light, my table, and the background on which the scenes of my performances are based.

'System'

'Abstract still-life with forks on a colourful background'

Describe your overall photographic vision.
Henri Cartier-Bresson said that in photography it doesn't matter what you shoot, it's important how you do it.

'Still life with reflection'

'Transformation'

'Ping-pong, the game is over'

'Still life with grapes and a bee'

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?
Everything that evokes emotions can become a source of inspiration! Nature, paintings, people, poetry, dreams, and more.

'Aquarium'

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?
My home studio is a corner in a large room in front of the window. I have the simplest set of studio equipment - four speed-light flashes, two soft-boxes, a reflector, several backgrounds (black, green, white, blue, and gray), and of course, a tripod. I use a Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera and a set of lenses for different shooting conditions. I really enjoy creating different lighting schemes.

'Return'

'Clunker'

What would be your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.       
I can't choose a favourite photo. All successful works are my favourites. Each of them contains a part of my effort, my feelings, and my fantasies.
After some time, I look at my works with distrust and suspicion. I'm looking for deception.
Sometimes there is disappointment. Especially after printing selected photographs. You take it in your hands, look at the picture in a completely different way, as if it were someone else's. The colour is not right, the lighting is not enough, or there is overexposure. Although a lot depends on the quality of the printing. But overall, I like everything. And if people like it, that's pure happiness!

'The day is over ...'

'Portrait of a bearded man with a magnifying glass'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?
I have always admired classic Dutch still life paintings. I can spend a long time looking at them, as if they are a scene from a play, with its symbolic meanings and the images of the space surrounding objects that we don't see, but we can feel. I also love avant-garde art and everything derived from it. These still life's are completely different in shape, but their content becomes broader thanks to the fantastic imagery and influence of colour. All of this had an impact on my creative activity in some way.

'Loneliness level'

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I am currently working on developing new ideas and am always open to new projects.

'Teapot of milk'

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
I am very grateful to the organizers of 1x and to everyone who has noticed my works. Everything here is great and it is a great pleasure to be involved in this wonderful community! Thank you!

'Reading'

'It's going to rain soon'