Light is arguably the most fundamental element of photography. It not only determines an image’s exposure, but also helps the artist convey the tone, mood, attitude, and overall vibe of the shot to the viewer. All photographers aim to find the perfect light to capture their subjects, but our #artist2lookout4 goes one step further to highlight that process. Say hello to Atlanta based thought leader, designer and contemporary artist, Vek Neal.
Photograph by Modou Jallow
Originally from Blythe, GA (near Augusta), Vek has been in the creative industry for over two decades. After graduating from SCAD Savannah in 2004, Vek worked in corporate design and strategy for sixteen years before eventually moving to freelance full time. His work has been displayed in both public and private spaces, and his collections have been housed in several art galleries and exhibits, including the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Elevate ATL, PROPAGANDA at Facet Gallery, and the A3C Festival.
Photograph by Modou Jallow
Upon viewing Vek’s artwork, you may identify him as a talented photographer and established designer & artist. And, while you’re not wrong in that he’s a very skilled creative with a vast portfolio, he doesn’t consider what he does as mere photography.
In fact, when I asked Vek how different elements of photography inspire him, he was quick to explain that his work and process is more concerned with the study of light, not photography. “If you really look at my work and dissect it, it's the study of light and the use of natural light – you'll see the different chapters and you'll see my study of each light.”
His infatuation with lighting started in 2011 after he threw a house party in honor of his birthday. He had purchased a bunch of red and green lights to hang up around his house and noticed how the lights were hitting people as they walked around. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is really cool! I want to experiment with this.” It was almost kismet that he had just gotten his first camera earlier through his job at the time. Having never shot before, he set a goal to learn: “I told myself, if I can understand lighting, then I can understand this camera.”
Vek has since developed his method of capture to what he calls ‘vekking’– the study of light to show vulnerability and strength. In 2018, he released ‘The Vekking Book’, a colorful, diverse compilation of his experimental light artwork. From his website: “As much as this book gives insight to my artwork, it is also a conversation about staying true to yourself. I hope it inspires you to challenge yourself each day. If I could offer any advice, surround yourself with people who are honest and will root for your victories.”
You can purchase ‘The Vekking Book’ here.
What is the art of ‘vekking’?
‘Vekking’ was originally the study of light. But in all honesty, my work, whether it's graphic design or illustration, is trying to show creativity and the meeting point of vulnerability and strength. Anytime I make work that’s where I try to hone in. I try to have [my artwork] just kind of touch the point where there's a little bit of vulnerability and there's a little bit of strength; and usually that's showcasing people of color – you know, people that weren't ever really highlighted. So, that’s ‘vekking’: the study of light to show vulnerability and strength.
How do different elements of photography inspire you?
Well, that's the thing though, it was never photography. If you really look at my work and dissect it, it's the study of light and the use of natural light – you'll see the different chapters and you'll see my study of each light. I shot natural light for one year before moving to studio light, and then eventually experimental light, which more people know me for. So really, [I would describe it as] painting with light and using the camera as a medium to capture that.
That said, what artistic methods or styles do you keep in mind when creating?
I think of structure. I'm a huge fan of natural form, structure and beauty, and I always want to showcase natural beauty. In over 1000 shots I've only used one or two makeup artists for three shoots. So, it's always been someone coming to the studio with little or no makeup on, using natural hair. I'm also one of those people that don't photoshop stray hairs. I direct the model to pose within the light, especially if it's natural light, but if it was studio light I would have them sit down, ask them to tell me a little bit about themselves, and get to a place where it's a little bit of vulnerability. Poses between poses, I try to find the best composition of where the light hits them structurally. And through that direction, you know, the strength comes out.
What is one of your favorite shows that you’ve curated or helped curate?
My first solo show in 2013. I showcased my large light boxes for the first time at Studio No 7 ATL. The space had an outside patio area and at night I had these 8ft x 10ft fabric light boxes that displayed my work on both sides. I also printed all of my large format photography and hung them on the walls, all of which were either 10ft to 12ft, and I had some photos and illustrations in that exhibition. That show was the first time I ever presented my work and showcased all my artistry: curation, illustration, photography, and graphic design.
In 2018, you released ‘The Vekking Book’, a collection of your photos that represent “a conversation about staying true to yourself”. Do you have plans on publishing other works?
Possibly. But in all honesty, each year I set a goal for myself and the book goal was that then. [At the time], I was designing all of these books for other people and that was my opportunity to consider that if I'm doing this for other people, let me try to do it for myself. It was a good way to kind of close the chapter of the different conversations of lighting within the book.
In your opinion, how does one stay true to themselves?
It goes back to vulnerability and strength. It's very hard to be vulnerable, it's very very hard to be vulnerable. It takes a lot of internal work, a lot of patience with yourself to learn who you are. There's this quote that I live by [by Satsuki Shibuya]: “By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others.” To me, that’s saying, “Everything that you love, just go for it.” Don't worry about what anyone else is thinking. Don't worry about who’s doing what. Just focus on growth. Going up to complete strangers and asking if I could capture their portrait had to come from a place of vulnerability. To be able to connect with those people, those individuals, those models, those two friends came from a place of strength. To me, that’s natural beauty – that's vulnerability, that's black strength, that's black excellence. Live a life that you love and that will inspire others.
Share one piece of advice to aspiring creatives.
You really have to fight your own laziness. It’s just as simple as don’t give up on yourself and be your own hype man. I see many aspiring creatives who either may not know the amount of work it takes or give up too soon because they haven't seen any hint of success. Success is all about your happiness – if you're happy, if you can make yourself happy (which is another vulnerability meets strength conversation), then it's going to motivate you, and it's not going to feel like work. So, don't be lazy when it comes to growth.
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Interview by Rahel Tekle