The pictures of photographer Grey Wolf have this wonderful simplicity in both subject and form. There is often just a bed in a simple room and a nude model on display. This “pure” approach provides great focus on the body itself without much distraction. It’s just the woman, her curves, her sensuality and nothing else.
He uses a similar setup when photographing couples making love. Because we only see parts of both bodies, usually without the heads, it feels voyeuristic. Like peeking trough a window or small opening in the wall of a motel room. The fact that these series are less staged and more spontaneous contributes to this feeling.
Although a large part of his work consists of sensual black & white nudes there is also a more experimental side in his oeuvre. In these images he plays with colors, expressive poses and even some theatrical elements, like in the images with the masked figure. I really like these experimental images, some like the woman with coloured cloth even are amazing. However for me the simple nudes in black & white stand out from the rest.
I had the change to ask the Grey some questions about his work (Grey Wolf is obviously his nickname) and inspiration.
Where are your ideas coming from? Does your work reflect your own erotic fantasies & desires?I worked for many years with drawing and painting and my work is influenced mostly by the great painters and photographers, too many to mention here. I started in the 70s, with a traditional studio, I used to take lots of B & W photographs and process them manually. I don´t have many fantasies or desires, I fulfilled most of them when I was younger…
What you biggest artistic frustration? Or main struggle in your creation process?
I always try to create something different, the frustration usually starts when I don´t find the right pose or lighting, or when I am not able to take the photos I wanted in a specific place, like in a public garden or in an old building. Many people are still full of prejudice against artistic nude photos.
What artists do you admire?
They are so many… Ansel Adams, Helmut Newton, Michael Buselle, Santerineross, Petter Hegre, V. Potemkin, and the classic painters like Degas, Monet, Renoir, Rembrandt , Bouguereau, Burne-Jones, Van Gogh, Picasso and many others.
Is it easy to find places to display your work?
No, the competition in this field is very hard, although my photos have a very good public acceptance.
How do you select or find your models?
A good artistic nude model is confident and not afraid to become nude or experiment different or weird poses. The body does not need to be perfect, the lighting, the pose, the lenses and ambience help to make a good photo. The models are everywhere. They can be a friend, a friend´s wife or girlfriend or a professional model. There are so many great models around!
