Art & Photography

My Portrait

Ever since he was a child, Alan Pedersen, also known as Alantherock, has used visual expression as a way to reflect and balance his thoughts. Especially during difficult times, it has been beneficial for him to step into the creative mindset. One of these difficult periods in his life became a turning point, and contributed significantly to the fundamental idea of NOKUKO -  an entrepreneurial passion-project echoing Alan Pedersen's belief that dreams are here to be realized.

Created by NOKUKO and written by Anne Mette Steen-Andersen

»When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow» - Shauna Niequist. Usually, Alan Pedersen doesn't rely on quotations when he tries to make sense of something in life. But this precise quotation reflects and plays a crucial role in how he has chosen to handle the punches that life has thrown him over the years. And it is how he has taught himself to see the hard times as opportunities to learn, develop, and transform adversity into something constructive. Life hasn't always been kind. It has giving him some heavy blows. He lost his father when he was 11 years old and his mother passed away 4 years ago, leaving Alan with very limited biological family and no siblings. But instead of letting darkness and loss dominate, Alan turned his grief into a reminder that life must be lived now. I'm not afraid of death, I'm afraid not to live as he describes it…

Click on the link to read the entire portrait

My Art & Photographs

Visual expression has always been essential for me and still is - it contributes to me on multiple levels of my life and is created by different driving forces.

Art

I create my art by using different materials, methods and techniques, depending on my mindset at the moment of the artistic creation. Therefore, will my creations vary from time to time. Currently, I am working with mixed media, which consist of painting, drawing, texture and even coffee (as material) to mention a few.

Through art, I create a personal space for myself. In this space, I tell my stories through creativity - thoughts, experiences, emotions and reflection. I get my inspiration both externally and from within. In this stage, it gives me different perspectives and contributes to my own development. It is also where I focus on the process, not the result. My artworks are therefore very different from one another, all depending on my current state of mind at the time.

That being said, all my artworks have one thing in common. They all carry a personal touch and depth. All my artworks are uniquely and carefully crafted with fine personal details. In every art piece, I lay a piece of myself into it. This is what makes it interesting and relatable. I believe that it is in this openness and vulnerability where true art finds its way and makes it interesting to the observer. One of the intentions behind it is to evoke thoughts and feelings, but also a platform for dialogue for the observers.

In the true and ruthless openness, one can find the pure core for passion and inspiration. Here, one is confronted with both heavy and more positive/uplifting topics from external and internal inspiration sources. In my case, it could be the loss of my parents and family – the grief, forsakenness, frustration, powerlessness, darkness related to this. But also, where I find strength, sparks and fire, passion, reflection and gratefulness. This also gave me a new view and approach to my own life. Life is fragile and a privilege - You have to live while you can. You have the abilities to create the life and be person, you want. Remember to celebrate the good times and learn & grow through the tough times.

Because I put my whole heart in every art piece, some of it takes several years to make. I simply can’t force my art to happen. To me, it feels like my art creates itself and uses me as a tool. I often have a direction, but don’t know the outcome and how the final art piece will be.

I hope that you as an observer feel my stories and maybe find your own ones in my art. I hope it evokes thoughts and feelings. It’s more than just art and like most other creations - comes the most interesting straight from the heart and mind. Whatever it’s positive or negative, such as joy, pride and courage or sorrow and darkness.

My inspiration also comes from the outside – this magnificent world, which we have to cherish for its overwhelming beauty and diversity. A world that is evolving and that we have a responsibility to take care of. Here, I find inspiration for my art… but especially for my photographs.

Photography

I possess a huge passion for photography and together with my enormous curiosity and desire for adventure – has it brought me all around the world, visiting many fascinating places, cultures and people. For example, China, US, Iceland and Japan some of the places, both on land and in/underwater.

The motifs I found in those places tell their own stories. Not only for the pictures itself but also to the eyes of the beholder. From the overwhelming nature to cities and buildings, where generation after generation has lived their life and helped shape the story behind. Truly an incredible inspiration source and simply adore to do it.

I contribute to those stories artistically, using different techniques and methods such as perspective, atmosphere and light to give a glimpse of its story. By doing this, have I gain experiences, talent and memories throughout the times.

The world is a wonderful, diverse playground and we all have a responsibility to hand it over for many future generations. Therefore, a donation to plant two trees is being made for every print sold with sustainability as the keyword.

Primary photo equipment at the moment: Sony Cybershot RX10 III , Sony Cybershot DSC-rx100 III,  & iPhone X: Canon EOS 1200D.

Last but not least, I am thankful to my Instagram friends, who have helped me tremendously while visiting different countries and places. Find my Instagram here - don't hesitate to contact me through the contact form here with any questions or suggestions