Alice Zilberberg is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist, recognized by curators, collectors, and art patrons across the globe.
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, and raised in Israel, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada. A graduate of Ryerson University’s Photography program, she began her artistic practice by painting: a verve which remains very much present in her digital works. The winner of numerous prestigious competitions, her accolades include 1st place in The World Monochrome awards, ranking as one of Magenta Foundation’s best photographers in Canada, and several of the International Photography awards.
In 2013, she was the youngest artist to date to participate in the Waddington’s Art Auction. Her work has been displayed in galleries across North America, Europe, and Asia; she has been interviewed and featured in publications and platforms such as MTV, Breakfast Television, PHOTO+ Magazine Korea, and PhotoEd Magazine.
For over a decade, Zilberberg developed her own distinctive technique for creating her digital paintings, where photography is only the beginning of the final artwork. The works are comprised of many photographs, and carry variety of elements such as colour, toning, manipulation, and painting. She often travels across the globe to record different backgrounds and elements for her creations. Works take months to complete, with every detail meticulously inspected for perfection. With a poetic style of expression, the meanings of her images unravel through metaphor and symbolism that aim to inspire the viewer to look inward. For the past five years, her repertoire has explored themes pertaining to the human condition, namely personal identity, emotional intelligence, relationships, and emotionality. [Print Version] [Digital Version][Official Website]
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m an Israeli-Canadian artist working in a photo-based medium, making what I call digital paintings. My work takes months to complete, and there are many steps to the process. I try to relate my own experiences to universal concepts and themes related to the human condition.
How did you get interested in photography?
I started my artistic practice with painting, and I played around with photo-montage even before I did photography. Once I tried photography, I saw that I could make images that are seemingly real, and unreal at the same time. I really loved the surreal look, and I worked in this style since.
What inspired you take your “Be Here Bison” Image?
I find the Bison really peaceful. I always found a calming affect in wild animals. We have so many layers in our lives that we worry about. There is something really calming in this large animal that is made to stay still by this 2D medium.
How would you define your general style photography?
Polished surrealism.
Could you please tell us anything about your technique and creating process?
There are many layers to my creative process. From getting inspired, to doing research, coming up with ideas, making preliminary sketches, location scouting, finding the right model, test shooting, final shooting, digital manipulation, and finally, printing. Each step is really important to the artwork, and, while some elements shift, the process is a calculated one.
In your opinion, what makes a good Fine art Photography
I think a strong concept that is paired with great technique, is something that is rare and difficult to achieve. I applaud work that is both beautiful and has a strong story.
How much preparation do you put into taking a photography?
I do a lot of research on my concept, I take my time picking a model (if needed), and I location scout before the final shoot. I also sometimes come back to the same subject to shoot the element again to marry into my composite.
What do you think makes a memorable project?
Often I find that my best work comes seemingly naturally and easily. However, I understand that it’s many years of practice and thinking about certain subjects that makes great ideas come together. I often find that it is the marrying of two different things, which are not related to each other, that makes something new and innovative.
How do you know you got the shot you wanted?
I review the shots in my camera or in the computer, and if I got it, then I just know it’s the one!
Your idea of the perfect composition?
Whatever the piece needs is the perfect composition for that work!
What would iI find in your Camera Bag?
Nikon D810 with a battery grip, Nikon 24-70 lens, Nikon 85mm 1.8 lens. Light meter, different tapes, and pins.
How important is an awesome website for your business and how has social media played a role in your photography?
I think my website helps to show the work as a collectable item, which is great, because I want people to understand that it’s art. I think social media is a great way to stay connected to those who are interested in my work. It’s a way to show the behind the scenes of my daily life as an artist – which is great, because I don’t know another way to do that!
What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
I am currently working on adding more images to my project “Meditations”. After that I have another project planned that is related to animals as well.
Finally, one las question. What opinion do you have of our print edition?
I absolutely love Dodho magazine! Everything is in good taste and quite beautiful.