| I’ve always wanted to be a photographer, not an artist. For as long as I’ve been taking pictures, I’ve wanted to catch a glimpse of how artists see the world. My favorite subjects have been those who possess that creative spirit that makes them human beings in search of something new to say about the way we see the world. To understand an artist’s statement is not always very easy. It demands research into the matter if interested in gaining a keen understanding. Common wisdom says it’s best to go to the source if possible. How? In my case, it’s by taking a picture. My occupation gives me an entry point into exploring an artist’s beliefs and how they shape their view of the world. | 
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Rainer Hosch, born in Vienna, Austria, is a New York-based photographer.
Rainer Hosch, Alex Colville at his home/studio in Halifax 2007. Courtesy of the artist.I’ve always wanted to be a photographer, not an artist. For as long as I’ve been taking pictures, I’ve wanted to catch a glimpse of how artists see the world. My favorite subjects have been those who possess that creative spirit that makes them human beings in search of something new to say about the way we see the world.
To understand an artist’s statement is not always very easy. It demands research into the matter if interested in gaining a keen understanding. Common wisdom says it’s best to go to the source if possible. How? In my case, it’s by taking a picture. My occupation gives me an entry point into exploring an artist’s beliefs and how they shape their view of the world.
Photography opens the door—not only to take a picture, but also to come into an artist’s home or work space, allowing for sharing time one on one. This personal meeting might not always be very long, but it is a first-hand view on the state of their art. I’m not looking to answer all the questions I might have about their worldview. I’m just looking for my own way in which to engage with the individual, their work, or their ideas.
Once inside, my process really begins. At some point in the encounter, my instincts kick in and I look for my view, my statement, my photograph. Although I am striving to find something real about all of my subjects along with truth, character, and their unique perspective, I realize—given how fleeting the meetings can be—that the finished product is nothing more than my point of view. Hopefully it is a good picture, even better if it turns out to be a great portrait.
Today, photography is very much considered art. Maybe my way of striving for great portraits is a bit like the artist’s process in condensed form. But whether photography was made to be art or not is rarely a determining factor. Who decides? Nobody really knows, even though a lot of people say they do. To that, I say, welcome to the art world.
