“Whispers” Unveiled: Exploring Frederic George Pauwels' Photography
For my first assignment at ephemere., I had the privilege of interviewing the talented Frederic George Pauwels. His mesmerizing publication, Whispers, is a highlight on the platform, and I was fortunate to receive a copy, courtesy of Anne and Frederic.
To prepare, I immersed myself in Frederic's work, striving to view the world through his unique lens and uncover the rich narratives behind his images. His website provided a treasure trove of insights into his travels and portfolio, helping me craft thoughtful interview questions.
As a fellow visual storyteller, I meticulously examined each photo while shaping my questions. The title Whispers particularly intrigued me—how did Frederic arrive at such an evocative name? Each image pulses with its own emotions and stories. I pondered whether his inspirations stemmed from family, locations, relationships with the world, the environment, society, his personal thoughts and emotions, or a blend of these elements.
One quote on Frederic’s website captivated me: “Beauty is never far from Chaos.” This profound statement begged for further exploration. What does it signify to him and his artistic journey?
During our conversation, Frederic revealed that Whispers was inspired by the subtle, often unnoticed moments of beauty in everyday life. He shared how his travels to diverse locations, from bustling cities to tranquil landscapes, shaped his perspective. Frederic's deep connection with nature, coupled with his keen observation of human interactions, infuses his work with a profound sense of place and emotion.
Frederic also discussed the technical aspects of his craft. He emphasized the importance of patience and the willingness to wait for the perfect moment when the light, subject, and mood converge. His approach is a blend of spontaneity and meticulous planning, capturing the essence of fleeting moments that tell compelling stories.
In exploring Whispers, I discovered the delicate balance Frederic maintains between chaos and order. His images often portray a serene, almost ethereal quality, reflecting his belief that true beauty emerges from harmony and tranquility rather than disorder.
Preparing for this interview was more than just a task; it was a journey of discovery. Frederic's Whispers challenged me to perceive the world, environment, and human connections through a new lens, enriching my own visual storytelling journey.
Frederic’s generous and insightful responses brought depth to our conversation. I hope this interview will inspire others to delve into his photography book, "Whispers," and appreciate its nuanced beauty.
A heartfelt thank you to Frederic for his time and willingness to explore his creative process with me. And to Anne, my deepest gratitude for trusting me with this incredible opportunity.
Interview with Frederic George Pauwels
Geng Hui Tan (GHT) — You mentioned that you received your first camera when you were 15 years old. What were your first photography experiences and memories? How did that start your visual storytelling journey over the decades? Do you still have photographs from your first few rolls of films?
Frederic George Pauwels (FGP): I became interested in visual arts and photography when I was 12. I enjoyed looking at vinyl covers and collecting images in magazines. My fascination with imagery grew over the years. In the summer of '85, my family and I were near Arles during the photo festival, which we didn't even realize at the time. Our hotel was full of photographers. One day, a woman asked if she could take my portrait when I was wearing a funny cap. This experience sparked my interest in photography, and I knew I wanted to create my own pictures.
When I received my first camera at 15, I was excited to start documenting my world. Initially, I focused on photographing my friends and experimenting with different techniques. I set up a small darkroom and spent countless hours printing photos; the process felt like pure magic to me.
Photography became my primary mode of expression, especially since I wasn't good at drawing and found writing too laborious. Over the decades, my passion for capturing moments and telling stories through images has only grown.
GHT — Can you share more about your inspirations behind your style and voice of photography? How has this evolved or changed over your decades of photography? Would you be able to share a series of photographs that shaped your visual storytelling journey?
FGP: My sources of inspiration are wide-ranging and diverse, reflecting my eclectic interests. Today, I store digital image libraries on hard drives, my phone, and online platforms. Since 2019, I have been maintaining a Tumblr blog with hundreds of references, which helps me keep track of the images that resonate with me.
I also have a collection of books and have a deep appreciation for American photographers like Richard Misrach, Victoria Sambunaris, Mitch Epstein, Joel Sternfeld, Robert Adams, Alec Soth… Additionally, I am drawn to Japanese aesthetics, which emphasize simplicity and natural beauty.
All these images and influences, though diverse, are ingrained in my subconscious and serve as a continuous source of inspiration. I enjoy reading non-fiction, often quoting from it, and listening to music, which I consider an ongoing soundtrack to my life and work. These elements contribute to the unique perspective I bring to my photography.
As I have grown older, my style has evolved towards simplicity and honesty. I strive to share moments I experience—thoughts, questions, and feelings—in a straightforward and genuine manner. Recently, I've begun exploring my themes from an abstract perspective, a direction I intend to pursue further, though I consider this just the beginning.
GHT — I saw this quote on your website, "Beauty is never far from Chaos". Would you share more in-depth into this quote, along with a few photographs from your collections that reflect this?
FGP: I came up with the quote "Beauty is never far from Chaos," as it encapsulates my view of the world and our place within it.
As a quiet observer who leans towards Eastern philosophy and minimalism, I have always been fascinated by the delicate balance between order and disorder. Growing up with my single mom, who taught me to respect nature, and having had teachers who broadened my worldview, I developed a strong social conscience and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. I believe that humans and the natural world are inextricably linked and that every action we take has consequences.
This interconnectedness is a central theme in my work. We, as humans, have achieved remarkable feats like space exploration and medical advancements, and we have taken significant steps to protect our natural environment. Yet, we are also capable of great destruction, from deforestation and pollution to war.
Despite our chaotic impact, nature is resilient and persistent. Life always finds a way to thrive, even in the smallest cracks and forgotten places. In this paradox, I find a profound beauty. As Rachel Carson wisely noted, "In nature, nothing exists alone." This quote resonates deeply with my belief that beauty and chaos are intertwined, and this interplay is what I strive to capture in my photography.
GHT — How did you come up with the title, Whispers? What were the visual stories from your subjects, relationships, emotions, or thoughts over the years of your transformative journey from March 2019 to December 2022 that whisper into your heart, mind, and soul?
FGP: In 2019, I found myself feeling lost and disconnected from my true self after taking a job for financial reasons. Seeking an escape, I bought a cheap half-frame camera and began shooting film, capturing everyday moments of my life and my family. This period was the beginning of a transformative journey.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic and subsequent lockdown provided a unique opportunity for reflection and change. I decided to back up all my previous digital files and start anew, this time focusing exclusively on film, my first love. The little Olympus camera became my constant companion, following me everywhere.
As I delved deeper into this process, I realized the camera was more than just a tool—it was a messenger. The images I captured felt like whispers, subtle and intimate messages from my surroundings to my eyes, telling me, "this is it, this is you." Each photograph became a whisper.
GHT — For this Whispers visual storytelling project, how does using a half-frame film camera make your project unique and special in its own sense through your eyes, heart, mind, and soul? In this digital photography/media era, would a digital approach and workflow be able to produce what you had done with the Olympus half-film camera?
FGP: Using a half-frame film camera for the Whispers project allowed me to focus entirely on my subjects, capturing moments without worrying about technique. The camera's simplicity and playfulness encouraged experimentation and happy accidents, creating an organic and authentic mood.
The tactile process of working with film brought joy and magic that digital photography can't replicate. While a digital approach could achieve similar images technically, it wouldn't provide the same emotional and artistic journey. The unique blend of the film's texture and the mindful process made Whispers deeply personal and special.
GHT — Which photographs inside Whispers photography book tug the most inner strings inside you? Is it family or is it a location? Can you tell us more about the stories behind those photographs?
FGP: Both family and locations. The series is shot in two main locations: Belgium and Spain.
In Belgium, I feel alienated by the city, and my daily escape is walking with my dog, Jack, in the nearby fields. These moments in the open spaces provide a stark contrast to the urban environment, embodying a Yin and Yang dynamic, especially as the countryside is slowly being eaten up by the city.
Spain, specifically the Terres de l'Ebre, holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with this region and made good friends there, it has become a sanctuary for me. I always yearn for the peacefulness of the village. The photographs taken there reflect a profound sense of belonging and tranquility. The landscapes are not just backdrops but are integral to my emotional landscape.
GHT — Through Whispers, are you subtly telling the world about the complex and delicate balance between human beings and our natural environment that we are living in, what the world needs to do, and take action quickly to meet the huge environmental challenges that the world and human race are currently facing?
FGP: Whispers is an intimate project that reflects my state of mind and experiences at a moment in time. If it has any hidden purpose, I hope it serves as an invitation to slow down, reflect, and contemplate.
It's about fully enjoying all the fleeting moments in life and perhaps encouraging others to do the same. Only by accepting that everything—including ourselves, everyone, and everything around us—will eventually disappear, can we truly cherish life.
GHT — In most (if not all) photography book publications, there would be some photographs that were initially curated that did not make the final round of curation for printing inside the photo book. Would you be able to share some photographs that you took that didn't make the final round?
FGP:
GHT — Are there any plans to produce and publish a second edition of "Whispers"? Would you keep to the same photography themes and genres that were used in the first edition?
FGP: At the moment, I have no plans for a sequel to Whispers. However, the Olympus camera still catches my eye from time to time. I may be tempted to explore the possibilities of the half-frame format again, as I love its unique characteristics. If I do pursue another project with this camera, the themes and genres could be different from those explored in the first edition of Whispers.
GHT — For those who just started following your works, are there any photography projects and agenda on the horizon that you would like to share with them?
FGP: I already have material for a second book, shot in color on digital this time. It builds on some of the themes explored in Whispers, focusing on my immediate surroundings and my sense of alienation from the urban environment. I'm currently in the process of rough editing this new publication.
In addition to this, I have several ongoing projects in various stages of development.
FREDERIC GEORGE PAUWELS
Born in1971 – Brussels, Belgium
Currently based in Belgium and Spain
Author of Whispers
Favorite Artists
1 Richard Misrach
2 Joel Sternfeld
3 Mitch Epstein
Favorite Films
1 Seven Years in Tibet
2 Blade Runner (1982)
3 Lost in Translation
Favorite Songs
1 Once in a Lifetime — Talking Heads
2 Any Jack Johnson song
3 Don’t Give Up — Peter Gabriel ft. Kate Bush
Links
Instagram: @fredgpauwels
Website: fredpauwels.com
Anarchyº1 is a striking black and white photobook born from ephemere.'s inaugural open call and first group exhibition. This compendium of monochromatic images spans diverse genres, styles, and themes, presenting a picturesque chaos that epitomizes mono-mania. Featuring 143 photographers from around the globe, Anarchyº1 showcases a rich tapestry of perspectives. Guest curators Satomi Sugiyama, Trey Derbes, and Jim Herrington, each with a unique eye for black and white photography, collaborated with gallery founder Anne Murayama, who herself is devoted to the craft and aspires to make Anarchy an annual series.