harry gils

{HARRY GILS ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS}

What medium(s) do you work in?
I shoot all digital photography. It’s been 4 years since I loaded a roll of film. I do still own my film cameras and maybe one day I’ll feel nostalgic and load up some 120 film into my Bronica. I enjoy working in digital. Some people believe it’s not true to photography but for my business, it only makes sense.

What in your opinion makes the difference between good art and great art?
The viewer.

What question do you wish would be asked in an interview and how would you answer it?
Who are your favourite photographers?
Patrick Demarchelier, Mark Zibert and Chris Woods.

Why art? and Why art in hamilton?
Ummm, cause it’s the only thing I like to do. Hamilton has a nice small town feel mixed with big city and it’s close enough that my commute to Toronto isn’t too brutal. Plus we have family here, and in the end, that’s most important.

Who or What inspires you?
My wife Dana and God.

Any wisdom you'd like to share about living as an artist?
Do what the client wants and don’t make a stink about it. If you can’t handle that, then get a normal full time job and do your art for fun.

Harry Gils is a commercial photographer who just relocated to Hamilton from Toronto. He got sick of the sketchiness of where he and his wife were living and the lack of community. Harry started off by shooting photos of his friends skateboarding and now does national ad campaigns and has shot many well know musicians.

Harry Gils
published with permission of artist