"Russian-born photographer Philip Pankov has been living and working in Dublin for eight years. His latest exhibition of black and white photographs is currently on show at the Velka Gallery, on Dublin's South William Street, until June 30.How did you get where you are today?
I don't know if I've arrived just yet, but what I've achieved to this point is due to my fanaticism. I'm obsessed with the technical functions of photography. Fortunately my obsession seems to translate into a style that people appreciate.
Where do you find the inspiration
I see with a photographer's eyes all the time now; I can't stop finding inspiration here.
What other photographers do you admire?
Ansel Adams - he did great things for photography being accepted as an art form. Of modern photographers I really appreciate Michael Kenna's work.
If you weren't a photographer, what would you be
I was really close to being a doctor and living my entire life in Moscow.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
My Dublin in the Dark series. I like night photography for the same reasons I like black and white: it simplifies the image and allows you to focus on what matters - line and light...."
-Mary Downes
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