ARTISTS

»When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow» - Shauna Niequist. Usually, Alan Pedersen doesn't rely on quotations when he tries to make sense of life. However, this precise quotation reflects and plays a crucial role in how he has chosen to handle the punches that life has thrown at him over the years. It is how he has taught himself to view hard times as opportunities to learn, develop, and transform adversity into something constructive. Life hasn't always been kind. It has dealt him some heavy blows. He lost his father when he was 11 years old, and his mother passed away almost 10 years ago, leaving Alan with very limited biological family and no siblings. Instead of letting darkness and loss dominate, Alan turned his grief into a reminder that life must be lived now. 'I'm not afraid of death; I'm afraid not to live my life,' as he describes it.

“I remember that my mother had plenty of things she wanted to do but never did. I think my greatest fear is to be sitting as an 80-year-old man knowing that I didn't follow my dreams. Time is the least available resource we have, and suddenly it may be too late. I think the loss of my parents constantly reminds me that it's better to act today than to wait until tomorrow,” says Alan.

That's why there was no doubt in his mind when he got the idea to start up NOKUKO. In the past, Alan has had other entrepreneurial projects, but with NOKUKO, the feeling was different: almost like a calling - an entrepreneurial dream he simply had to chase.

“I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create a platform, NOKUKO, where selected artists who create high-quality art could be involved and encouraged to take part in the creation. I wanted to ensure that their art and passion were well rewarded. And my intention was to create a synergy, where reflection and creation collaborate in promoting exclusive and meaningful art that was in focus,” says Alan.

NOKUKO recognises a wide, well-informed audience, which demands unique, original art and prints with authentic stories. Conscious consumers, as Alan describes his target market, are people who want more meaningful art and prints.

"I strive to make NOKUKO a springboard from where our artists can develop, find inspiration, and gain international recognition for their work. It aims to provide better conditions to reach a wider, more informed audience. This project is based on socio-economic demand, as well as a desire to protect and assist artists with the challenges I have experienced myself," says Alan.

Sharing the stories behind the art is NOKUKO's keen focus. For Alan, his art and photographs reflect a need to create a sanctuary for thoughts and feelings. Since childhood, he immersed himself in drawing, curious or lying on his back, finding figures in the clouds. This passion has followed him throughout life. By establishing a creative space, he finds room to introspect and interpret everyday life around him.

"It almost feels like time and space disappear when I stand in front of the canvas or computer. I have no idea where the hours go and completely lose track of time. Using the creative side of the brain is a tool to understand myself better, and to see more perspectives and opportunities. This applies both personally and in business. It broadens my perspective, makes me more receptive to input, and gives me the strength to open up and develop. Creativity is a valuable contrast to my academic background in International Business and my business-structured life. It contributes to creating a good balance," says Alan, continuing:

"Earlier in my life, I wasn't always good at embracing and understanding my feelings. I often just shut down and hid them away if they were too hard to handle. For me, that was the easiest thing to do – probably due to my former perception of pride and perfectionism. I have worked to change that part of myself, and I still do. It's an area where you can always develop yourself if you want to. In line with this, my visual expression helps me in many ways. Art is a sanctuary where the process - not the result - is in focus. Working on being more open is also reflected in the art I'm currently creating."

Besides being a place where he can reflect on his inner life, Alan also uses his passion for photography to satisfy his curiosity and capture small glimpses of the beauty of nature. He compares photography to fishing: You go out in hope of catching the big fish, but you'll never know if that's going to happen. Light, time, motif, and condition are factors that constantly influence and shape the final result.

"I possess tremendous curiosity, which has led me to fascinating places, cultures, and people worldwide. It brings me immense pleasure and serves as inspiration both personally and professionally. I'm driven to find motifs that tell stories—stories from nature, which we must cherish and protect, and stories from ancient buildings, where generations have lived. Chasing subjects with my camera is like a game to me. My travel companions have often seen me taking sudden detours or going out in the middle of the night to capture the right motif," says Alan and laughs.

It isn't necessarily crucial for Alan whether the observer of his art reads a particular narrative or mood into his motifs. Perhaps even the opposite: a photograph or artwork tells the observer what they want to see. According to Alan Pedersen, this is one of the fascinating aspects of art: the wide variety of interpretations and tastes provide a foundation for conversations, and it does not necessarily need explanation to make sense to the observer. It can speak for itself....