Musings with Lobke Leijser
Gentle moves
with Lobke Leijser
Lobke Leijser is a photographer and creative based in Amsterdam. Focusing on the female body and spirit, she captures a sense of ease and self-awareness through movement and body expression. Her series for RUS revolves around the search for mental and physical balance and lightness through gentle moves. We’ve asked Lobke about her professional background, personal rituals and where she finds inspiration.
Where’s home for you?
For me, home isn’t as much a place as it is a feeling. I think it’s simply being surrounded by my loved ones.
What led you to start working with photography?
I started taking pictures when I was around 15 or 16. I was looking for a way to express myself and once I discovered photography I was hooked. It's is a great tool for learning, about the world but also learning about yourself. Honestly I haven’t really been reflecting that much. I think some things in life just happen.
Reflet cardigan Pale Green | Grêle shorts Chalk
Aurore bralette Pale Green | Houki bodysuit Chalk | Ombre pants Chalk
Real or digital?
It’s interesting that digital is seen as a lesser platform to physical magazines, books and prints, while the digital version of an image is seen so many more times. These days we’re living in a world where we are exposed to imagery all the time on our tiny screens. Instagram is an amazing platform to showcase your work and get in touch with people from all over the world. But the process, love and patience of something physical keeps being very valuable to me. So in the end I can’t choose.
What sort of things do you find inspiring? Where do you find them?
I find inspiration in all kinds of things, but mostly in people. It can be their stories, aspiration, behavior or environment for example. I cast a lot of people not just for their looks, but also their personalities and talents. This is where I find most of the richness and depth.
How’s your process for starting a new project? Do you prefer solitude or crowded places to concentrate?
I find inspiration in all kinds of things, but’s different every single time. The shoot can be an idea around a model I find and later becomes a conversation between me and the stylist. Or I have a more abstract idea I’d like to explore, such as a relationship between people.
It’s nice to work, read and think at solitude places, but when it comes to a shooting day I love the energy of a crowded studio.
June Flohr photographed by Lobke Leijser x RUS
There is a great consideration for the female figure and body movement in your work, do you feel this is an aspect that defines you?
Yes, definitely. It comes very naturally to me. I’m fascinated by the beauty of women, women’s bodies and their ways of moving. I keep exploring them in many ways and try to find new ways of creating meaning with them. It’s a sort of dance between me and the subject. It often becomes a little sculptural.
What sort of imagery and shapes do you feel attracted to?
Real and honest imagery, fluid shapes.
Do you find useful following a routine or do you prefer to follow your emotional impulses?
I would say following a routine but with some room to allow emotional impulses.
How would you describe RUS universe in three words?
Sustainable, warm and timeless.
What’s your inspiration for this collaboration?
Conforming yourself to different conditions, finding balance and peace, mentally and physically. Something we need in the current situation.
Name three photographers/ creatives that inspire you.
Viviane Sassen's aesthetics got me into photography. Later I got inspired by Rineke Dijkstra, the way she explores the body language and the complexity of people she photographs. I also respect Dana Lixenberg, Steph Wilson, Sophie Green, Carlota Guerrero, Lena C. Emery and Janneke van der Hagen. There is such an amazing movement of female photographers these days.
Soleil dress Indigo | Ombre pants Ink
If you could design the future world, what elements would you include?
During this pandemic the world is changing a lot. A new sense of solidarity and interdependency is born which I find very promising.
What rituals do you follow to relax and disconnect?
Reading, sketching, ceramics and a little walk at the end of the day.
What are your favourite places in Amsterdam?
The centre is just like a living postcard. I grew up in the south of the Netherlands and after a few years, Amsterdam stills feels a bit surreal. My favorite photography museum is Huis van Marseille, located in two monumental 17th century canal houses. I would recommend Formocha too, for the best tea in town.
A book currently in your nightstand?
Body of Art by Phaidon editors. It celebrates the beautiful and provocative ways artists have represented, scrutinized and utilized the body over centuries. Actually it’s not in my nightstand but at my bookstand in the living room. I have a short read every time I walk by.
Do you have any ritual to get dressed in the mornings? How do you decide what to wear?
Not really, when I get up I check the weather forecast though. The Dutch weather can be quite unpredictable. When I open my closet I just see what item catches my eye.
Do you have any garment you’ve loved for a long time? What makes it special?
A blue wrap-over cotton summer dress, it gives me an instant summer feeling and brings back precious memories with friends and family.
What’s on your horizon?
I had some very exciting jobs and collaborations coming up in London right before lockdown. So I hope we’re able to travel and get back to work soon.
Photographed by Lobke Leijser
Brume sweater Chalk | Soleil dress Ink