»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 something in life. But this precise quotation reflects and plays a crucial role in how he has chosen to handle the punches that life has thrown him over the years. And it is how he has taught himself to see the hard times as opportunities to learn, develop, and transform adversity into something constructive. Life hasn't always been kind. It has given him some heavy blows. He lost his father when he was 11 years old and his mother passed away 4 years ago, leaving Alan with very limited biological family and no siblings. But 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.

“My mother had plenty of things that she wanted to do, but never did. I think, that 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 rather 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.

As a photographer and an artist, Alan has experienced the challenges of having to sell his own work. He found himself in a jungle of multiple online hubs and platforms where quantity was ranked higher than quality. They were often characterised by a lot of noise, and the associated artists – some of them really talented – underbid each other hunting for the next sale. The artists ended up with a small fraction of the profit, while the platforms got the better end of the deal.

“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 the collaboration in promoting exclusive and high-quality art was in focus - a community hub,” says Alan

NOKUKO recognises a wide, well-informed audience, which demands unique, high-quality prints with authentic stories. Conscious consumers, as Alan describes his target market, are people who want more than just prints.

“I strive to make NOKUKO a springboard from where the artists can develop, find inspiration and gain international recognition for their work, and achieve better conditions to reach a wider, more informed audience. This project is based on social-economic driving demand, but also a desire to protect and help artists with the challenges that I have experienced myself,” says Alan

Sharing the stories behind the art is NOKUKO's keen focus point, an idea which is highlighted by the business tagline: ‘more than prints'. For Alan himself, his art and photographs reflect a need to create a sanctuary for thoughts and feelings. Ever since he was a child he immersed himself in drawing, being curious or lying on his back and finding figures in the clouds. Something, that has followed him his whole life. By establishing a creative space around himself, he finds room to look inward, and to interpret the everyday life that takes place around him and outside this creative space.

“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 are going and completely lose track of time. For me, using the creative side of the brain is a tool to understand myself better, and to see more perspectives and opportunities. This applies both on a personal and a business level. It allows me to broaden my perspective. It allows me to be more receptive to input. It 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 and continues:

“Earlier in my life, I wasn't always good to embrace and understand 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 – it was probably due to my former perception of pride and perfectionism. I have worked to change that part of myself, and I still do. It is probably an area where you can always develop yourself if you want to. In accordance 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 a tremendous curiosity and it has brought me to fascinating places, cultures, and people all around the world. It brings me a lot of pleasure and it is a great inspiration for me both personally and professionally. I'm driven to find motifs that tell stories. Stories from nature, which we must all cherish and which we all have a responsibility to take care of. And stories from ancient buildings, where generation after generation have lived their lives. For me chasing subjects with my camera is almost like a game. My travel companions have all seen me suddenly taking a detour or going out in the middle of the night to catch the right motif,” says Alan

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 an artwork tells the observer what they want to see. According to Alan Pedersen, this is one of the fascinating things about art: how the wide variety of interpretations and tastes, provide a foundation for conversations, and how it does not necessarily need to be explained in order to make sense to the observer. It can speak for itself.