2026-02-22
GIMP is Free and Libre Open Source Software, but none of it is possible without the people who create with and contribute to it. Our project maintainer Jehan wanted to interview the volunteers who make GIMP what it is, and share their stories so you can learn more about the awesome people behind GIMP!
Early interviews with co-maintainer Michael Natterer and Michael Schumacher were published shortly after the first Wilber Week. Unfortunately, the rest of the interviews from that event have never seen the light of day - until now!
Our previously resurfaced interview was with Simon Budig. The interview in this article is about Øyvind Kolås. He is the maintainer of GEGL and babl, the color engines of GIMP. His work was instrumental in (among many other things) the long-waited non-destructive filters implemented in GIMP 3.0!
This interview took place on February 4th, 2017. In addition to Jehan and Øyvind, Michael Schumacher, Simon Budig, and Debarshi Ray were also involved and asked questions.
Øyvind Kolås, by Michael Schumacher, CC - BY - SA - 2019
Jehan: Okay, hello Pippin! So, first off, how should we call you, Pippin or Øyvind?
Øyvind: If people know how to pronounce ‘Øyvind’, that is perhaps easiest. In some contexts it is a difficult name to pronounce and I have to go by my nickname Pippin.
Jehan: Ah, and where does it come from?
Øyvind: The nickname Pippin originates from Lord of the Rings. The first time I went on IRC, must have been ‘95 or ‘96, I had to come up with a nickname for myself, and I chose the nickname of a hobbit. I used the nickname “Sméagol”.
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