" Photography has been and still is, tormented by the ghost of painting"
Roland Barthes - Camera Lucinda
Why photography?
Carrying a camera on my many journeys have been second nature to me. In my early days as an amateur photographer, I explored the magical world of developing film negatives and prints, with a particular focus on the artistry of black and white photography. Recently I have discovered an affinity with portraiture, I feel portraiture offers me way to connect with subjects and the world around me. My fascination lies not only in capturing images but also in the artistic, mechanical, and chemistry of analogue photography. While digital photography, which I readily use, provides instant results, I appreciate the challenges posed by older cameras and the traditional film development processes. The absence of immediate outcomes from these vintage devices creates, for me, a more deliberate and hands-on artistic journey, yielding prints that feel like a process of creativity rather than a the sterile immediacy of a digital image transferred and stored in an electronic format.
Artists and Writers Who Have Influenced Me
There have been many Influences in my photographic journey and to name a few I have included, Edgar Degas (1834-1917) who inspired me in my early printmaking, Andy Warhol taught me that mechanically reproduced art is valued and appreciated. This is contrary to the criticisms of Walter Benjamin (1892-1940) who argues that mechanically reproduced original works becomes valueless, due to lacking an aura of originality. Roland Barthes (1915-1980) introduces the idea of viewing past photographic images rekindling precious memories of lost relatives and friends, giving the viewer a sense of a renewal of past relationships. Edward Weston's (1856-1958) and Tina Modotti’s (1896-1942) impactful black and white photography have also left a lasting influence on my photographic technique. I’m particularly inspired by Weston’s use of everyday objects and his ability to use shadows to give a look of film noir, to me, shadows can reveal the soul of a subject. Growing up, in the modernist era, I appreciate the transformation of everyday objects into art.
Some Educational Background
My journey includes an honours degree in Fine Art from Plymouth University. The module on the History of Art fascinated me, especially the origins of modern and postmodern photographic art. During my university studies I made full use of the dark room facilities and made printmaking, especially silk screen printing, my speciality. I learned how making silk screen prints was intertwined with the photographic process. Now after retiring from professional work, I have more time to focus on my art, particularly exploring street photography to capture spontaneous moments and portraiture to explore the essence of
people. I am a member of Exeter Camera Club an also a qualified member of the Societies of Photographers succeeding in gaming a Licentiate in photography LSITTP.
Exhibitions and Associated Works
Examples of Exhibiting works “The Force Within the Trees” exhibition, Exeter and to my involvement in a community exhibition in Crediton have been highlights. Other venues I have exhibited include Poltimore House, Exeter; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Spike island, Bristol; Exeter University, Exeter; Plymouth University, Exeter; and the Mall Gallery in London. Additionally, I've contributed images to recent commercial publications that has led me to my current projects of illustrative works representing The Art of Flowers and The Alchemy of Plants.
Current Focus and Evolving Trends
Recently, there's been a resurgence of interest in vintage cameras, akin to the resurgence of vinyl LPs and turntables. Vintage cameras, utilizing cellulose acetate film, offer a tangible and hands-on interaction with past artistic media, evoking a sense of retrospection in the midst of a sterile Postmodernity. Touchable prints are gaining popularity for their tactile quality and heightened artistic value, marking the return of the photographic “aura”. My present focus revolves around film photography, inspired by the likes of Vivian Maier (1926- 2009), a photographer who roamed New York with a Rolleiflex camera, capturing spontaneous moments and exquisite portraiture. Embracing and using the same camera as Maier adds excitement and depth into my work and this resonates with those I encounter in my street and portrait photography..