Artist Statement
I have identified myself with still-life images more than with any other subject. I believe there is a beauty in man-made objects which is not appreciated. I share the view of Albert Renger-Patzsch, that “We still don’t sufficiently appreciate the opportunity to capture the magic of material things. The structure of wood, stone, and metal can be shown with a perfection beyond the means of painting…” (as well as sharing an original career in Chemistry). He was concerned with photography’s ability to record the exact appearance of an object, but I deliberately photograph man-made objects to accentuate their beauty. My work ‘Precision’ is an aesthetic appreciation of functional engineering components and engineering tools. I made simple, straightforward images of single, used, components, photographed against a black background, in the manner of small, precious, jewellery-like objects. The title ‘Precision’ refers to both the manufacture and use of the components, and to the production of the images. Other ongoing work on a similar theme includes a study of cable-stayed bridges, abstracted from their surroundings to show the beauty of their design. My science PhD gave me the opportunity to learn skills in researching and directing my own experiments to pursue a particular goal. My arts degree gave me a thorough grounding in artistic theory and practice. I am interested in developing projects with collaboration between art and science – having experience of both. I also have an interest in Forensic Science and would like to look into photographic interpretations of this subject.
Resume
Work experience 1993 – current Health & Safety Executive: HM Inspector of Health & Safety: & P/T Photographer 1980 – 1993 Various chemistry-based posts Commercial photography work includes: images for solicitors website, documentary images for small TV company (also used in ‘Practical Classics’ magazine articles), personalized greeting cards. Education 2000 – 2005 Staffordshire University: B.A.(Hons) Design: Photography (1st Class Honours) Studied part-time whilst still working for HSE 1999 Newcastle-under-Lyme College: O level Photography (grade A) 1984 – 1987 Keele University: PhD in Chemistry 1977 – 1980 North Staffordshire Polytechnic: Grad R.I.C. (equiv to 1st or 2.1 Hons Degree in Chemistry) 1970 – 1977 Clayton Hall Grammar School: 11 O level passes & 4 A level passes Achievements/Exhibitions Highly commended in Leek Arts Festival Photographic Competition – May 2001 Winner of student prize in ‘3 Counties Open Photography Competition’ (Exhibited at Keele Uni) – March 2003 Winner of Justin Benton Memorial Prize for highest achieving photography student – June 2005 Images exhibited in photography exhibitions at Keele, Hanley Museum, Shire Hall (Stafford) Winner of bursary to attend Rhubarb Festival, July 2007 Images exhibited in ‘Platform 1’ at Rhubarb’s Curzon Street Station venue ‘Platform 1’ will also be exhibited at Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford: 11 January – 9 March 2008 Solo exhibition – ‘Precision’ – at The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Hereford. 22 Aug – 20 Sept 2008
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