April newsletter: going back in time and even more workshops!

Going back in time: States of Mind revisited

The seasons still seem to be a mess

I’m enjoying some sunshine at last (not that it does a lot for my image making…) But it has still been bitterly cold here with frosts at the beginning of the month. I have been out running in a warm top which has been needed all the way to the end of the run.

What I’ve been up to this month

I enjoyed two photo walks this month. One was with Rob Knight through the country towns of Bradford-upon-Avon and Corsham. The other was in deepest Bristol. I enjoyed the chance to play and experiment without any preconceptions or expectations. Perhaps because of this I was delighted with many of the results. It has given me some new directions to work towards. And I fell in love with some old directions too.

I have also been preparing for The Vision which launches on 6th October. I have really been enjoying researching ideas, breaking down some of my practices and rediscovering some excellent photographers whose work I want to reference.

What I learned this month

Firstly, I discovered that revisiting previous projects can be very fulfilling. For the first time in a very long time, I made some images of flowers. I am starting to edit these along the lines of my States of Mind series. I will be interested to compare the new to the old when the editing is finished.

I also realised that creativity can be very comforting. Unfortunately, I was hit by some turmoil this month and have struggled a bit. But taking time to make images has been a wonderful way to divert my mind and take me to calmer places.

What are my plans for next month?

I am excited to be attending the Coastal Creep workshop run by Rob Knight and Andy Gray in Northumbria. I will be using this time to experiment as much as possible. I have no preconceptions as to what I will be creating, preferring to go with an open mind. However, with Andy Gray as one of the tutors I will be excited to see how much I can bend colour. I might even be persuaded to wave my camera around in an ICM style…

And having my MindGhosts zine printed is still very much on my mind.

What I’ve been writing about this month

My Photowalks made me realise how helpful working with someone can be. So I wrote a blog about it: “Why you should go on a photowalk with someone else”. You can read it here.

What I visited this month

I recently went to see Tulip Mania at the National Trust property Dyrham Park. This was beautiful and highly impressive, with a special variety named after the house. It was worth going just for the experience: I didn’t actually take my camera as I didn’t visit alone.

I also visited the Chris Killip/Graham Smith exhibition at the Martin Parr Foundation. This is not the first time that this work has been shown, but it is definitely worth visiting even if you have seen it before. As someone who enjoys words and images, this exhibition managed to say an awful lot without words. Do keep an eye out for the story about the Elvis Clock!

What have I listened to this month

My music listening club has introduced me to Jeff Rosenstock. I have been working through his “Worry” album. Punk at heart but musically extremely diverse he also writes sharp and accurately diverse lyrics that are also a harsh social commentary.

Upcoming workshops and events

There seems to be a lot going on. So this now gets its own section.

Exhibitions and events - On 12th May I will be exhibiting at the Bath Contemporary Arts Fair. Do come and say hello. I will have a range of prints, both framed and unframed, as will as a couple of zines and a range of greetings cards.

The Vision: A five-week online workshop – I am running this with Rob Knight and it is aimed at those who wish to expand their creative vision and be inspired to try new ideas. I am really excited at how this is shaping up. Starts 6th October. See here for more information and booking.

Smartphone photography walks and workshops – come and meet me in beautiful Bradford-upon-Avon and learn how to take impressive pictures with your smartphone. The half day workshop concentrates on getting the most out of your smartphone, visiting some interesting locations and receiving personal feedback. The full day workshop also covers editing and includes cake! You also receive art prints of your work. These run throughout the summer. See here for more information and booking.

Commercialise your book online workshop – I am running this in conjunction with Adrian Beasley. We meet for a four hour session on 19th July and learn how to turn blurb books into commercially printed projects. You also learn print specification and the dos and don’ts on launching your own zine/book. More information and booking here.

Make sure you keep in touch

You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon as well as Bluesky. Please also e-mail directly: I really appreciate receiving personal e-mails from you. Please share images and projects send me recommendations for reading, listening, exhibitions, blog articles and more!

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