Projects

Workshops

I am a 37 year old working class disabled artist based in Sunderland. I have worked in the North East designing and delivering projects since 2010. I work with many different types of groups of people including autistic, learning disabled, women, ethnic minorities, mental health illnesses, and other disabilities. I work with youth groups and dementia groups. My style is approachable and fun. With a significant amount of emphasis on making space for everyone’s voice.

Cyanotype Process

I use cyanotype process in several different ways. The chemistry is very versatile so allows for many different modes of expression. Cyanotype can be used in the following ways:

printing in the sunshine using found objects from the location
printing directly onto found objects and stones
printing on to fabric for flags, bunting, or banners.
creating individual prints
using prints to make paper sculptures
printing indoors using lamps
printing their own digital photos as analogue images
cyanomation – cyanotype animation
interventions and installations
books and zines
Art trails
Print on glass or ceramics

Outdoors sessions allow for the art to be made in and of the landscape, and it helps to show that art does not have to be confined to a classroom or desk.

Mountain Daisy cyanotype on vintage tiles

Digital photography

Digital photography can be used in a number of ways:

walks in the landscape
scanning
still life
documentary
portrait
objects
to create digital negs for other processes

Walking and talking about an area with a few simple photographic challenges can help participants to view the area in new ways. Collecting objects from the landscape (safely) can then be used to create images. Digital photography can be produced as prints, slideshows, zines or small publications. Any digital photograph can be reproduced in a number of ways.

Collage of #LovePyrex food photography for Sunderland Museum

Studio glass photography for Phil Vickery

Redbox youth club guided photography walk.

Pinhole

Pinhole photography involves building a darkroom environment. This might be in a cupboard, toilet, windowless room, or in a tent. Pinhole photography can be done using a single shot process with hand built cameras.

build a camera
build a darkroom
take considered photographs

use chemistry
discipline with timings and confidence to do something new

Unfixed Lumens and Solargraphs

No need for a darkroom. Needs light and patience. Also needs a scanner as the work is transient.

build a simple camera
take a photograph across 2 months
unfixed lumens made with found objects from the site

One month solargraph from back on the map

Instant film

Instant film can allow for a quick personal response. Workshops consist of:

taking an instant photograph
creating art around the photograph
adding a haiku
doing an emulsion lift
writing

I stay square by kids in SeaScapes university of Sunderland research project

Moving image, animation, and filmmaking

Working with moving image is excellent fun. Simple stop motion animation, through to documentary. I have kit that people can use, but also encourage the use of smartphones.

Hybrid working

In person, on zoom or by post. Or all of the above. Workshops in classrooms, on beaches, in forest, on trains. Where ever possible.

Night work

Long exposure shots and light drawings. Explore the landscape by adding light, or by taking longer exposures. This is fun, a be energetic, and works well with groups. Needs cameras, tripods, warm clothes, drinking water and torches.