Initial Thoughts
I find the whole process of photography thoroughly engaging, whether it be completing research, reading about its history or the act of making images and regarding this, since embarking on the photography pathway I feel I’ve come out of my shell with the range of images I’m making. I feel confident in tackling a range of subjects from street to still life, portraiture to abstract and much more in between. For some reason though, and I am surprised by it, I find myself being drawn to buildings and architecture. I understand that there is a link through my work and obviously I have a deeper understanding than many outside of construction, as to how buildings work and the arrangement of the spaces within. I’m also fascinated with the histories of buildings and the layering of the previous occupants psyche’s and the mental resonance left within. There seems to me a whole stratum of social concepts related to buildings and it’s this I wish to explore.
There was a specific moment that gave me impetus and furthermore direction with my approach to this assignment, and it came from a time of mourning. On an overcast, gloomy Sunday, I set off to take some pictures of a friend’s memorial tree. On my way there I passed a pub called the Plumbers Arms and felt obliged to take a picture (it’s my trade after all). When returning to my car I saw an interesting rust stain on the side of another building, so I made another image. I had been lost in thought and didn’t fully realise where I was, but, on turning around I saw that I was opposite the Plumbers Arms again. Although not exactly a eureka moment it did get me thinking on somehow relating Two Sides and my apparent recent fascination with buildings.
My first thoughts where about pursuing the two sides of the street and the possibility of neighbours view points of each other. Maybe this could open up questions of community, friendship, togetherness or the flipside of this; animosity, hatred, stubbornness and isolation. I think there is potential to bring into this idea a more social form of photography, perhaps looking at such things as class, regional identity and politics.
There is plenty of food for thought, and some ideas already simmering.
Context and Narrative 