It’s been a funny old two years…
The C-Word
Besides the root and branch disruption, Covid had pretty much passed me and my family by (youngest daughter aside) until last month when it gave us all a sharp kick-in-the-teeth.
But, as many have highlighted, the long-term stay-at-home regime and a forced reset of life brought fresh eyes on who and what matters most, the passing of time and the small things. It brought opportunity, flexibility and joy amongst all the uncertainty. And this will inform the way forward.
Work / Life?
My work since 2009 has revolved around my creativity and delivering that for clients in the form of business photography solutions. Building image libraries for marketing and comms, documenting live events and office artwork; my own creative work was always broadly separate and distinct. Images for your needs. Images for mine. Commercial work. Artistic work. With some overlap obvs.
From the very early days (2009) there has been this internal challenge as to where to focus effort and motivation. Folk would say “be known for one thing” “it’s too much effort to concentrate on depth as well as breadth” etc. but I’ve always enjoyed doing fresh and different things and I lose interest with any degree of rote and repetition, whether that’s at the outset or evolved. And that’s not always a constant. Mmm….
The enforced downtime gave me time to think. And to procrastinate. I don’t mind change and working in a loose framework (I actually prefer it and it stops me butterflying about) but any effort to see and think and plan through the changes as they unfolded, and changed, and changed again, false lights at ends of tunnels led to a “fuck it” mentality. Let’s just take the ride and see where we end up.
The family being at home (my workspace) was buggering up my home/work mental life balance. But it was also an absolute joy and gift as our kids were both essentially “leaving home” by some physical distance in late 2021 and I could see them and my lovely work-from-home wife more. The girls have now gone and so are our beloved family pets of eleven years who both popped their fluffy little clogs during “The Vid”.
Life -> Blender -> Frappé.
This stuff adds up.
Photography…
More content. More specialization. More voice. More engagement. More cowbell…
The prime focus of my time will now be my personal photography and building my voice and hopefully reputation. I love the work of Magnum and see their documentary work as an inspiration; exploring themes and capturing moments in a style I know I have in me. Even if the voice lacks curation and cohesion at the moment.
I also want to express myself more; blogging on photography, exhibitions, art, events, books, and the like, actively sharing my views and opinions and expressing words and well as visuals, even if they’re contentious. I think I’m past worrying what people think. I like words; I’ll probably gas on too much but hey, you can choose to read it or not, right?
Photography Projects
I’ll be focused on the following core areas but with an always-open eye to any new and exciting opportunities to work with interesting people and projects doing creative and unique things.
People + Place
Visiting new or changing places and seeking both aesthetic and abstract imagery to document and represent what I see; the landscape, the built space, the people and the details within.
I’ll also try and flex my artistic muscle a little, considering themes and ideas first and then using my photography to represent that. You know, like a proper photographer.
I’ll aim to produce online galleries and consider books, prints and exhibitions whilst bringing my work to the attention of curators and publishers, to really engage and grow. Feedback and challenge to be welcomed.
Follow on socials below for people and place photography, artwork and general photo/art/culture content.
I’ve started collecting vinyl again. Mainly limited editions of new indie bands, debut EP’s and LP’s in coloured vinyl. But only if I like the music. And not to flip.
I’m now building a gallery of photography curated into square format called “Hipsquare” with, in most cases, space to add text to offer as imagery for bands and artists when producing work. You can’t beat a powerful photo as cover art.
I’ll be curating online playlists from my vinyl, exploring the physical media as well as exploring live band/artist photography and promotional shoots to support musicians.
Follow on new socials below for music, music media artwork, vinyl chat, gig chat and live performance photography:
I created a body of abstract car artwork some years ago, but never really put any effort behind sharing and promoting it, even though I had a successful small exhibition. Too busy focussing on the commercial work. Not brave enough.
I’m now revisiting this and making the work available as large limited edition panels, as I think they work best at this scale and medium. Not cheap to produce but can be placed in a variety of settings and designed to be big and bold and seen. Not unlike performance cars.
Designed for those who have a passion for cars and perhaps a space in their den or garage for a piece of unique artwork. Or want to commission such.
I own a Nissan 350Z Roadster GT (future classic I hear you cry) that I’ve had for over 15 years. I’m also a member of the GRRC.
Follow on new socials for all car-related artwork, chatter and content:
Commercial Photography
I still enjoy working directly with exciting businesses, projects and organisations and alongside existing contracts will still look to partner and collaborate to provide supporting imagery as a spoke of my personal portfolio.
There will be blog posts on all of the above projects here on my blog which you will be able to filter by category if it’s all too much…
In Summary
Shit happens. Clouds have silver linings. The world turns; we move on.
Physical and mental health and happiness, your own and of the people you love are all that really matter.
Be gentle with yourself and others.
Be creative. Be brave. Be bop a lula…
Shaun
2022