The camera is an extension of me,

My own time freezing device.

A medium to show others what

My interpretation of the world can be.

I want to make people really see,

Fathom the possibilities,

Actually stop and pause,

Take a proper ponder,

A prolonged gaze.

Maybe, even be amazed.

Photography. Iconic imagery

Beholding immense storytelling power.

To intrigue, to question, to confuse, to influence, to touch.

To stand alone and be seen.

Background

From Leicester roots spreading soilwards through Kenya to the shores of India, my background is as diverse and multitudinous as the artistic expressions I create and explore. Initially primarily an actress and poet, it was through my encounters at college with the stories that captured images could convey that photography became my means to examine both the interior and exterior. It was through snapshots and stills that I expressed to the world what words could not - my own internal dialogues and challenges, my struggles and personal demons. In times of darkness it was the light through the lens that guided me to paths of self-realisation and development. My own growth and expansion as a human being became inextricably linked to my progression organically as a photographer and beyond. Focussing this innate connection I then honed it within the context of study. During my honours degree at Cumbria Institute of The Arts both the history and subtleties of technique, and the opportunities opened up through digital manipulation, enhanced and guided the raw passion and talent. This has raised my artform to a level where, though constantly continuing it’s organic traits of growth and learning, is the embodiment of myself and my vision as is, now. It is the springboard from which the future lies open as a canvas, simply waiting to be captured in a shutter’s instant.

Inspirations and influences

The world is an image thirsty place.

So I don’t have to look too hard to find a source,

Then tap in to it and unlock a sea of thought provoking inspiration.

Magazines, books, the internet, TV, other photographers and people all get me thinking.

When at times, it becomes a little hard to get an idea off the ground, I find a bit of anonymity helps. I hop on a train and go see friends who quite conveniently are dotted all over the country.

Those precious few hours, in a crammed carriage, has, in the past helped trigger some cracking ideas and give some stale ones a bit of a revamp.

With my eyes closed everything makes me feel.

I love the things I see, the people, poverty,

the pain, pleasures, peace, and all that’s in between.

My main influence would have to be Man Ray, he inspired me and unleashed something from within. He himself really took photography a step further.

I would love to aspire to that level, where the viewer is made to think, more.