Bio
I use a conceptual approach to address social issues – often collaborating and engaging with community groups, schools and people who would not normally take an interest in the Arts. My work is often involved in activities that help facilitate change – or on occasion, is a catalyst for change.
My work has a particular focus on portraying vulnerable people in a dignified manner. I endeavour to challenge preconceptions and to accurately represent people marginalised in our society.
I have recently received commissions from the The British Council, the London Borough of Waltham Forest and Voluntary Action Waltham Forest.
I was recently invited to represent the UK in Active Witness, an exhibition to celebrate the European Year of Volunteering showing 27 works representing the 27 EU countries. The exhibition was selected by Simon Baker, the Curator of Photography and International Art at Tate Modern.
In 2011 I co-founded “Backyard” an online photography magazine with Bronwyn Goodwin. Backyard showcases work by photographers who love to explore and capture their neighbourhoods. www.backyardbackyard.com
I belong to Image17, a group of (primarily) social documentary photographers. We have been commissioned to photograph 48 community sports teams and groups in our local Borough by Waltham Forest Council. Taking Part is the most ambitious photography project being undertaken by any of the Olympic Boroughs and recently recieved a 3-page feature in the Evening Standard.
Commissions & Funding
London Borough of Waltham Forest (2012)
For the Artists Taking Part project I will be creating a visual time capsule of the major cultural and Olympic related events happening in Waltham Forest (one of the six Olympic boroughs) in 2012. This project includes recruiting a team of volunteer participants from all sections of the community who will create images from their perspective.
The British Council / Rogers Stirk Harbour Partnership (2012)
The International Architecture and Design Showcase 2012 is the British Council’s contribution to the London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad and will run from the 21st June to the 23rd September. It will encompass the London Festival of Architecture, the London 2012 Games, Paralympic 2012 Games and the London Design Festival. As part of the 2012 programme The British Council are working in partnership with Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney on an education initiative to inspire young people about the importance of good sustainable design.
I will be creating a series of images and a photofilm recording the experiences of the students, teachers, volunteers and visiting architects & designers.
London Borough of Waltham Forest (2011 – 2012)
Taking Part: I have contributed to an inspirational and diverse portfolio of photographs which has been the result of a years collaboration by Image 17, a group of 13 photographers who all live in the borough of Waltham Forest. We have documented 48 community sports teams and groups and created a collection of 144 celebratory images show the breadth of sports available, the commitment of staff and volunteers and highlights the important role sport plays in our community.
Voluntary Action Waltham Forest (2011)
Documenting voluntary groups within the Borough
Apex Arts Grant Funding (2011 – 2012)
Exhibitions
2011
Taking Part (group show)
The first series of work from the Taking Part commission will be shown during this year’s E17 Art Trail.
2nd – 11th September 2011
Voluntary Action in Waltham Forest (2 person show)
Together with Katherine Green I will be exhibiting a selection of work as part of this year’s E17 Art Trail at Walthamstow Central Library and the Credit Union on Church Hill E17.
2nd – 11th September 2011
Active Witness (group show)
Work from Guests & Volunteers selected by Simon Baker, Curator of Photography and International Art at Tate Modern to take part in an exhibition at the European Commission’s 12 Star Gallery in London. This work represents the UK in a show with 27 photographers from the 27 EU countries.
July 19th – September 9th 2011
Guests & Volunteers: Portraits from the Crisis Night Shift (solo show)
Tokarska Gallery, London, E17
June 3rd – June 18th 2011
2010
London Independent Photography Annual Exhibition (group show)
The Strand Gallery
October 19th – October 30th 2010
Westminster Arts Open Exhibition (group show)
SW1 Gallery
2nd – 22nd October 2010
Portraits from the Stadium
Pop Up exhibition at Cut to Size as part of the E17 Art Trail 2010
3rd – 12th September 2010
Judging
2011
Capture Waltham Forest
The Heritage Lottery funded project Mapping the Change is East London’s significant contribution to the Cultural Olympiad. Run by The Shoot Experience and Vestry House Museum. Fellow judges are Katherine Green and Sal Idriss.
The Equality Trust Photographic Competition 2011
Fellow judge Jeff Hubbard.
Publications
Guests & Volunteers: Portraits from the Crisis Night Shift
July 2011
Flip Magazine #17
November 2010
Mibila Mothers
The Gadget Scientist Guide to Using Your Digital Camera
January 2010
Education
Winchester School of Art (1989-1992)
BA (Hons) Fine Art
