After and before

I find late evening encounters with foxes entirely enchanting. To share a moment in a densely urban environment with a wild animal and hold its gaze, is entirely magical.

I’ve been thinking deeply about my work and archive. Been slogging away at this photographic life for decades. Did some things well, others badly. Made some huge mistakes and been bailed out financially more than once. But at 56 I have gathered some wisdom about myself and the work I make. I have learned from disastrous mistakes and career choices.

Confidence is a funny thing. I can handle myself on the streets, in just about any neighbourhood I may find myself photographing. Talk my way into and out of situations. Have been doing so for years. But I was always timid with money and self promotion. Mostly because I was trying to progress in worlds where I didn’t really belong. I tried to convince myself otherwise too often.

Over time, with hard work and reflection, I’ve developed my aesthetic and narrowed the parameters in which I work. I’ve honed my style and created a space for myself and my bookmaking. I love it and I’m good at it. And I have a decent grasp on the financials. So much so that I will shortly leave my part-time role as a Tech Specialist to fully immerse in photography and self-publishing for as long as I can. Hopefully ‘till the final tape. I don’t plan to ever retire. I’m not sure any artist does. Or can afford to.

I have enough material in my archive for exhibitions, books, print sales and commercial licensing. Now I must get this work out into the world such that it can find a home on bookshelves and walls of people who appreciate such things. And form connections with people who know how to do this - art consultants, gallerists, curators, designers and the like. But I must also embrace these roles for myself.

I have stripped back my equipment to the bare minimum for a more acutely focused simplicity. From now on I will deliver my work to market in small handmade books and soon, prints. Large and small. 

Thank you for your time.