EDINBURGH
1. Kirsty Jones, Sculptor
2. Joanna Alisowiec, Illustrator
Rosita McKenzie, Blind Photographer rositamckenzie.net What is it about photography that you enjoy? I enjoy that my practice and the images I create, take people by surprise. When I first began taking photographs seriously in 2006, there were very few blind photographers around. There were even fewer totally blind female photographers. In fact, even now, some people find it a very difficult concept to grasp. How do you take your photographs? I require sighted help but not someone with a controlling, dictatorial attitude. My photography practice is a holistic undertaking; I therefore require the assistance of people with technical ability and an artistic approach. It is very much a working collaboration of equals! I find working with young artists generally very rewarding. Is it ever frustrating not being able to see your images? Everyone who looks at my images tends to see something different in them. So it could be difficult for me to gauge the quality of my work. However, I am very sensitive to people’s reactions. If for instance, several people are drawn to one particular image, I class that image as a success. Does the description of each image fuel your imagination? Once I have taken my images, I am usually apprehensive and want someone whose opinion I respect to look at them quickly. Only when they have been described to me, can I judge the photo shoot a successful. The moment of revelation is hugely exciting and inspiring! The memory of the photo shoot and the description process afterwards, provides a constant source of inspiration. Do you have any future exhibitions coming up? In September of this year, I will be travelling to Berlin for my first international residency. I will be working with blind photographer Jan Bölsche and filmmaker, Leonard Schmidt on a new collection of work entitled: ‘Common Bond’.
3. Emily McDougall, Visual Artist
4. Trevor Jones, Painter