Editor’s Comments

RAY HIGGINBOTTOM

Arps

Although a long standing member of the RPS, I am a fairly new member to the Visual Art group and so meeting

Andreas Klatt at his outstanding Rollright Visual Art group meetings has been a real pleasure. Talking to Andreas about photography and art in general, we found we had much in common – more about the why and less about the how. So when he approached me to be a guest editor, although a little apprehensive, I was at the same time excited with the challenge to produce an issue that spanned the wide spectrum of approach and style and met the diversity that is visual art today. I am often asked where I get my inspiration from and I can only say that it’s by looking – looking at other photographers’ and artists’ work, visiting galleries and museums, reading books and magazines covering a variety of subjects like architecture, design and graphic art. So for this issue, I’ve tried to showcase the diverse talents of four fabulous photographers that challenge my perspectives and inspire me to look further than the image itself.

I first came across Lori Vrba via the dreamlike and evocative images in her book ‘From the moth wing diaries’. Lori describes the book as a ‘visual diary’, where we can glimpse issues of memory, of the legacies that a family leave and how we react to them. They are thought provoking and ethereally beautiful. Based in America, Drew Doggett has travelled extensively to highlight the plight of many unfamiliar native peoples around the globe or as Drew has stated “at the core of my practice is the firm belief in the importance of documenting the incredible people and cultures in our world, especially those at risk of slipping away”. Drew’s stunning black and white photographs capture both the beauty and the spirit of these people. Drew has won many photographic awards around the world and it is a privilege to share his work with you.

Coming from a fellow member of London Independent Photography, Duncan disinclined to go hunting for news. I am sure she, too, would like to hear from you. Talking about things on offer. If you have been dithering, it is worth pointing out that our next residential weekend - Windsor in April - has just a few places left. Our most recent outing in October took us to the Jurassic Coast, in dramatically mixed weather and with equally diverse and inspirational speakers, witness the blogs on our website. But if you miss out this time, there is always the thought of Liverpool in autumn. Go for it!

Andreas

Unsworth’s project ‘From the Thames’ has always had resonance with me. I love the idea of images that record the visual decay of found objects. Each image beautifully displays the reaction of air, water and the fabric of life.

I became aware of Sue Hendrick’s work when browsing through some of the RPS Associate panels. I was immediately struck by the intense colour and rhythm in the composition of her still life images. By experimenting with various approaches and techniques, Sue continues to challenge herself to produce new and innovative work. I hope you enjoy this snapshot of Sue’s photographic life.

As for myself, I was not sure what images to share with you. I decided to show a selection that was indicative of the continuing journey that I am taking in looking at the wider aspects of the still life genre. Read, look and enjoy. Ray