Friday 22 October 2010

Next Little Project...

As I think of my time here at Uni and life, I begin to think how I haven't documented the mundane side to my life here. I take photographs of birthdays/nights out/friends etc, and even in my practice I enjoy documentary photography and the mundaneness of images that are so simple and quiet, yet speak volumes. So I have decided I'm going to pick up one of my film cameras that I have yet to use and go about documenting my life at home. Then I'l have something to reflect on when I'm older, show friends and family or even kids what my life was like in the simple ways, after all uni isn't just partying.

Thursday 21 October 2010

'Man With a Movie Camera'

I actually thought this film was crazily good. For me it is the embodiment of what photography basically means, depicting voyeurism and the camera being an automaton (man and machine), whilst also depicting the fact that (photography) and film confronts issues on life and death. For example dolls at the start of the film are shown to be stationary, not alive, but as the film pursues in operation the dolls come to life, they start to use a sewing machine or ride a bike, all rather uncanny (another aspect of photography).



I could ramble on for a long time about this film, and perhaps write a dissertation on it alone, but I won't because I'm not sure when I would stop and how long it would take for me to get to a stopping point. Also I do not know how many people actually read blogs that go on for ever and a day (even if it may be an interesting read).

'Man With a Movie Camera' (as well as Peeping Tom, of course) is a definite worth while watch, but be prepared for an hour of images, black and white, still and moving, flashing up on the screen with music that is actually rather fitting. To think this film was made in 1929 it holds some pure brilliance, technology wise as well as depicting visually a theoretical and political aspect.

Monday 18 October 2010

Waiting

In the midst of writing this blog and the university work load, I had previously forgotten to include some other work that occurred before my visit to the crematorium. And as I say "better than never" I will now share some of this with you...

Initially the project had begun by looking at Funeral Directors. I visited the one down the road from where I'm currently living. Surprisingly they were very welcome to me photographing such a personal sensitive space. I only visited once or twice as the project took a different turn... But here is a couple of photographs from the visit.


            

Friday 15 October 2010

Call Me Simple

I quite often like to have a random funny picture as my desktop background as each time I open up my laptop I have a small chuckle to myself then get on with work (or at least attempt... facebook is a great distraction and would be great for another rant, but not now), which currently involves a dissertation. 8,000 - 10,000 words, still feels impossible yet so achievable.
Writing is a love of mine but I hadn't been completely aware of this till a couple of years ago (and perhaps this blog does not convey this gratification!). This love started around year 7 when I wrote an essay telling my own story of theseus and the minotaur. I remember spending so much time on this piece of homework making sure I made no error on the page and starting a fresh page if I messed up. I was so proud of my work and the 'grade A' I achieved. This love has remained with me and will hopefully continue to do so allowing me to produce a great piece of work that I'm again proud of.

Anyway, this is my current desktop background and thought it would be nice to share to allow the possibility of putting a smile upon another persons face :)

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Success.

As I was browsing through a few photographs I came across this one. How time flies. I had completely forgotten about this...

As apart of the 2nd year BA photography course we had to produce a collaborative body of work and exhibit within a public space, drawing in not just students and tutors but also the locals. The project developed into one that was to raise awareness of donating furniture to your local charity. Our source of display was therefore at the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Furniture Showroom and Donation Centre which is a charity that cares for those who are terminally ill.
The hospice relies greatly upon donations from the public as the NHS covers less than 16% of their costs. Each day it costs a phenomenal £10,000 to offer their care and support.
So I'm proud to say the project was a success and as a group we managed to raise roughly £200 for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.


This was in the local county newspaper (with a clipping of the article which I can not find!) 


Saturday 9 October 2010

Long Time No See

So, I haven't blogged in awhile. Over the next few days I might just update you with some pictures I've taken new and old.

Even though the focus is not right I still like this photograph...
It was a gorgeous October day and the mercury hit the early 20's (Celsius)