BIOGRAPHY
1992 Born in London, United Kingdom
EDUCATION
2011-2012
Studied at Colchester InstituteFoundation Diploma in Art & Design
PRIVATE VIEW
21ST FEBRUARY 2017
TIME: 5pm
Open Exhibition
22nd February - 28th February 2017
by appointment only
Please call: 07962229288
or
email: rchildsphotocollage@gmail.com
to sort out a time.
AN OC's EXHIBITION
THE ART DEPARTMENT
CULFORD SCHOOL
BURY ST EDMUNDS
SUFFOLK
IP28 6TX
Show continues by appointment until Friday 24th February
Winter SHOW!
I was born in London where I spent the first 8 years of my life, before moving to Suffolk, a county renowned for its inspirational landscapes.
I started at Culford School in 2003 where my love for art really developed. With the school’s encouragement I was given the opportunity to explore a range of different artistic techniques, and by the time I reached Six Form I new I was on the right path.
I went on to Study Fine art at Loughborough University with each year finding myself going down a completely different path but before long, my focus of attention settled on Abstract Painting with my work being down to chance, having little control in the final outcome. It was a very messy but exciting process to work with. By my second year I had become very interested again in photography. I did a number of workshops that allowed me to develop my knowledge of photography and how to use cameras from the beginning of their creation. My practice had appeared to have done a complete circle but without knowing it I was slowly moving towards my chosen method of working.
After leaving Culford I was still unsure exactly which area of art I most wanted to pursue so began a Foundation Course at the Colchester Institute where I was introduced into the world of Fashion, Textiles, Graphic, Photography and Fine art. I was still indecisive between Photography and Fine Art but I decided that Fine Art covered a much wider range and I could easily include photography in my practice if I wanted.
2012-2015
Studying at Loughborough University
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Graduated in June 2015
MY WORKS ON SHOW IN:
- The Crown, Stoke by Nayland
- The Art of Dentistry, Colchester
CONTACT
A specific technique of collage has been my chosen method of working. Inspired by Matt Molloy I became aware of the influences of familiarization. Does past knowledge and experiences affect the way works are viewed? Using Photoshop I manipulate landscape images through a time-staking technique to eliminate the influential familiar features present.
By my third year of university I was beginning to refine my practice. I had chosen digital photography as my preferred method of shooting and this was where I came across my main source of inspiration for my practice- an abstract photographer, Matt Molloy.
He directed my attention to the importance of location. My past knowledge and experience of the place an image is taken began to redirect my process and I became aware of the influences of familiarity. It led me to question; does past knowledge and experience effect the way works are viewed?
Searching for a method of working that would allow my viewers to engage in a process of recognition and familiarity I became very interested in all the possibilities made available to me through Photoshop. Combining standard landscape photographs by layering and merging techniques in a process I now call time-stacking I was able to create more than one identifiable landscape in one image. The result being that the deceptive image immerses the viewer in an environment no longer significant to those who have a meaningful connection with that particular place but instead the images become appealing to anyone.
This innovative process has been developed by me personally over the last year and has become unique to my own practice. During this year I have undertaken a number of different commissions, both corporate and bespoke with the main focus being Landscape, examples of which you see before you. The success of these projects has led me to believe that I have found my true vocation.