Artist Statement
Photo-Canopy is driven by the aspiration to broaden the National Forest's appeal to diverse cultural audiences while solidifying its identity as an integral part of the Midlands. Through the medium of photography, Photo-Canopy delves into the enchanting facets of The National Forest.
The expanse of the National Forest provides a vast canvas for photography, yet I have concentrated my creative focus on Swadlincote and its environs. Swadlincote, affectionately known as Swad, lies at the heart of the National Forest and carries a profound industrial heritage, marked by transformative changes over the years.
During the 19th century, numerous collieries and potteries emerged, driving the coal mining and pottery industry's growth at the cost of environmental degradation. The area bore the brunt of high pollution, smog, and land subsidence, leaving indelible scars on the land. The collapse of these industries in the 1980s and 90s had a seismic impact on the town and its workforce, ushering in mass unemployment and social challenges. New developments have sprung up, with shops and the National Forest itself reclaiming the once-wasted industrial land. Nonetheless, Swad still carries the weight of historical stigmas. Despite undergoing a dramatic transformation from its industrial past, Swadlincote grapples with social and economic aftershocks.
My photographs aim to encapsulate the essence of the people, architecture, homes, and the ever-evolving landscape of Swadlincote. I've chosen to focus on the idiosyncratic suburban spaces and the peculiarities of suburban life, often found in boundaries and natural elements. Additionally, I've documented the evolving facade of the town center and the metamorphosis of former industrial spaces. By doing so, I seek to illuminate the intersecting realms of private and communal spaces, inviting viewers to revel in the beauty of the ordinary.
These photographs beckon us to pause, observe, and reflect upon elements of our environment that often escape our notice. With each moment of contemplation, the doors of perception gradually open. The more we engage in observance, the more we find ourselves immersed in the potential for reality to meld with romanticism and imagination. This collection, comprising rural and urban landscapes, interiors, and portraits, ingeniously juxtaposes elements to forge a captivating yet foreboding symbiotic relationship. My work is a self-reflective exploration of my past experiences and sentiments tied to this unique sector of the National Forest.