THE ARTISTS OF RICHMOND PROJECT
When I made the switch to film photography it rekindled my love of experimenting. Trying new things. Pushing myself photographically.
And to mark my transition back to film photography I wanted to do something that was 100% personal. Not something commercial but something purely just for the sake of art.
WHY THIS PROJECT?
When I look back at my school days I was always happiest in the art room. Any spare moment, lunchtime, or free period you would find me in there - usually up to my arms in sticky clay or with a paintbrush in my hand. I went to so many different schools growing up (we moved around a lot) but I always felt completely at home in the art room.
Art had such a massive influence on my childhood that I wanted to combine two things that I adore photographing - children and art.
And so the Artists of Richmond Project was born.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT AIM TO ACHIEVE?
It is a celebration of the amazing talent within the borough of Richmond Upon Thames. I want it to be a platform for young artists to get their work seen by the wider community and to make them proud of what they can achieve artistically.
To showcase their talent I am going to photograph the young artists at work (at a mid-point in their work) and then also photograph them with their finished piece. For younger children that can produce a piece of work in one session then both sets of photographs can be completed in one go.
I am working with a number of local schools on the project that have put forward their talented pupils for the project but I'm also now opening it up to individuals to participate.
Each participant will also be interviewed about their work, what inspired them to create it and what art means to them.
All work will be shot on a combination of 35mm and medium format film.
WHERE WILL THE WORK BE DISPLAYED?
I will be publishing a book when the project is complete and I also hope to secure exhibition space as I really want this project to inspire young people and make them proud of their artistic achievements.
WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN MY CHILD CREATE?
The more variety I have the better as it will make the book and exhibition far more visually interesting. Art work in any medium is acceptable: painting, drawing, mixed media, graphic design, sculpture, crafts. It really is up to your child and what they would like to showcase.
WHAT AGE CHILDREN CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any age between 3 and 16. I am aiming to get a fairly even spread of age ranges involved.
LATEST UPDATE ON SPACES LEFT (AS AT 28TH FEB):
There are 2 places left in the 3-7 age group. 6 spaces left in the 8-11 category and 2 spaces left in the 14-16 age group. If your child would like to take part you can get in touch via my contact form.
MY CHILD WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Firstly, that's brilliant! Provided you live within the borough of Richmond Upon Thames then get in touch via my Contact Page. It would be really helpful if you could provide the following details:
1. Name and age of your child
2. What kind of work they would like to create - drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, graphic design etc.
3. Confirm that you live within the borough of Richmond Upon Thames.
WHEN WILL YOU MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHO WILL BE INVOLVED?
By the end of March I will notify parents whether their child has been selected to take part in the project.
WHEN WILL THE PHOTOGRAPHY TAKE PLACE?
All photography will be completed during April and if selected I will contact you to schedule times that will fit around your child producing their art work.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
If there is anything else you'd like to know before you put your child forward for this project then just drop me an email via my contact page or give me a ring on 07979 664018 and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.