PRIMARY RESEARCH - DERBY FORMAT FESTIVAL
Thomas Craven - Living Room
Thomas Craven is a Derby based photographer from Manchester, born in 2001. He graduated from the University of Derby Ba (hons) Photography program. Thomas uses videography as well as photography to show the similarities and inconsistencies of memory between individuals in a domestic group.
Thomas' project 'Living Room' features snapshots of his childhood through to adolescence reminiscing on past times with family members. The project helps to remind the viewers to reminisce and shows the similarities and differences in perception of them. His photographs feature insights into each of his relatives personalities and some anecdotal thoughts on some of the memories.
I think this project is very moving and emotional, I think it really relates to the theme of my own project with capturing memories and reminiscing about past times with family. The display of his project is very creative and I feel really adds to the emotional depth of the project and the meaning behind it. The way the photos are taken and the meaning behind them I would like to emulate in my own project, I also like that there aren't many photos included because it makes it ore intimate and personal and concentrates the meaning onto a few select photos which I would also like to do in my own project.
Alisha Bourne - Eulogy for the Potter
Alisha Bourne is a photography working in Derby but born in Stoke on Trent. She studied at the University of Derby for photography. Her projects generally focuses on significant historical topics such as the industrial pottery industry in Stoke on Trent, as history is one of her main passions.
Her project 'Eulogy for the Potter' explores the rise and fall of the pottery industry in Stoke on Trent. Her project features images of the bottle kiln which was once the structure of creation, industry and innovation which the potter's have used since the early 17th century in North Staffordshire. The work shows how what once was a crucial part of cultural identity for the Potteries, has been left to deteriorate.
From Alisha's project I really like the use of black and white aesthetics which add to the nostalgic historical feeling, but also creates a sombre atmosphere for the photos as we look back at something so important left desolate. The wide long shots also show a nice wide perspective of the building and I would like to also use wider shots in my project. The theme of her project being to capture images of these buildings which once held so much importance that are now being left desolate, resonates with the themes of my own project.
