Friday 3 January 2014

News from Noel Myles

Cornwall © Noel Myles
Cornwall © Noel Myles

It was good to get an email the other day from my friend Noel Myles, letting me know that he had updated his website. The new website is unusual; instead of being presented with conventional gallery based sites you are immediately taken to an e-book that is an online portfolio of his work from 1986 to 2013. It's a nice take on the old concept of the photographer's 'book' and a compelling and rewarding way to look at his work. 

Back in the day, before we had websites, tweets, Facebook, blogs and Instagram, every serious photographer who was seriously looking for commissions had their 'book', a beautifully put together portfolio. Often leather bound and handmade, these books were exquisite, expensive collections of prints that were necessary to show one's work to best advantage.  

Noel's online book feels like a very modern take on the old concept. There is work on display that I have not seen before, and as ever, his work is fresh, unique and fascinating. In a world that is awash with dull, uncrafted conceptual art photography, Noel’s pictures are always interesting and rewarding. It is difficult to lose yourself in a photo in the same way as you do with a painting and we have become accustomed to viewing photos with fleeting glances, but Noel’s Still Films grab your attention and demand a longer look. Go have a look; you can even print a paper copy for yourself.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Bittersweet Symphony


Bittersweet Thorns © Graham Dew 2013
Bittersweet Thorns

‘Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life’

It certainly feels that way sometimes, and the latter half of 2013 was more bitter than sweet for many I knew; family, friends, colleagues and myself.

During the latter half of the year I’ve hardly picked up the camera at all. It all started with self-destruction of the Arena group of which I was a member. Since then circumstances and disillusionment have blunted my opportunities and enthusiasm to work on and enjoy my picture making, which has meant no new blog posts since October.

Anyway, 2014 is ahead of us now and the New Year is always a good opportunity to look ahead positively. Happy New Year!