Stillness Photography
by Simon Rose.
Inner Windows
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Simon is a photographic artist exploring how humanity is interconnected. During this epoch of pandemic it becomes more apparent that there is a global commonality that unites our emotional landscape through our experiences of isolation, loneliness and longing for connection.
In this series of “Inner Windows” Simon uses photographic filters that are assembled into 3D sculptures. He utilises light to create interactions of calm and vibrant colours, shapes, intersections, shadows and planes of colour that are then captured in a 2D format image.
He is pointing at what this period of Social/Political history has perhaps exemplified beyond all others. How in todays commercial, materialistic world, in the throws of a Worldwide Pandemic, we are not in fact walled of individuals and autonomous masters of our own fate but rather all interconnected and inseparable from the web of life. Concluding that there may be a window opening in the after effects of Covid that may illuminate our commonality, that there is more that binds and unites us, than separates or divides us.
Intimacy in Colour Fields
“To love beauty is to see light”
Victor Hugo.
In this project I wish to explore how our relationship with colour may inform us about ourselves.
What emotional responses, inner feelings and sensations are manifested through viewing the interplay of colour, shadow and light. Taking inspiration from Goethes' Colour Theory, which he intended as an experiential source of how colours are perceived and following onto Kandinskys' theories of colour relating to inner resonance, a deeper spiritual relationship with colour.
The artworks have a life of their own, having a translucent yet tactile nature they seem to have light emanating from within, thus enhancing the viewers sense of mystery, inviting us to explore every nuance.
“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”
We are pattern forming creatures. When we view an image our brain wants to find a familiar form that we can associate with. Even when looking at something abstract, our mind still searches for something to latch onto, to make sense of, to identify.
However, if we are attentive solely to the colour, gradient and texture, we may bypass the form seeking mind and move inward. In this method we can evoke the psychology of colour and how it affects our emotions.
For example, purple is connected to power, nobility, luxury, wisdom, and spirituality.
Blue may evoke feelings of stability, harmony, peace, calm and trust.
The red colour meaning is associated with excitement, passion, energy, and action.
In colour psychology, orange represents creativity, adventure, enthusiasm, success, and balance.
Growth, fertility, health, and generosity are some of the positive colour meanings for the colour green.
These are not hard and fast rules and our perceptions are open to our personal interpretation through our conditioning and experiences. It is a playful exploration that has subtle layers and nuances, as reflected in the compositions.
So by paying attention to the vibrancy and intimacy of colours and their interaction, a whole world, beyond the apparent, may open up and invite our exploration.
Combining our imagination with somatic experience and sensations reveals new information on our relationship to colour and how it affects our emotional landscape, moods and responses.
Thus colour can be used as a tool, a key to open the doors of perception.
These Painting with Light compositions were created in studio.
No photoshop has been used and only the minimal accepted tuning incorporated.
The images are available 100x150cm, printed on photographic paper and mounted behind matt acrylic glass.
Mood Light
Hidden Fruit
Fading Books
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A photographic study of declining reading habits.
Reading for pleasure enriches our lives, much like art, it can provide an escape for the imagination, lift our spirits and take us on a somatic and mental journey.
However since the rise of consumer technology the rates have dramatically fallen.
In a recent survey it was found that the average American spends 170 minutes per day watching T.V, every day of the year.
This is sadly 10 times the amount of time they devote to reading for pleasure.
In addition some 300 minutes are spent on mobile devices and 135 minutes per day on social media. Perhaps some reading is consumed in these activities but the quality is dubious.
Since 2004 reading for pleasure has dropped by 30%
The various benefits of reading are being lost, for when we read, not only are we improving our working memory, but research has shown that it makes us feel better and more positive too, thus improving the quality of our lives.
Science has shown that reading has some incredible health benefits, including helping with depression, cutting stress, and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
I was recently visiting my local bookshop and was impressed by the colourful array of books on offer.
The display was enchanting and I began to wonder about a photo project.
In exploring the vibrancy and shapes on display in the book shop, I found by abstracting the view (defocusing), another language emanated. An emotive and colour filled vista revealed itself.
To offer a visual reference to the written word through colour and form.
By spending some time with each image within this work, you may be drawn into a discovery of what colour forms appear, what textures and shadows are revealed and how you interact with them. Thus with these components, you make a visual story. An interactive
As the saying goes…” a picture is worth a thousand words”…somewhat ironic given the subject matter.
Fading Books
By Simon Rose.
