A great space for all ages from the community to come together to relax, be inspired and get creative….
Artist of the Month
Artist: Paul Barnfather
I enjoy photography firstly because it makes me pay more attention to my surroundings, looking for beauty in the ordinary. Capturing a scene at a particular moment in time, and looking for the best viewpoint and lighting conditions to tell a story, is all part of the fun of taking photographs.
Initially, I learned a lot about photography by looking at other people’s images, especially when I was working in London, visiting many exhibitions, and borrowing books about other photographers’ work from the local library.
I took a lot of black and white film photographs in my younger days, and learned how to develop and print my own images, which I found totally absorbing. I had the privilege of doing two years of photography night school in central London under the tutelage of Sue Adler, who worked for The Observer newspaper, which to me was as valuable as doing a full-time college course. I often attended events in central London, such as Crufts Dog Show, the London Marathon and following CND marches, to seek out new photo opportunities.
As an architect by training, I have taken lots of photographs of buildings over the years, both for work and for my own interest. I also enjoy taking photos of people, landscapes, and, more recently, trying my hand at street photography. I love being outdoors with one or more of my cameras, and rarely venture from home without one. I am always on the look-out for possible photographs, whether it be on a planned photographic excursion, or going out and about in daily life in the local area. I enjoy going into London, not least because the buildings and parks are so interesting, taking photographs there is one of my favourite pastimes.
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit New Zealand last year, so quite a few of the images on show here were taken on that three-week trip to the South Island. Nearly all of the other photographs displayed here were taken in either Berkshire, Oxfordshire or London. This exhibition is curated around the theme of contemplation and to encourage gentle reflection. I hope that these photos of landscapes and abstract details will encourage viewers to contemplate the wonders of creation/the earth in all its beauty and magnificence.