Proposal for the self-directed project.
I live in a part of Kent that is famous for its picturesque views, its golf courses and its unspoiled, and largely, empty beaches. Post card images abound. Behind this image lurks its ugly side; the abandoned building projects, fly tips and other eyesores. It is this darker side of the area I wish to portray. I want to show how an area is misused by people who have no pride in it and seem to find their behaviour acceptable.
The work of Keith Arnatt, I'm a Real Photographer, and Fay Godwin, Our Forbidden Land, have been influential in my images and the way I will present them.
I will record the images in colour but will present them as black and white. This will give me the opportunity to fine tune the contrast by working in the colour channels. I have already started to take the pictures for this exercise and will keep seeking more.
I have recently displayed, at the my local community centre, a set of pictures showing the picturesque side of the area. A display of this body of work would act as a sharp counter balance. A case of beautiful and the beastly.
The only resource I require is time. I need to get out and hunt down the images I require. Google Earth is a help but is of necessity out of date by the time it is made available.
This is an open ended project as I can only photograph what I find when I find it. With luck it should be ready by the end of the year. I will be working on it alongside other projects.
This project stalled as a result of ill health but will be back on the road shortly.
