Could you please describe your creative practice? 

My current project is shooting a body of neo-surrealist photos, involving multiple-exposures on large-format film, illustrating common places and events in a new and interesting style. Each photo involves between five and ten exposures onto a single sheet of film. Shooting on large format film is partly a reaction against modern AI imaging and digital photo manipulation, and partly for the integrity of the photos, as I'm able to show they are exactly as-shot in-camera, by presenting the negatives.

When did your creative journey begin? 

My creative journey really began back in 1980, while studying Graphic Design in Melbourne. I have worked for 40+ years as a professional and commercial photographer, but after the death of my wife in 2023 and my own heart attack a couple of months later, I have re-evaluated my life and artistic priorities.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?

My first inspiration was my photography lecturer during my Graphic Design course, Alan Campbell-Drury, who showed me the potential of a career in photography. In my artistic practice my greatest inspiration has come from such photographers as Man Ray, Lee Miller, Max Dupain, Ansel Adams, the surrealist movement of the 1920s-1930s and the neo-surrealists of the 1970s.

How do you connect with the Greater Geelong area through your work?

I'm taking as many opportunities as available through galleries, local libraries and my own exhibitions. I have recently had displays/exhibitions at the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, Barwon Heads Arts Hub, and Yarra Street Art Windows and am currently in an open exhibition at Platform Arts and as part of a group exhibition for the Bellarine Arts Trail.

What challenges or barriers have you encountered in your career?

The greatest challenge is financial, particularly since the COVID pandemic, as fewer people have the disposable income to purchase art or photography, plus there is an overwhelming abundance of options for buyers. The main challenge is in producing work that is different enough to grab potential buyers' attention, and good enough to loosen their purse strings.

Looking ahead, what would you like to achieve?

My immediate goal is to continue to increase my profile and to have a solo exhibition of my neo-surrealist multiple-exposures, with between 30 and 40 works, in a prominent gallery within two years. Although I have a large body of work from my 40+ years as a professional photographer, I would like to be known for my unique film-based multiple-exposure work.