A Digital Black & White
Photography Project by Members of Craft Café
Photography
is a medium that has a distinct ability to observe, record and remark upon our
surroundings in a special way. It can provide a view of the world as seen
through the eyes of others, inspiring new perspectives. The members of Craft Cafe Govan had the freedom to take their ideas anywhere, as long as it came under the umbrella theme of Govan.
These themes
began to divide into three main categories, as seen in this exhibition: Beautiful Govan which explores natural
spaces, Patterns in the Abstract
which looks at the less obvious subjects, and Historical and Personal, which show how some of the people in Govan
reflect on the place they live.
33 people
took part and 20 have their work exhibited in this show. For many of the
members, this was their first time using a Digital SLR camera. The project
worked in three stages; researching different potential themes in photography and considering individual threads to explore. This led to an induction to the
camera and location scouting. Then, in the
final stage, selecting the best photographs and editing them using Photoshop software. The photographs have been edited to appear black and white, to reflect on new technologies can compliment and
relate to traditional styles.
We’d like to say a special thanks to Elderpark Housing Association, who
funded the project!
Govan is home for many members of Craft Café and they are closely tied to the fabric of the community. In this series of images they chosen to reflect on Govan in their own ways, whether this be capturing memories triggered by certain streets and buildings, or remarking upon the incredibly rich and interesting history Govan has.
Although it might not initially be obvious, Govan is surrounded by small and large pockets of beautiful nature. This series of images explore these places and the photographers often found themselves drawn towards them. The camera gives them the ability to focus in on these details, and pull these spots out of their surroundings, to be admired. Framing the glossy leaves on the full trees in the Elderpark, the vivid iridescent glow through the cherry blossom that lines Garmouth Street in the spring, and the close-ups off the fresh herbs that grow and the bees that buzz in the Moogety community garden.
The community garden and Elderpark feature most heavily in this series. Elderpark was bequeathed to the people by Isabella Elder, wife of John Elder. The community garden was named by Noah, a child in the neighbourhood, then aged three, who could not pronounce community and only Moogety.