Abstraction is often where clarity falters & imagination begins. Many photographers find themselves uneasy here – between what is seen & what is felt, between subject & sensation. Yet it’s in this uncertain territory that some of the most original & personal work is born.
In this presentation, Doug will explore what it means to see abstractly – to move beyond representation & into perception, intuition & response. Together, we’ll look at how to loosen control, embrace ambiguity & cultivate the mental space where unexpected images emerge. The audience will discover practical ways to translate that awareness into compelling visual form, using their camera & their own sensitivity as creative instruments.
In the second half of this session, Doug will demonstrate how he takes raw, ordinary photographs & transforms them into expressive abstractions, using Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop in unconventional ways that align with his creative intent.
This session is both a meditation & a workshop – a chance to stand at the edge of the un-thought, to look beyond what one know & perhaps to rediscover the excitement of making images that surprise even us.
Doug comes to us from the UK. In Doug’s own words: “I am primarily influenced by & draw inspiration from Abstract Expressionist painters such as Hodgkin, Feiler, Rae & Ryman. My gestural work aims to distil the rhythm, rhyme & flow of the landscape through poetic visual expressions.
With the camera as my principal medium, mirroring my painted mixed-media abstracts, I attempt to create intuitive, abstracted works that layer texture, colour & form to elicit a deeply emotional & expressive response to the natural & built environments.
Living on a remote island in the Outer Hebrides, much of my time is devoted to teaching, especially through our online & app-based creative photography community at fyv.art. I have a passion for creative thinking & relish encouraging students worldwide to discover their own unique artistic voice.
I have exhibited widely in the UK & overseas, have taught in the Photography Degree course at the Bradford College of Art. My first book, ‘Abstract Mindedness’ has now sold out.
When not making art, I derive great pleasure from making (rather poor) furniture & spending time with my wife, Beth, & our exuberant Golden Retriever, Eddie.”
Please check out Doug’s online creative learning and community sites:
- doug@dougchinnery.com
- www.dougchinnery.com
- FYV – find your voice
- www.baileychinnery.com
This will be a paid event for non-members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/.