Liverpool Community College   2009/2010

Claire Freeman

My work explores traditional darkroom processes, subverting and challenging classic views of photography.

Printing with 35mm, medium format film and lensless pinhole paper negatives; experimental techniques with light-sensitive emulsion, hand-coated papers & fabric, photograms & double-exposing images, both in camera and in the darkroom. My art practice involves the construction and use of pinhole cameras from reclaimed suitcases, wooden boxes, tins, wardrobes and other vessels.

Inspiration is drawn from friends, strangers, dynamic form in nature (Li), Zen, changes of season, optics, the elements, weather, yin-yang, relationships and connections with this world in which we live.

The AA2A scheme was a great opportunity for me to realise ideas, the facilities enabling me to create a body of work, and inspiring me further to set up a working darkroom in my own studio. The contact with the other artists, as well as with the students and staff, proved fruitful and I believe was beneficial to all involved. I would recommend the AA2A scheme to any artist with the motivation and interest to make the most of such an opportunity.