This week we have interviewed group member/artist Simon Gladwin

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your equipment?

I am 38 years old and married with two wonderful kids. I trained in electronic engineering back in the early 90’s but I chucked that in 2000 and trained to teach Design and Technology which I enjoy doing very much.

I love the UK and find it just THE most beautiful and varied place to be both in terms of landscape and culture. I feel very lucky to be able to visit wonderful coastlines and sprawling mountainous landscapes in the same small block of land. I got my first DSLR last year…a Canon EOS400D. I have a multitude of filters and gizmos (don’t we all) and a selection of sigma lenses. I also like tinkering with Photoshop and Lightroom. I love infrared photography and the ethereal feeling the images give.

2. What first inspired your interest in art? What continues to inspire you?

My dad inspired my interest in photography…..memories of turning the bathroom into a darkroom and sloshing around lots of stinky chemicals! My dad is an industrial chemist and used to make the stuff himself. We had a cronky old durst enlarger! Great fun….it got us through the relentless Tupperware parties my mum used to throw in the 70’s. The thing I like about photography is the never ending “what if I….” or “how could I…….”. The shooting of little rectangles of pure beauty to keep as a memory. It’s just a wonderful thing to share.

3. What type of art do you enjoy the most and why?

Photography…….....see above LOL

4. Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Looking down into the crater of _Mount Vesuvius_…….then turning round and realizing just how high up you are…..you should only be above clouds in an airplane! It was the most immense and enormous view I have ever seen.

5. What are your dreams, goals and aspirations as an artist?

To keep on enjoying it and experimenting to produce pieces I find satisfying. If other people like it then that’s a bonus!

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist up to the present date?
Having a photo hung in the Mall Gallery in London as part of a competition final.

7. Do you have an inspirational message you would like to share with other artists?

Enjoy it and experiment!