Artbenco

Although the PC was a family tool it was mainly used by me, we did not have the internet then. The games were limited but we did not know any different, art materials were expensive so Paint Shop Pro was my platform for my growing creativity. I enjoyed every minuet I had tampering and trying out new effects.

Dad used to have a go using the programmes but never really took to it like I did, it was funny really because in out house hold I was the only one that did not have a camera.
At that time cameras were not digital so they were not connected to the programs I used.

It was funny really because even though I showed an interest in programs such as Deluxe Paint, Coral Draw and Paint Shop Pro I was the only one in the household that did not own a camera. They had no connection in my parents eyes, instead of thinking that he enjoys creating images he may also like to take pictures. They most probably thought that I would break such an expensive piece of equipment either that or I would leave it somewhere.

It was not until I went to Florida and visited all the resorts that I first got my hands on a camera. It was a ‘hand me down’ from my mum who got a new camera for the trip. I had my first camera and I was in a sweet shop in terms of photo opportunities. Universal Studios, MGM, Disney land – snap, snap, snap I got through a fair few roles of film that holiday. I cant actually claim that they were any good although a few made it into the album. Strangely this did not hook me, my fondness of photography was yet to be born although I did not dislike it I was yet to take pictures of what I really wanted to.

Midway through my teens I was lucky enough to come into contact with a new English teacher at school who’s first words to me were ‘sit down you stupid boy’ but after that we hit it off and he inspired me a lot to find my inner self. I got heavily into poetry, I used to nick writing pads (jotters) from school and fill them full of poems. I must have written hundred. I actually had two poems published which I was very happy about, I had found myself and I was happy with who I was. I matured early and my views were focused and precise because I was content.

I selected a handful of my best poems and write them up on the computer using our new PC. Each poem had an illustration or image that resembled my thoughts when I wrote the poem. Little did I know about Adobe Photoshop but this new PC had this program installed. The images that I made using other programs were able to be opened using Photoshop, it was time to explore.