Fingers: Gesture, Energy & Thoughtfulness

The idea of fingers and gestures communicating energy in visual art is not a new one; in terms of painting a particular example come to mind – that of Michelangelo’s fresco The Creation of Adam, where the anthropomorphised representation of God appears to be injecting energy via a pointed finger into Adam’s more relaxed hand. … Read more

“Why the beard? Why not a moustache?”

In this instalment on the theme of personal style and identity I’ll be presenting a selection of images I’ve taken featuring beards and moustaches that have caught my eye as well as including some family photos – a mix of photographs taken by me and archival images. Why the beard? Why not a moustache? A … Read more

Recent Reflections

The other day I popped into Kew Gardens. Admiring one of Mark Quinn’s nature-inspired sculptures, I took a selfie at a moment when the half term crowds were not in the frame, and the reflected landscape had a flowing, painterly quality. In addition to the instant painting, which appeals to the lazy/ time-efficient artist in … Read more

Bar Italia – a Visual Update

I’ve been going to Bar Italia in Soho’s Frith Street for decades now, probably since the 80s. Recently, a Facebook ‘memory’ came up reminding me that ten years ago I had a solo exhibition of my photographs there. The theme was Urban Illusion – a series of street abstracts shot around Soho. The exhibition was … Read more

Jubilee Imagery – A Subjective Take

In this post I’ve gathered together a selection of photographs that reference two jubilees; the current Platinum Jubilee, which marks 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne as well as her Diamond Jubilee of 2012. All the images were shot in London with the exception of one example of graffiti witnessed in Brighton. … Read more

All Heart and No Liver

The heart symbol is everywhere, especially now as we approach Valentine’s Day. But even once Valentine’s Day has passed, I will still inevitably interact with a heart symbol daily and possibly scores of times as I scroll through Instagram, ‘liking’ photographs and comments, or occasionally on Facebook if I particularly appreciate a post. Heart emojis … Read more

Reflecting on a Year of the Pandemic at a Time of Renewal

The blossoms are out and the days are getting longer. I’ve been trying to live more in the moment as a way of coping with life under lockdown, and perhaps I’ve been even more tuned in than usual to changes in my immediate environment. In essence it is the notion of Carpe Diem – seizing … Read more

Unknown but Familiar Faces: Old Photos in Cafés & Bars

One of the things I miss most during the extended London lockdowns is sitting down at a café and people watching, writing my journal or reading. I miss both this solitary experience and the regular meet ups with my sons, partner and close friends. Sitting in cafés is an entrenched ritual that feels very much … Read more

Spotted in Soho: Street Photography in the Days of Covid-19

During the pandemic I’ve tried to always walk around with a camera, even if I’m just going to the local grocery store. I have a lightweight digital camera which has pretty much become part of me. That’s me in the picture below, walking down Frith Street in Soho last summer. I’m wearing one of my … Read more

Photographing Icons of Popular Culture – Subjective Takes

A few days ago I was walking in Frith Street in London’s Soho. London is gradually easing out of lockdown and cafes and restaurants are preparing to open on July 4. As I approached a long-time regular haunt, Bar Italia, I saw the door was partially open so I peeped in. They were in the … Read more