How did Start A War come together?
It’s my photographic interpretation of the song Start A War by
We The Committee.
What’s
the response been to your online gallery?
Amazing mostly. I’ve had about 10,000 downloads of
the iBook and almost double that in the amount of visits to the site. On
the other hand you begin to realise that a lot of people are 'slow' when it
comes to technology. It’s probably the simplest exhibition to access in the
world and yet some people cannot get their heads around it. I get emails
saying, 'The iBook won’t open on my Kindle,' and I’m like... 'Why would
it?' Or, 'Oh, I saw you got a new show, I
promise I will pop down and see it,' and I’m just like.. 'What?' It’s been an eye opener and has taught me a few things about how to approach
releasing art.
Your
subjects always appear relaxed and happy in front of the camera in your pictures, do you find it easy to put people at ease when
you are photographing them?
I hang out with people a lot before I shoot them. If there’s no time for that then I make sure people turn
up an hour early or so, so we can chat and I can put them at ease. I personally
hate having my picture taken so I understand what an invasive thing it is.
Where
are you from and how does this inform your work?
South London, South Norwoood, Thornton Heath, Brixton. Put
simply, everything and everyone is passionate where I am from, not always in a
good way. It makes it easier for me to dig deep and be open in my work.
Why do you use photography to express your
art?
I just wanna capture the moments, there and then. It is what it
is, that’s why I love film. Again it is what it is, I just think more people
need that point of view. Don't throw stones and hide your hands. Don't tweet
attack your pain then delete the tweets (cc Rob). Nothing is perfect . None of
us are perfect and that’s fine. People unconsciously PR their lives to look
perfect but refuse to connect the dots between. X Factor having a Beatles week
and then the ad breaks between are filled with Beatles merchandise, leading to
everyone buying the latest Beatles compilation or whatever it is they’re being
sold. I hate that system, so for me photography and the way I use
photography and take pictures is my two fingers up to that system and that way
of thinking and presenting.
Do
you do anything else?
Load of things, I’m creative but I’m not gonna list them all. I
don't want to be one of them slasher kids; I think that’s wack. I hate when I
read things about myself and people say DJ / promoter / stylist... what? No,
I’m not one of those East London cunts. Photography is my main. That’s it. I
run a night called Bounty that was created so I didn't have to go to other
club nights and deal with boujis attitudes. I wanted to hear the music
that I wanted to hear and dance with my friends, if other people want to come, great, but leave stink puss attitudes at the door. Am I a promoter? Hell no,
I’ve just thrown a gathering for all my mates with Radi and Martelo for the
past three years. Every month… Am I a DJ? No I select great songs, I can barely mix.
I'm involved in loads of things but my title is photographic artist.
What
are you currently working on?
Everything that’s in my head.
How
do you find the difference between working commercially and working on personal
projects?
Commercial projects are fun when the clients understand what
type of photographer I am. When they don't it’s not fun. Commercial work also
involves schedules and time frames which are fine when everyone remembers
their parts. When they don't it’s not fun. The personal stuff is always fine. When making something from scratch, it’s new and you have full control.
Who
is your hero?
Batman. Seriously I think he's a G. I look up to him, well
the idea of him obviously.
Anyone
you would like to plug?
Margot Bowman she is seriously talented.
