Peter Watson - Interview with The Artist

Where and when was your first Gallery showing?

My first exhibition was held by the North West Arts Association in Chester back in 1992. Although I had been photographing for a number of years I was, at the time, relatively new to large format photography. I spent a lot of time in Delamere Forest in Cheshire familiarizing myself with the demands and intricacies of shooting with 5x4 equipment. The pictures I took were shown as part of the Cheshire Woodland Trust exhibition.

What was your motivation or inspiration to pursue Photography?

My introduction to photography goes back to my childhood days. I was fascinated with the concept of capturing moments in time. I used to take my camera with me everywhere I went photographing anything and everything that crossed my path! Looking back the pictures weren't that good but it was the start of an ongoing learning process that continues to this day.

How has your work evolved from that first show?

As a photographer I look at images. I see things as shapes, patterns, colours and textures. The photographer's eye develops and evolves over time. When I look at my work spanning the last decade it is noticeable that my images have become simpler in form. There is a minimalist quality to many of my landscape compositions which was not apparent in my earlier work. This has not been a conscious change in style, it is I believe a natural progression and a consequence of my pursuit of distinctive image making.

Who or what has been an influence in your photography?

We are increasingly becoming a visual society. Modern communication, media and art all have very strong visual content. Developments in technology are creating a more visually aware and sophisticated society. We are all exposed to it, there is no escape. As an artist I am influenced by what I see and the changes I see happening around me. I think that, perhaps subliminally, I am reacting to this visual bombardment by trying to create relaxing, timeless images, pictures which are simple in form but strong in content. When I look at a picture I ask myself - will it look as good in ten years, or twenty or fifty years? I want to create pictures which will stand the test of time. Some modern image making, I fear, will not.

What is visually inspiring or important to you now?

I have always been drawn to the landscape. Away from the suburban development there exists a timeless beauty which is a joy to behold. It might be a single tree which inspires me, or a passing cloud or a rolling wave. It is all out there on the landscape. That is my subject, my inspiration.

Is there any specific work or artist that you feel is particularly evocative?

Although I have been interested in photography for most of my life my first scholarship was at art college in the UK. I was very interested in the techniques of the old masters, particularly their subtle -and sometimes not so subtle- interpretation of light. Rembrandt's use of light in portraiture is in my opinion without equal, it is divine, simply divine. However, the painter who truly inspired me was Turner. His landscapes are simply breathtaking. I mentioned earlier that pictures should be able to stand the test of time. Look at a Turner landscape and you will see what I mean. They are the epitome of timeless works of art. Oh to be the photographer equivalent of Turner...

In what direction do you feel your work is moving, or where would you like to go?

The concept of photography as a fine art excites me and I am fortunate to have strong gallery representation in the UK. My desire is to therefore become more widely exhibited internationally. This won't happen overnight but the signs are encouraging.

What is your most memorable experience in photography?

Undoubtedly it was hearing that my first book 'Light in the Landscape' had been accepted for publication. I had spent the best part of five years travelling around Britain writing and photographing the landscape. I thought that finding a publisher would be a formality. Of course as every potential author knows this is by no means the case. It took me two years to find a publishing company. I will always remember receiving the telephone call as I was photographing in Northern Scotland. Yes, it was what the publishers were looking for and yes a contract would be with me shortly! Such events are once in a lifetime, but are worth waiting for.