Mark has established a successful Artistic practice using two distinct approaches to lens-based image making.

The Abstract Collection

Traditionally, pressing the shutter was the final act in taking a photo. For Mark it is just the beginning. With his own stylistic route map in mind, a journey begins – digital images evolve as they are worked up, often arriving at a completely different destination to that originally foreseen. Mark starts to see the potential as he deconstructs then reassembles the image into its final composition.

Describing his process, Mark compares it to composing a piece of music. He establishes a melody and then takes inspiration from a variety of sources, adds layers around it, be they optical illusions, loss of scale or shifts in colour space. Finally, a textual prompt - suggestions to the viewer. These, of course, are his words and it is for others to arrive at their own interpretation. Such is the nature of abstraction.

The Cyanotypes

As a counterpoint to all things digital, Mark has a second portfolio of work that sees him go right back to the early days of analogue photography.

Wanting to work with something more tangible, he goes back to the darkroom, hand coating emulsion on paper and using natural processes. Results can be startling. He is fascinated by the intricacies of the Cyanotype blueprint process. He happens to be a descendant of 19th century polymath Mary Somerville, who pioneered the Anthotype photographic process of using sunlight on plant-based emulsions. Currently he combines Cyanotype chemistry with that plant-based toning. “It’s all about experimenting with different plant dyes and just seeing what works (or not)”.

Since each print is handmade, tones will deliver gorgeous, subtle variations. The beauty of cyanotypes is that each print is unique.

Based in Wiltshire he has exhibited award winning pictures throughout the South West

Individual pieces of his work have been shown in exhibitions at:

The RWA, Bristol

The Salisbury Museum

Thelma Hulbert gallery, Honiton

Black Swan gallery, Frome

Mount house gallery, Marlborough

The Pound Arts centre, Corsham

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

A selection of his work has been purchased by Wiltshire council (who have also commissioned special projects)

Collaborative exhibitions with other Artists in Bath, Malmesbury, Cirencester and Newbury

Complete collection shown regularly at Marlborough Open studios

This Summer he will be exhibiting a selection of his abstract images in curator’s corner at the Pound Arts centre in Corsham.