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Canterbury photographer Jason Dodd accelerates into fast lane
Added: (Fri Jul 07 2006)
Vikki Rimmer 01322 866293 victoria.rimmer@onetel.net 5th July 06
Successful CANTERBURY PHOTOGRAPHER IN Stark Relief
Former car specialist, turned professional photographer Jason Dodd is an artist who enjoys mixing the old with the new. Taking the favoured artistic medium of canvas, Jason puts modern digital photographic imaging on the traditional material; creating abstract pieces of work. Jason only turned professional last year after his photographic hobby got the better of him and he gave up his job in the motor industry. With the opening of his 2nd exhibition in under two months, Jason is speeding ahead.
The Canterbury based photographer celebrated the first anniversary of his fledgling photography business at the start of June with a glass of champagne and the launch of his exhibition at The Stark Gallery in London.
Jason Dodd (34) worked in the motor industry in Canterbury for ten years before his childhood love of photography got the better of him and he shifted his focus from car stats to lens caps as he set himself up as a freelance photographer specialising in commercial press sports photography.
And although Jason can be seen on the field of play in Kent snapping away at cricketers, footballers, rugby players and local bands for The Saturday Observer, his first love is abstract photography. Jason says; ‘the exhibition space is where I aspire to be – I love the abstract work and am really excited about my second exhibition which will be held at Stark in London’..
Stark Galleries have two premises, one in Canterbury and one in London, and Jason’s work has been selected for show in the London premises this July-September.
Among the work that led to the selection was ‘cold stare’ the close up study of the iron mask at The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury. Jason took the image on a cold November day last year; ‘I’d been asked by a local estate agent in Canterbury to capture the town on film – they were looking for abstract images that showed a different perspective of place’
‘Cold Stare’, Jason’s close up study of the iron mask (12 feet tall) outside The Marlow Canterbury will take centre stage at his exhibit at Stark, London. Jason says: ‘the image examines a land mark in Canterbury everyone knows - the theatre and the mask. It was a sunny day and although I’ve photographed it several times before it was different on this particular day – the early afternoon light picked out the pure white wall behind so that it formed a back drop to the piece and made the mask stand out in stark relief.’
‘The image drew some real interest at the recent EPIC Photography Festival held over the Whit Bank Holiday weekend in Eynsford this year. Jason says ; ‘. I was invited to exhibit at the festival which saw over 900 people visit the first festival of its kind in Kent. The experience was really great and gave me an extra confidence boost for my forthcomings how at Stark in London’.
Jason is a photographer who mixes the old with the new by taking the traditional artist medium of canvas and putting digital photographic imaging on the material in order to create abstract pieces of work. He only turned professional last year after his photographic hobby got the better of him and he gave up his job in the motor industry.
Jason said "photography is an art form that is being accepted in galleries in London now. My main photographic work is in the commercial sports and press sector, but I have a real passion for abstract work". Jason is hoping that the visitors to the exhibition will share his passion for the new art form
If you missed Jason’s work at the EPIC Festival there’s a second chance to view his work this summer at Stark London, Lee High Road close to Blackheath. Open Tues –Sat 10.30-6.00 Sun 11.30-4.30. july 1st – September 26th. Details from www.jasondoddphotography.com www.canterburyphotography.co.uk
Vikki Rimmer 01322 866293 victoria.rimmer@onetel.net 5th July 06