Following a successful week in Manchester, Tsavo continued its eventful journey with a month long exhibition at Devonport Guildhall in Plymouth. While I was immensely excited, nerves were out in total force as my fifth exhibition since graduation last year also became my first solo exhibition. To say I felt completely out of my element, particularly during the week prior to setting up was an understatement entirely.
Devonport Guildhall advert |
When I was initially offered this opportunity, I met the chance with an emphatic yes. I mean, who wouldn’t want to exhibit at such a wonderful venue; a Grade I listed building built back in the 1820's and considered one of the finest examples of Regency architecture, I'd be daft to say no. Still, I didn’t consider the logistics at the time or what I might have to deal with when it came to setting up an exhibition on my own. With any opportunity presented, especially at this point in my career, I suppose it is a case of thinking more about the immediate positives, i.e another exhibition to add to my cv, more exposure, and forget about any potential problems or issues that may appear later on. As a photographer, I am only truly happy when behind the camera and while I do want to continue this road of projects and exhibitions, I am really not a curator by any stretch. That said, exhibiting here at Devonport went a long way in making me believe that anything I put my mind to, is very possible to accomplish.
I am at the stage were I am still learning the in’s and out’s and various techniques of how to make a space combined with imagery visually appealing and interesting. Working with others during previous exhibitions has been a great help, so being here at Devonport, setting up on my own was like no other experience in itself. I was a complete wreck leading up to week and if I was to be honest, I didn't believe for a second that I would come out of this on top. The Guildhall, despite being a stunning looking place, was by far the most complicated of venues to exhibit from.
Improvisation seemed to be the key as the majority of the space offered would not allow for the successful use of Command Strips as it was in Manchester. The walls were very fine and chalky, meaning anything adhesive would immediately collect a powdery white and become entirely useless thereafter. There was a railing however that did feed across the hall and using tackle wire from a local fishing shop and a series of hooks, kindly supplied by Graham at Armada Framing I managed to hang thirty plus images pretty darn professionally if I do say so myself.
The bain of my first morning |
My workstation for the next three days |
Over the course of three mornings and one evening, Tsavo at Devonport really began to take shape. I had gone from being an absolute mess to someone now with their head held very high. I suppose it is the same with anything though; an obstacle in your path or something completely new or unknown to face and overcome, once you begin to challenge yourself, take the bull by its horns as they say, fear does tend to leave the room in favour of full on confidence.
Talking of which, the day before I began setting up the exhibition at Devonport, I took part in a training day at Crownhill Fort in Plymouth, undertaking a course and qualification in Personal Survival Techniques (or Sea Survival as it is otherwise known). With this now on my CV, I am ready and able to begin my new project. Next week heralds my first shoot of many with this new and untitled (for now) series. I really can’t wait to share with you the images and journey that will be my life for the next year and beyond.
#clue |
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