simon Fidler
october 12th to november 9th
Photography.
www.fotoflowimages.com
Prepare for an intake of breath as you witness the stunning fine art photography of Simon Fidler, depicting the dramatic landscape of Cornwall and in particular the West Penwith coastline in all its glory. From the unfolding curl of an ice green wave to the sparkle and shimmer of light on sand, Simon’s passion and love of this magical place will ensure that the viewer is rewarded with decidedly untypical imagery that will question our perception of the world around us.
Simon has lived on the Devon side of the Tamar Valley for over twenty years, but his pursuit of the light has relentlessly drawn him to Cornwall and in particular the Penwith area, where for the last few years he has explored the shores, paths and hedgerows with an ever growing fervour, culminating in his first Cornish exhibition, “Close to the Edge”, in 2007 at Morvah Schoolhouse. Such was the success and critical acclaim received at the exhibition, that Simon immediately avowed to exhibit at least once a year in his beloved Cornwall
An entirely self-taught photographer, Simon first began his love affair with the medium some thirty years ago when he developed and printed his first black & white film in the bathroom. Like so many others before & after him, he was hooked the moment the first image appeared out of the gloom in the developing tray.
Most of Simon’s workflow has now migrated to digital capture, although Simon is keen to stress that this does not mean that images are warped or manipulated in any way. “It can be very frustrating when people look at the amazing colours in an image and instantly assume it has been “Photoshopped”. All my images are hard-won and I am happy to explain to the viewer how they are achieved. The answer though is always the same: a pair of inquisitive eyes, patience and (hopefully) some imagination”.
Much of Simon’s imagery is about the raw power, wildness and beauty that typify the West Penwith coastline. The shimmering dead calm of a lazy summer sea that can so quickly change into a raging Atlantic storm. The tempting allure of a white sand cove that masks it’s deadly secret of jagged granite hidden inches below the waves. The uplifting sight of a white sailed yacht drifting languidly across a deep blue bay; the same bay where past sailors have perished in violent storms. This is a land of startling contrasts and paradox, where rock pools and sandcastles beckon the unwary as menacing clouds slide along the horizon, this is a land where beauty and danger collide.
All Simon’s exhibited works are produced as a limited edition, usually in runs limited to just 25 prints, all of which are beautifully mounted using only museum quality archival materials.
Email: simon@fotoflowimages.com Web: www.fotoflowimages.com
