'A city that keeps on giving' - Ian Sidebottom

WAES photography student and artist Ian Sidebottom reveals the inspiration behind his work ahead of Perspectives, the 2013 WAES summer arts exhibition, where his creations will be on display.

How did you begin with this area of study?

I decided to use my photography, a hobby that I had developed whilst travelling, as a career change. I’ve always been creative/visual, but not very good at drawing so photography is perfect for me. I chose WAES as it was offering evening courses and the location was great for me as it is close to where I work.

What’s your proudest moment as an artist?

When I create a piece of work that I love and somebody else loves so much that they want to have it in their home.

What was the inspiration behind your featured work at the exhibition?

My featured photographs were taken as part of my fashion photography course and I was inspired by tribal women and makeup. Both are untitled and part of two separate shoots, ‘Urban Tribal’ and ‘60s Girl’ (pictured below left and right). I worked with a makeup artist and a stylist to create both looks, a process I really enjoyed.

“I am hugely inspired by London and its people and architecture - it really is a city that keeps on giving.”

Who inspires you and what are you planning next?

I am inspired by many different photographers. I recently discovered the work of Vivian Maier who took the most amazing street photography predominantly depicting street scenes in Chicago and New York in the 1950s and 1960s. I am also hugely inspired by London and its people and architecture - it really is a city that keeps on giving.

I am currently working on a great project photographing authors and people of note that has been designed by M&C Saatchi. I would like to learn more of the editing side of photography and going forward I intend to work on developing and growing as a photographer, building my business that I started recently.

Perspectives

Ian's photography work along with 2D and 3D creations from other WAES learners are featured at Perspectives, this year's WAES summer arts exhibition at the Mall galleries, SW1, from 17 to 22 June. Find out more