Photography exhibition captures Devon’s waterscapes

Runs: 15 September – 4 November at Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AF

Jem Southam is one of the UK's leading photographers known for colour landscapes, often of single locations patiently observed over many months. Waters of the South West - where he lives and works, are his trademark. The main subject of this new exhibition is Devon’s River Exe - the body of water running from Exmoor in the north through Exeter to the Exe Estuary in south Devon. Jem revisited its estuary and tributaries in a 3-year investigation which captured changing seasons, atmospheric conditions and effects of time.

Jem uses ‘antiquated’ equipment taking a heavy (20-30 kg) modern version of a Victorian camera on-site to produce 2 or 3 exposures in a day. The large-plate negatives capture a high level of detail and are then enlarged using digital imaging to 44’’ x 53’’ prints. Viewers can contrast these with the more intimate series of Dartmoor Streams presented on more traditional analogue contact-prints.

Jem’s approach to photographing the Exe was influenced by local children who, when asked to draw a 'river’ included personal memories and experience as well as referencing maps and illustrations. Jem’s atmospheric waterscapes show us beautiful detail but also reveal the River’s indefinable, ever-changing quality.

Free admission. Open daily 10am-5.30pm

EVENTS:
Student Gallery Tours, Tues. 2 & Mon 8 Oct. at 11am
Student groups are welcome to join the artist in a Q&A session about his photography. Main gallery. FREE but please book your place 01626 832223 www.crafts.org.uk

Illustrated Talk by Jem Southam, Thursday 18 October 6.30pm
Jem (Professor, School of Art & Media, Plymouth University) discusses his new series documenting the River Exe within the context of his photographic practice. £7/£5. Advance booking only: 01626 832223

Image: Jem photographing

For more information visit http://www.crafts.org.uk/