MY PHOTOGRAPHIC LIFE


My mother’s grandfather was an accomplished artist. This talent has continued through the bloodline to my daughters who demonstrate artistic creativity and to my nephew who has presented work throughout North America and Europe. My interest and introduction into the world of photography started when a good friend introduced me to the Hamilton Camera Club. My passion leans toward Black and White Photography and the moods that can be captured through this artistic medium. Before the advent of digital photography I took courses in photography where I learned to process black and white film. This knowledge became a very important step in my understanding of the conversion to black and white photography using present day software. My passion for photography and my artistic ability along with a fair knowledge of computers has allowed me to combine the art forms and create this website.

INSPIRATION


Inspiration comes from many directions and I am fortunate that I do not need to travel far to get it. I really enjoy going to local Art Galleries and Museums. Exploring the works of artists who have come before our time is a great source of inspiration. I also find inspiration from the countryside around me, but often I find that more and more difficult as the landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to the increasing growth of the urbanized world.
 I envy the time of the British Artists of Constable, Gainsborough, and Turner, and the Canadian Group of Seven, like Lawren Harris and Emily Carr. Having a strong appreciation of Black and White Photography I find inspiration from past and emerging photographers, the digital revolution and the Internet being a great source.

SHAP ABBEY


Although the present Shap Abbey was built in 1199, the monastic community was founded on another site 20 miles south near Kendal in 1190, but it moved to the present site, then called 'Hepp', in 1199. The old name meant 'a heap' but it gradually assumed the present-day name "Shap" over the next 100 years.
 Shap Abbey escaped the initial phase of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, but it was closed in 1540 and subsequently sold to the Governor of Carlisle. Most of the abbey buildings have been demolished, however the tower remains are still impressive, and the outline of the building plan is clearly visible.
 Masonry was robbed away at the end of the 17th century to build Shap Market Hall, and much of the ornate carved stonework was also removed and used in the building of Lowther Castle. Many of the monastic buildings were incorporated into a farmhouse and used as barns, and little has happened to these over the last four centuries as they have formed part of a working farm.
  Source: Wikipedia.