Meet the Artist: Paul Sansome and Sue Tinkler
PhotoFusion: an exhibition of works by Sue Tinkler & Paul Sansome.
Two of the South’s leading creatives, glassmaker Sue Tinkler and photographer Paul Sansome, present a visually stunning exhibition of photography and kiln-formed glass. Inspired by mutual themes and locations these two art forms harmonise to create an exhibition rich with texture and colour.
Ahead of their collaborative exhibition at The Nutshell Winchester, we caught up with Artist Sue Tinkler and Photographer Paul Sansome to talk about all things texture and colour.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?
(Sue) As a child I was always making things. My first career was as a graphic designer and I started working with glass as a hobby. This developed into my second career and passion which has been full time since 2011. Although I no longer work as a graphic designer, these early skills feature in my glass work, for example, some pieces incorporate typography and silkscreen printing
(Paul) On a business trip to the USA when working in the computer industry I was visiting a bookshop coffee bar and came across a coffee table photography book by American photographer David Meunch. Apart from enjoying the photography this was my awakening to the prospect of earning my living as a photographer.
Can you tell us a bit about the process of making your work ?
(S) I am mostly self taught, incorporating techniques learned from international glass artists. I love experimenting and developing my themes in different ways. Winter trees, chalk streams and working landscapes feature in my work but created using a wide range of processes. Some pieces are fired in the kiln up to 6 times to achieve the final result.
(P) Photography is an immersive activity. I have to reach a state of enhanced observation and also be so concentrated on the subject that other activity around me does not distract. I usually need to be working on my own to reach this state of mind. Modern photography is a two stage process; camera and computer. Understanding this influences the photograph that is taken.
Of all the mediums why glass/ photography?
(S) I have worked with glass for 20 years and enjoyed photography too. I take photos on my travels, usually while walking the dog, documenting colours patterns and textures. I use my images for reference and sometimes reproduce the images with powdered and enamelled glass.
(P) Photography’s primary pull for me is that it is the recording of a single moment. My goal is to portray what I see in an artistic way, hoping that this results in giving a wider impression of a location or person. I have tried video capture of my travels but, regardless of how amazing a location might be, the results just leave me cold compared to the impact of the single image.
When did the PhotoFusion exhibition take shape?
(S) Paul and I were in neighbouring chalets at the Winchester Christmas market. We realised that we were inspired by similar landscapes - including a remote beach in the Outer Hebrides. We hatched a plan to exhibit together and this is our third year. The collaboration develops and grows each year. We discuss themes and share images throughout the year. So when we come to set up the exhibition we have a broad plan, but there are always some lovely surprises when we unwrap the works ready for hanging.
Why do you feel these two mediums work together so well?
We are inspired by similar landscapes but we represent them in different ways
Why do you love what you do?
(S) I am lucky to make my living from being creative. Glass is so versatile, I work with sheet/granules/powder and enamels - this gives me endless possibilities for both 2d and 3d artworks ranging in scales from jewellery to wall panels 1.5m long.
(P) Taking a photograph is simple. Taking a photograph of real impact is not. It is a great feeling when I get to work on a really striking image and I have learnt that producing photography that pleases myself is usually the way to reach others. I have also seen amazing views and met many interesting people through my photography, both subjects and clients.
Be sure to pop along to their exhibition at The Nutshell Arts Centre from 4th-19th April 2020 | 10am-5pm each day. Paul and Sue will be holiday a Private View on Friday 3rd April from 6-9pm - click this link to reserve your place.