Introduce yourself please…
I’m John Williamson, a professional photographer born on Tyneside, but for many years I’ve lived in rural Northumberland.
Tell us how you first started out as an artist?
I’ve had a career in the Civil Service, but I’ve been taking pictures since my early teens, and photography has always been part of my life. I entered a few competitions in the early days and was fortunate to be awarded for my work on several occasions, so that was quite encouraging. Eventually, photography took over, and I have been working professionally for over 20 years, initially shooting commercial work, then doing travel photography in Europe for several companies. There were many adventures!
Why do you do what you do?
Photography is an integral part of my character. If I see something interesting, or beautiful, I have a need to photograph it the way I see it, whether it is people, sport, or landscape.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the landscape around me, and by many artists and photographers.
How would you describe your work?
My work is frequently described as ‘painterly’. As it’s my intention to translate what I see, rather than simply to record it, I’m happy to accept that description.
Can you tell us what you aim to achieve through your art?
If people are proud and happy to have my work on their walls, I feel I have achieved something special.
How do you work?
I often have an image in mind which I want to create, so I will consider the light and weather conditions before going to my destination. I’ll then re-assess the situation when I arrive, and often have to wait with a great deal of patience until everything comes together. I usually have a good idea of how I’ll translate that, in post-processing.
How have you developed you work?
Initially, I did a lot of work for other people, companies, and magazines – out of necessity! But landscape and travel photography were always my main interest. Digital photography has developed alongside my interests in being more imaginative – I’ve always wanted to ‘make’ a picture, rather than simply ‘take’ a picture. Now, I always try to aim for creativity in my work, so at all times, endeavour to put something of myself, or what I see, into making an image.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
I think it’s usually the case that you don’t realise who or what influences you, until you take a retrospective view. If you admire someone’s work, it’s no good copying it, but it might influence your style and remind you to seek your own creativity and originality. Photographers Ernst Haas, Franco Fontana, and Shinzo Maeda have probably influenced me a lot, as well as many artists, such as Mark Rothko and William Turner. Quite a diverse group!
What influences from The North East have inspired your work?
The beauty of Northumberland where I live – especially the Northumberland coast and castles, which provide abundant inspiration.
What work are you most proud of?
Many years ago, I made it into the press as an amateur photographer. The BBC used several of my pictures in the Doomsday Project, when a disk containing the images was buried in a time capsule. It made me very proud as an amateur! Perhaps that, and any success I achieve with my latest work, give me the greatest pride, even though there are many other exciting moments in between!
What has been your most challenging creation?
My most challenging creation is in the abstract and impressionist work I’m currently producing
What’s your favourite piece of artwork?
I’m attracted to almost all the work of the artists I’ve mentioned, but I find anything by Turner is a pleasure, and in photography as an art form, so many more. As for my own work, the images of lavender which I created in Provence, are close to my heart.
What are your ambitions for the future?
For the future, I need to further develop my work in creating impressionist and abstract photography. If people like the results, and want it at home, I’ll be achieving my ambition. I have a huge number of images to work on, so there’s plenty to do!
What is your story with North East Art Collective?
I was selling my work at an event in Ripley, North Yorkshire, in 2014, when I received a call asking me to contact the manager of the Art Collective, John Thompson, as soon as possible. When I did, it was a request to see my work with a view to putting it in the gallery. I saw him on my return, and my work has been in the gallery ever since. It transpired later that Bernie Wisniewski, an artist who was also with the gallery, had seem my work and recommended me. I’m very grateful – and his work is great, too!