30/09/2021
Since reviving the darkroom in 2019, Fusion Arts and photographers John A. Blythe and Cathrin Poppensieker have developed a series of inclusive, online photography workshops suitable for a range of experience levels. The first photography course took place online in March 2021, with a subsequent rendition running in June - July 2021. These five week courses were designed for beginners and focused on how to look at photographs and get a better understanding of what makes a "good" image. Participants had the opportunity to learn from and talk to a number of professional photographers, including guest speakers, and were able to share and discuss their work and discoveries with their group of coursemates. The courses were open to everyone, with no special equipment or cameras being necessary.
Attendees got a lot out of the sessions, unanimously leaving positive feedback on the post-course survey. While these sessions were targeted at adults, the plan is to begin a photography club for under 18s in the near future!
“I was very lucky to be able to take part in this photography course - although I missed half of them because of shift work at the hospital I still found it very helpful and hopefully will get a chance to put what I learnt to some use. Here’s to finding the beauty in even the less obvious places.”
Since lockdown lifted in August 2021, we have been able to run a number of in-person accessibly priced or photography workshops at the Fusion Centre, all suitable for beginners. These sessions have covered unconventional and often cameraless and non-toxic image-making methods including pinhole photography, cyanotype photography, analogue film photography, phytogram photography and an eco darkroom session.
The community darkroom in Fusion has also been back open since August. Participants can use the darkroom with the supervision and guidance of John and Cathrin every Tuesday evening for £10 per hour.
More workshops and courses to come soon...watch this space!
Fusion Arts work with artists, groups and communities from across Oxfordshire and beyond to support a variety of imaginative and socially engaged projects.
Exploring Climate Change Through the Eyes of Indigenous Farmers in Indonesia. A collaborative project with Soboman Artspace 219 in Yogyakarta.
Creative writing project for young people across Oxfordshire, building writing skills as important tools for self-expression.
Long term project using interactive art strategies to develop speech and language in young children.
