Peter Fraser - Red Eye lecture

I attended the lecture by Peter Fraser at the Manchester Art Gallery last night which was organised by Redeye - http://www.redeye.org.uk/programme/peter-fraser-talk .

What I took from the lecture is that for Peter Fraser there is a definite spiritual aspect to taking photographs. He talked of being in an almost meditative state when he takes a photograph. That when he's in that moment he sees the subject in a way which is completely different and which is very special to him. With the excpetion of occasionally placing a background behind his subjects, he never changes the scene which he photographs. I found this really inspirational.

The lecture was also particularly relevant to my current course part - colour!

It was interesting (and slightly at odds), to hear him talk about the commercial aspects of being a contemporary artist. It was also interesting and surprising how he talked about the technical aspect of capturing and printing photographs - this aspect clearly mattered to him.

I was a little briefer than I'd expected (1 hour and 20 minutes maybe), and we didn't delve into the detail of his approach as much as I would have liked. I was also frustrated with myself for not asking any questions. Questions I wish I'd asked:

• Are you always looking for things to photograph or do you do it as a deliberate and separate activity to everyday life?
• When you see a subject you like how do you approach it?
• Do you take one or multiple photographs?
• Has this changed since you moved to digital?

I'd read a little on Peter Fraser before the lecture, but I intend to get a book which is about to be released by the Tate on him as I'm keen to know more. There is also an exhibition on him at St Ives, it's over 5 hours drive away but I'm still very tempted to make a trip at some point!

Overall I found it kind of mind-blowing. There's something about being in a situation which is absolutely concentrated on the art of photography, surrounded by like-minded people whom I'd never normally come in to contact with that makes me feel dizzy. It's complete escapism from normal day-to-day life and it's the exact reason why I started this course. I can't wait for the next one!