Where has this last year gone???
It doesn't seem that long ago that I was writing about being asked to be one of the two photographers in the first Borsdane Woods photo exhibition, yet that was over 12 months ago. I had decided to exhibit only film photographs, and since they were taken on square 6x6 medium format film (using my gorgeous Bronica SQ-Ai), and the frames chosen were rectangular I coupled each with a haiku representing the woodlands and the calmness brought by spending time within them. You can see my exhibition pieces from 2023 over on my projects page, or clicking here.
Haikus
I chose to include a haiku on each of the exhibition photographs since I love the complexities which can be included in such a compact and limiting form, something I felt poetically mirrored the art of woodland photography. For those who don't know what a haiku is, they are a Japanese poem, which consists of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.
I love the way you can convey a real sense of a place using a static image, and generate depth within a two-dimensional image, if executed correctly, can bring real atmosphere and mood to a place and can transport the viewer into a new world. This is something I aimed to include in my project, and I felt that the inclusion of a haiku for each complemented this intent.
Shinrin-yoku
Today, on a walk through the spectacular bluebells in Brinscall Plantation, I learned that "forest bathing" is a thing, The concept of forest bathing apparently became more known and understood as it came out of Japan in the 1980s where it is known as shinrin-yoku,
Anyway, fast forward to May 2024 which sees me exhibiting once again for the second time at the Borsdane and Rayner Park Friends Group's now annual photo exhibition. After speaking with Dave Hanbury (the head honcho), a plan was put forward to expand the exhibition to extend to include all of Wigan's green spaces. and to make the exhibition as an open call to encouage more people to exhibit their work. I'm quite excited by this, and I'm really looking forawrd to seeing how many other photographers are putting images forward. Printing and display is being handled by Dave Hanbury, so if you want to be included give him a call - his number is at the bottom of this post, or you can join the busy facebook group: Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park Friends Group
As you can see, the exhibition this year will once again be held in St John's Methodist Church, Hindley, and will be open on:
Wednesdays 15th ,22nd, and 29th May 2024 from 6pm-10pm
Fridays 17th, 24th, and 31st May 2024 from 10am-4om
Saturdays 18th, 25th, and 1st June 2024 from 10am-4pm
Sundays 19th, 26th, and 2nd June 2024 from 12pm-4pm
You can also contact Dave Hanbury on 08774 164512 for further info.
Hope to see you there!
Olly
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