Gumbley is originally from ‘Back a Back’ Street, Aston in Birmingham, and is a photographer inspired by people, dance, haiku poetry, fashion, tattoo’s, classical and contemporary art and burlesque culture.
Currently he has a studio based in Long Eaton, situated between Derby and Nottingham, but has clients and friends visiting from far beyond the borders of Derbyshire to have their photograph taken. The one thing that drives him– is the story behind the next person walking through his studio doors, creating images conjured from dreams and seeing them leave as a friend smiling and knowing they will be back.
Gumbley believes that everyone is looking for that one image that captures, inspires and defines them. Together we will capture, create and bring alive dreams and in doing so, create beautiful fine art portraits which will be treasured for generations and stand the test of time.
Self taught or art school?
I do have a BA Hons in theatre studies and creative writing and it was this that got me into photography and placing words on the body and photographing this which then led on to me becoming a photographer. Using the camera in my artwork though, is all self taught.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
The Veiled Virgin by sculpture Giovanni Strazza I just love how marble sculptures appear ghost like and can capture the eye.
How would you describe your style?
Portrait and Fine art photography with a fashion and art slant.
Where are your favourite places to view art?
I do a lot of armchair googling of images and art but my favourite gallery is the portrait gallery in London.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I love Man Ray and Dahli because of the surrealist nature of their work. If I was looking at today’s artists I would say Keith Newlove because his work makes me think again of beyond what I’m looking at and Ellen Jane Rogers just because of her beautiful haunting photography.
What or who inspires your art?
I love fashion, art, dance, poetry, burlesque, tattoos and surrealism. If I want to get inspired I watch hours of fashion TV and love the work of fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Lana Mueller. I’m not sure what it is about fashion shows but I also ways come away buzzing with ideas.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is in Long Eaton Artrooms between Nottingham and Derby in the UK. Its two small rooms one full of props and the other where the magic happens. It’s not big enough but I love being in there and surrounded by all the things I’ve collected.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Sort of, The studio has to be tidied before I start. The rooms are over full with props but it has to be organised chaos before I can start. I also like to chill for about thirty minutes before getting going.
What are you working on currently?
Due to the Corona lockdown I’ve left the portraits alone and working on creating some surreal themed photographs but they have to be done in camera and only using lightroom not photoshop. They’re more for fun but I’ve been putting them on my Instagram account @raygumbleyphotography
What are your ambitions?
I just want to be happy, keep on doing what I am but getting better at what I do every day. Two kicking stone goals, that would put a smile on my face, would be to have a piece of work hanging in the portrait gallery and a solo exhibition in London somewhere.