Alf Field has been interested in Art and Photography since childhood. Field is not particularly interested in making money or being commercial – he is just following his commitment to Art, and the environment. Field goes out regularly looking for images which is great for his mental well-being – being Autistic Field finds life very challenging day-to-day. A mindful approach to photography and art is of great personal benefit. More than anything, Field wants to share his photographs with art lovers who might appreciate his work. Field has a personal fascination with the gritstone rock of the Dark Peak, there is something about being alone in the wide open space that makes him feel safe and free. And those ancient rocks just draw him in all the more. So he shoots rocks! It’s all about being truthful and real. Field enjoys what he’s doing. It makes him smile, and gives him joy.
Alf Field is not his real name. Alf is a ‘shutter name’ used in homage to his late grandfather who was a wonderful kind and gentle soul. A man he wants to honour and dedicate his work to.
Self-taught or art school?
I learn best on my own. I have worked as an assistant teacher in a number of schools, and one in particular was very relevant to my art practice – my head of department was also a practising artist. Rick. I learnt a lot from Rick. I also worked in photographic darkrooms for years, which trained me in the basics of traditional silver halide photography. I’m not convinced that was necessarily a good thing though – learning rules and techniques can restrict one’s thought processes. Summing up, I’m an autodidact continually learning from all around me. The trick is knowing which influences are beneficial.
How would you describe your style?
I can’t pin it down. There are elements of minimalism in some of my works. My images are dark. I avoid straight lines, and reject so-called ‘rules’. I follow a mindfulness approach to photography. I close my eyes and slow my heart. Letting go of tension, and existing in the moment pays dividends. I’m slowly drifting toward a freer style. I’m getting a bit braver.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
My art is very personal, it relates to my spiritual beliefs, my interest in our paleo origins, the origins of life on Earth, and maybe beyond if the panspermia hypothesis is true! Stones are witnesses to all that has gone before. Their geological age is so far beyond our own understanding of time. My predominant wish is to improve my art; and find something ‘real’ and ‘original’. So much photographic output is repeated over and over again. I’m interested in breaking out of the mould, but it is a challenge. Our visual language is coloured by all the sensory bombardment we’re subjected to in 2023.
Is narrative important in your work?
I don’t think so. Not in human terms anyway.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My favourite is my daughter – Hayley Emma is an amazing Artist. She’s just got a deal that I hope will make her for life. She deserves it. I enjoy very early Mediaeval work on wooden panels. They are truly beautiful. The use of gold and rich deep colours makes Mediaeval art stunning. There is a naive quality to the drawing, and the uncontrolled perspective is very interesting. The artists were often unknown artisans, which appeals to me. It makes me sad, that their talent wasn’t appreciated during their lifetime, but their art still resonates today.
Who or what inspires your art?
I just have this inner drive. I have no control over it. Using a camera is just the start of my process – much of the creativity takes place once I get home and sit down at the computer. That is very exciting – the joy of creating an image that works is where I get a big buzz. Often despite my best efforts, the finished image seems to just drop into place from somewhere quite unexpected. It is like finding something, rather than capturing something. It is the discovery of another key piece in the puzzle.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I don’t have a studio. I work from home. I had a studio, but it was too cold and expensive.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Oh yes. It involves copious cups of coffee, youtube, and teacakes.
What are you working on currently?
I’m always looking for new outcrops of rock that excite my juices. How sad is that? I can’t believe I typed that, but it is true. Sad but true. I want to exhibit again, in a physical gallery. So I’m working on getting better at what I do, every single day. It’s fun and keeps me going through difficult times.
Where can we buy your art?
Message me on my website at https://alffield.photography
