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- Name
- Lee
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This series of images came about after a chance conversation with my brother (who'd recently returned to the UK after some 40 years of living abroad), when he asked me what a 'traveller' was.
I think my first words were that they were 'riff raff'... however, during the conversation I realised that my prejudice, or judgement of them was in actual fact based on little more than hearsay and outward appearance(having never actually met a traveller, but seen a lot of traveller sites), and in effect all I was doing was passing on my prejudice to another.
So, I decided I needed to become more informed, so that I could decide for myself whether the stigma was justified or whether it was a misconception).
I approached the group and met with Mark, who invited us in for coffee. When I explained to him why we were there, he said to me " I am not a traveller, I am me" ... " You have given me that label"
I've met with Mark and his family a few times now, and have come away with a different mindset, and, these images are my attempt to show my time with them.... (leaving aside the cliché's of 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', or 'Them and us' ).
Doing this series was a big step up for me, as I've not attempted social documentary before.....so I realise that what I've written might not be clear enough to give sufficient context... however, it is a 'work in progress'. And I am happy to accept thoughts and critique on how best to progress.
I think my first words were that they were 'riff raff'... however, during the conversation I realised that my prejudice, or judgement of them was in actual fact based on little more than hearsay and outward appearance(having never actually met a traveller, but seen a lot of traveller sites), and in effect all I was doing was passing on my prejudice to another.
So, I decided I needed to become more informed, so that I could decide for myself whether the stigma was justified or whether it was a misconception).
I approached the group and met with Mark, who invited us in for coffee. When I explained to him why we were there, he said to me " I am not a traveller, I am me" ... " You have given me that label"
I've met with Mark and his family a few times now, and have come away with a different mindset, and, these images are my attempt to show my time with them.... (leaving aside the cliché's of 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', or 'Them and us' ).
Doing this series was a big step up for me, as I've not attempted social documentary before.....so I realise that what I've written might not be clear enough to give sufficient context... however, it is a 'work in progress'. And I am happy to accept thoughts and critique on how best to progress.