Artist Statement:
My subject matter tends to explore the heritage and beauty of a place. It is fascinating to observe the emotional and physical connections people make on the land. The North East of England is where I live and its heritage and beauty form a strong attachment to my heart. The proud and emotional memories of past generations are observed in my photography to acknowledge, encourage and inspire future generations.
Biography:
I’m Jessica, a photographer based in County Durham, England, where I have lived my whole life. I have recently graduated from the University of Sunderland achieving a first class BA(Hons) degree in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging.
Throughout my studies I have also worked at Beamish Museum, which is a historical open-air museum, which tells the story of the Northeast of England. Whilst working at the museum I developed a love of history and throughout my studies I have become fascinated with the emotional and physical connection people have with land or the place.
I have also taken an opportunity to be an official photographer at The Great North Run and worked with a walk and talk forum called ‘Incursions’, who were asked by The National Trust to create a piece of work exploring the Past, Present and Future of Souter Lighthouse.
I carried out an internship as a photographer with Sunderland Culture who are an Arts Council of England National Portfolio Organisation. I gained experience in photographing events and workshops within Sunderland Culture for their advertising.
In every project my aim is to always respect not only the places and the people that make up the North-East but also the process of recording how we see our history. I am always interested in the next project and looking forward, so if you like what you see, give me a shout and let me know how I can help out.
Working History:
(July 2023)
Northumbria Water: VIVA Awards
I photographed people socializing at the awards ceremony including the winners being presented with their awards.
(July – September 2023)
Sunderland 73: The people’s visual History of the FA Cup
I helped to document the social events they had to bring people together and also assisted photographer Julian Germain whilst out on location while he documented people’s belongings for his book.
(May 2023)
Sunderland Culture Internship
During my internship I photographed at the organisations locations within the city of Sunderland (Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Art Centre Washington, National Glass Centre, Fire Station) the images were everything from Venues, Workshops, Exhibits, Products, Conferences and Musical Gigs.
(September 2022)
Great North Run
I worked with the photography team that took images of the participants with their medals for a commercial enterprise.
(July 2022)
NGCA x Sunderland Uni Island Exhibition Takeover
As apart of the exhibition Island at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) I was one of the thirteen students and staff from the University of Sunderland’s Fine Art and Photography departments to present their own artwork exploring the North East’s coastline.
(March 2022)
Incursions – ‘THREE WALKS
A filming project that explored the past, present and future of Souter Lighthouse and the surrounding coastline of the Leas, documented thorough three walks.