By: stuartfreedman

stuartfreedman — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Hello Sarah, Brick Lane has changed beyond all recognition for me - but then again that's probably true for each generation. You should look at the work of the marvellous Czech photographer, Marketa Luskacova: http://www.marketaluskacova.com/ who worked on Brick Lane for years and years. She belongs to that great tradition of humanist photography from the 'Seventies (that I suppose would include amongst others, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Graham Smith and Chris Killip) that turned their lenses on Britain. Funnily enough, I used to share a printer with Luskacova - the brilliant Charlie at Bert Hardy's old darkroom Grove Hardy in Waterloo (now sadly closed). I remember Charlie working on some of her prints. Beautiful and dark and full of humanity and humour. It's a great pity that there's so little on Sharon Chazan's work available but I'm pleased that the recent BBC4 documentary received so much attention... Good luck with your course and in terms of tips, I can only say take a lot of pictures and don't be daft enough as I was to try and make a living out of it. All best, Stuart

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:30:43 +0000

After watching the docu re Sharon Chazan, I stumbled across yr fascinating blog while trying to find out more about her. I too, have memories of the old Brick Lane circa early 1980′s, when I lived in Leyton with a house full of students and bikers. We used to stumble through the Brick Lane market on a Sunday morning, hanging, listening to Hawkwind on our walkmans and pop into the bagel shop for breakfast.
Now I live just outside Glastonbury and am an artist and writer about to return for my final year on creative arts degree. Just beginning to get interested in photography. Any tips for a beginner?

Comments on: Why Umbra Sumus?

By: stuartfreedman

By: Sarah