Sarah - Edition of 11 c-type prints from Polaroid Photograph

Matthew Houston was born in London in 1961 and grew up in Norfolk and Suffolk. An interest in photography began early in life, growing out of two childhood obsessions - chemistry and the natural world. He studied printmaking at Central School of Art, London and also earned an honours degree in photography from the London College of Printing. ' Photographs generally have an emphasis on the image formed by a lens. That's mostly where the subject is to be found. I discovered, during my student days and beyond, that I was increasingly drawn to the materials that were forming the picture. The materials and the processes involved.' While running a Cabaret on a sailing ship moored in the London docks he began making portraits using the small stage. First with friends and then actors, models and dancers. Many were made with large format cameras using sheet film and Polaroid. ' I set out with no preconceived ideas. I was interested to see what would happen. It was the stage itself that prompted the inclusion of a person. Sometimes I've used references to mythological figures as a starting point. I think that was also suggested by the stage, the platform, the pedestal to be stood on. And it was a way to hint at something of the ancient and mythological. I noticed it doesn't have to be pushed as a simple pose or some small detail can open a door to so much. Well I find that anyway. And then using Polaroid film gave the material a chance to be part of the picture as well. Polaroid is known for all kinds of quirks and accidents that are a reminder of process. As with other photographs I've made I feel it important that material and process are still included, still evident.”