Jane Trotter

Imagery which challenges creative boundaries and stimulates the imagination has always been at the forefront of my abstract photography. Exploring more unconventional methods of interpretation and presentation, I take familiar, everyday items found around my home and transform them from the ordinary into the extraordinary; this is my ‘Abstracted Reality’.

Right from the outset, my photographic vision has been to look at objects with fresh eyes and a new perspective. For me, photography is not so much about artistically recording what is there, but creating something new and different out of what exists already. I want to give new life to a subject, to alter and challenge the viewer’s perspective and to invite a sense of mystery, wonder and intrigue.

To achieve this, I made the conscious decision not to heavily manipulate or artificially create my photographs. Having to rely on my own imagination and creativity was invigorating, and through this process, I came to realise how highly I value the truthfulness and authenticity of a photographic image. I don’t want to manufacture my pictures in the computer. Paradoxically, I want my ‘unreal’ abstracts to be as ‘real’ and authentic as possible.

The use of colour, bold shapes and patte...

I’m a musician as well as a photographer. I’ve played the piano since I was 9 years old, and I’ve been teaching the piano for over 30 years. I came to photography in my 40s, wanting a new creative challenge. Something visual seemed perfect as it would complement my musical background.

I decided to begin my photographic journey by exploring my immediate surroundings and started to take pictures of familiar objects from around my home. I soon discovered I wanted to go beyond presenting the various items in any ‘realistic’ way, and instead, began to experiment with, and explore more unconventional methods of presentation and interpretation. It soon became very apparent that I was instinctively drawn to abstract imagery. Furthermore, I hadn’t had to leave the house to create my images – I was managing to find plenty of material to keep me occupied, motivated and challenged at home. My ‘Abstracted Reality’ was born!

In a sense, I view my lack of any ‘formal’ training as a photographer as a blessing. I’ve been able foster and nurture my own style from the outset. Learning at my own pace and exploring in my own way has given me an enormous amount of freedom, both artistically and personally.

Eager to share what I’ve learnt over the y...

Dunedin Photographic Society Community Exhibitions
Dunedin Art Society Community Exhibitions
Privateering Light Exhibition, Dunedin, March 2015
Featured Artist at Nevill Studios, Dunedin, October 2015
'The Photo Show' at Moray Gallery, Dunedin, August 2016
Guest Artist at Fiordland Art Society Multi-media Art Exhibition, Te Anau, October 2017
Dunedin Art Show, Dunedin, September 2017
'Abstraction' Group Exhibition of the international on-line photography magazine 'F-Stop Magazine', October 2019