James Robertshaw

I'm based in Hastings on the south coast of England and am fortunate to live within a short walk of the sea. I have a background in psychology, education and commercial freelance photography.

I’m interested in the elemental, temporal relationship between the sky and the surface of the sea and how different combinations relate to human psychological states.

In language there are strong links between weather, light and sea states and descriptions of human moods and feelings. For example, the specific terminology used for different degrees of swell include ‘very low’, moderate’, ‘high’ and ‘confused’. My aim is to explore and illustrate this environmental/psychological analogy from a personal perspective.

Working from my kayak, I feel immersed in the environment and it’s from there that I first document the light, colour and texture in different conditions. I then work with an image to abstract, concentrate, merge and distort elements. Each work is a progression; I begin with a feeling rather than an aim for a specific final result and allow my thoughts, emotions and memories to influence and direct the work.

Bsc (Hons) Psychology 1996

Solaris Summer Show 2022
Interactive Media Awards 2016
14 Months of Solitude 2021, 2022
Sony World Photography Awards 2011
Renaissance Photography Prize 2010