Sam Cornwell

Artist Statement - October 2014

As a practitioner I describe myself as a multi-disciplinary photographic artist who specialises in a number of ‘fringe’ photographic techniques, specifically wet-plate printing, disposables, non-lens based film, astrophotography and abstract video pieces. After rediscovering the wonder of photography by forcing myself to relearn the vernacular by using only disposable cameras for a year I was able to free myself from the constraints of traditional photography rules, straight lines, perfect compositions and rigid ideas. I often tell people that to be able to break the rules you must learn them first.

As an artist, my interest also lies in the story of photography. I have studied the history of chemical based capture of light and continue to stay knowledgeable with emerging digital technologies. Considering what is lost in the photograph during the digital revolution will continue to be a main and overriding focal point of my practice.

Since moving to Hawick, Scotland with my young family my focus has narrowed to the community. By purchasing a small freehold in the centre of town to build my practice from I can concentrate on local ‘micro-projects’ that I can develop into community inspired wo...

Material Practice MSc - University of Edinburgh 2018

Photography BA(Hons) University of Portsmouth 2012

Photographic Art BA(Hons) University of Wales Newport 2011

The Hayling School '96

Exhibitions:
2013-2014
Astronomy Photographer of the Year, Royal Museums Greenwich, London, England, UK.
Winner: Sir Patrick Moore Prize
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2013
The Photo Show, Candid Arts Trust, London, England, UK.
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2013
The Collections Photography Exhibition, Doncaster Community Arts (Darts), Doncaster, England, UK.
Commissioned
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2013
The Photo Show, UoP Southsea, Portsmouth, England, UK.
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2012
RPS Selected Images 1854 to 2012, Cabot Circus, Bristol Festival of Photography, Bristol, England, UK.
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2011
Photomarathon, Cardiff Story Museum, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
Winner: 2 categories
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2011
Culture Control, The Riverfront, Newport, Wales, UK.
(exhibiting & curator)
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2010-2011
The Royal Photographic Society 153rd International Print Exhibition,
Allen & Overy LLP, London, England, UK.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales, UK.
Banbury Museum & Gallery, England, UK
Bonhoga Gallery, Scotland, UK.
Birmingham Institute of Art & Design, England, UK.
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2010
The Empty Shop Project,
Newport, Wales, UK.
Krakow, Poland.
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2010
148th International Exhibition of Photography, Photographic Exhibition Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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2010
Photomarathon, Cardiff Story Museum, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
Winner: 1 category
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2010
E...