Artist of the Month - Alison Webber
Posted 26 May 2023
Our artist of the month for May is Dorset Visual Art's member Alison Webber. She has a solo show 'UNORTHODOX PERSPECTIVES' at the Malthouse Gallery, Lyme Regis from Friday 9th June until Thursday 15th June 2023. You can find out more here.
Alison is a neurodivergent photographer from Dorchester. Passionate about black and white photography, Alison demonstrates an eclectic range of photographic styles from contemporary architecture to sweeping Dorset landscapes.
She uses textures, patterns, reflections and shadows to highlight the interaction between shapes and light while at the same time creating well defined compositions and maintaining a harmonious contrast between light and dark.
Alison is an active member of, and a volunteer for, the Royal Photographic Society. In 2020, she was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) for a panel of images which illustrates what she describes as, "a version of my autistic reality."
Being part of the local photographic community is important to Alison. She is a member of both the Bridport Camera Club and Dorset Independent Photographers, as well as being the founding member of a monochrome critique group.
Alison is keen to demonstrate that autism isn’t a barrier to photographic success and regularly gives talks about her relationship with photography and autism to camera clubs and other groups. She also runs free photography workshops for small groups of autistic adults.
Alison regularly exhibits her work, including solo exhibitions at the Malthouse Gallery in Lyme Regis together with opening her studio during Dorset Art Weeks.
Here is what she had to say about working in Dorset: There are times when I seek to immerse myself in the calmness of the Dorset countryside, taking inspiration for my work from rolling hills or dense forests. At other times I long to be by the sea, exploring the beaches, harbours, piers and the jagged cliffs which define our coastline. Then there is the draw of the urban landscape on a bright sunny day when bold geometric features cast deep shadows. The Dorset landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful, something which will provide me with photographic opportunities for many years to come.
You can find out more about Alison Webber's work here and see her Dorset Visual Arts profile here.