Walk and Talk

These images are part of a larger, ongoing project that explores the ways in which people, objects and places are viewed and observed based on particular circumstances.

In May 2020 I was diagnosed with incurable Stage IV Melanoma. My doctor advised me to walk and talk, so I have been. When out with my camera I’ve been documenting what I see, it became clear to me that my condition is always there, in the back of my mind, ready to show itself in strange and unexpected places. 
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Green Tiles

Overnight I had to become a non drinker, it was tough and still is. There are not many things that can conjure the sounds and smells of a British pub like these racing green tiles. Seeing them on a walk instantly makes me want a cold Guinness, until I remember that Guinness is no longer on the menu.
Tape Cassettes

This image reminds me of one of the drawers in my bedroom when I was a teenager. I’d expect to be sent on a wave of nostalgia but instead I find myself rushing forward from that time to now and wondering what on earth my teenage self would think of what’s happening now.
First of the Roll

If you haven’t advanced your film in the camera enough you can get these ‘first of the roll’ images. This one evoked a response about my condition once it came back from the developing lab. Cancer can sometimes feel like you haven’t advanced enough yet to produce the full image of your life.
Sick

There’s nothing like an unreserved, plain and simple reminder!
Insomnia (triptych)

At various points I’ve been on medication that keeps me up all night. Insomnia is a surreal experience, It’s not quite real, like you’re out wandering the world alone. Then you wake up from an hour of sleep and realise you’ve been nowhere for what feels like ages with hardly any time passing.