To further my work on the road to destitution for asylum seekers my brief was opened up so I could develop it different ways. My thoughts were still with communicating the experience of the people involved to the viewer. The images here are for a booklet/leaflet about the campaign 'Still Human Still Here' and contains information from its website and resourses. I was inspired by David Carsons use of creative typography for this word. It pays off to be playful with it!

Other things I did to expand my work were animations and short films. I took photos in black and white, on a long shutter speed, and recorded a figure moving in an anguished way, similar to that of the photos before. Strung all together they form a rithing monster emerging from a figure. I'd upload it if it would let me!

Losing Your Humanity

How it might feel to have no control over your live, to have nothing, and to be disallowed anything.

12 Project

Photos for my 12 Project, still looking at the destitution trap and the experience of destitute asylum seekers.

Location Location Location!

This is where I'd be placed if I decide to the Overseas Challenge!

Campaign Posters

With the brief of creating campaign material of A4 size on an issue we felt passionately about, I chose to look at an already running campaign called 'Still Human, Still Here' which aims to change the way refused asylum seekers are treated once their application is over. After reading stories and a lot of information on the subject of destitution for asylum seekers I chose to portray a sense of losing your humanity, subjects that still resemble the figure but that are becoming unrecognisable as people - a reflection of the treatment and consequential emotional impact on asylum seekers who are told to leave the country, but have no choice but to stay. More information on what being refused refuge intails, http://stillhumanstillhere.wordpress.com/ has a lot of resourses. Particular interest should be paid to Amnesty Internationals 'Down and Out in London. The road to destitution for reected asylum seekers'.

A photograph I took for my darkroom induction, that I enjoyed working with. I think its got a good tonal range and her face is nicely lit, capturing her features flatteringly. The light that day was a bit dull so it didn't lend itself to good contrast.

I like photographing people viewing art. I has done it in the Saatchi Gallery, but the HARD RAIN exhibition displayed outside MMU library was really interesting. It was a public exhibition of photographs by Mark Edwards, aiming to adress peoples view of climate change. I actually went to Edwards lecture and was inspired. When accompained with Bob Dylan 'Hard rain' lyrics it made you realise how truely involved in the issue of climate change we are.

Overseas Challenge!

I've just found out that I've been selected for Manchester Metropolitan Universities Overseas Challenge! It's run is partnership with VESL, a volunteering organisation based in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The opportunity is to spend 6 weeks over summer in either India or Thailand teaching English to local communities and potentially organising after school clubs that incoorporate your interests.

It sounds so amazing - I was quite terrified when I read the email! It might be quite exciting to do it so spur of the moment - which is how I came to apply for it in the first place. Positive things always come from seizing opportunity! And as Allan said, I could have my own collection of volunteering photos just like his South Africa ones!

I need to raise £850 for the actual volunteering placement, and then for flights. Will be thinking hard about how to raise the money - I'm thinking creative ideas here! Mum thinks quilts and photos. I think drawings, books, crafty things... Still working on it though.

Website is here if you fancy a peak:
www.vesl.org

Hi dad!!

im watching you!

Late night art sessions with Anna

Eclectic and surreal, the glass bead turns the world upside down, offering hours of entertainment!

Hello Hannah!

I'm sure you'll be the first to look!