The Urbanaut Pidcast - Richard Chivers🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #54 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with British photographer Richard Chivers, whose work documents the transformation of the British landscape. Richard shares insights into his creative process, personal and professional projects, and the environmental and cultural narratives that inspire him.About Our Guest: Richard Chivers

About our guest:

Richard Chivers is a documentary photographer whose work explores the shaping and reshaping of the British landscape. His practice focuses on how humans modify both urban and natural environments through infrastructure, industry, housing, and leisure—and how these changes affect and define our world.

Richard has received multiple Arts Council awards to create, curate, and exhibit his work, which has been showcased across the UK and internationally. As the co-founder of the Human Endeavour photography collective, Richard developed projects such as Degeneration and The Glasgow Effect, which were exhibited at the Brighton Photo Fringe and the Format International Photography Festival. Now a member of the MAP6 Collective, Richard has worked on recent projects in Milton Keynes, The Shetland Islands, Finland, and Wales.

Episode Links:

Website: www.rchiversphoto.co.uk
Instagram: @chiversphotoprojects

Tune in to this episode to:

• Learn how Richard’s upbringing and influences shaped his photographic voice.
• Explore the cultural and environmental narratives behind his projects, from industrial quarries to disappearing gas holders.
• Delve into his documentation of the decline of social housing in Degeneration.
• Understand the balance between professional architectural photography and personal exploration.
• Discover his process-driven approach to photographing the British landscape.

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Most Replayed
0:55 - Richard’s Background and Introduction
2:41 - Early Influences: Family and Film
5:10 - Switching Careers to Pursue Photography
12:03 - University Projects: Insecurity and Early Style
11:23 - Exploring Urban and Industrial Landscapes
37:24 - The Fascination with Quarries and Geology
45:04 - Photographing Greenham Common and Nuclear History
1:05:15 - The Collective Project: Degeneration
1:14:21 - Documenting the Decline of Gas Holders
1:19:00 - Architectural Photography as a Career
1:25:00 - Balancing Personal and Professional Projects
1:30:29 - Reflection on Process and the Enjoyment of Photography
1:34:00 - Challenges of Photographing Familiar Spaces
1:42:10 - Nature Reclaiming Industrial Sites
1:50:00 - Documenting Social and Environmental Change

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
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• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RichardChivers #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #UrbanLandscapes #ArchitecturalPhotography #MAP6Collective #VisualNarrative #ArtisticProcess #Urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #53 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with British photographer Al Brydon, whose evocative work explores the intersections of time, place, and memory. Known for his solargraph series and co-founding the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al offers a glimpse into his creative process and philosophical musings on photography.

About Our Guest: Al Brydon

Al Brydon is a Sheffield-based photographer whose work delves into experimental and narrative-driven photography. A co-founder of the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al is celebrated for projects like his solargraph series, which uses pinhole cameras to capture long-exposure images over months. His practice reflects a fascination with deep time, imperfection, and the unseen, creating a layered exploration of landscapes and human connection. Al’s work has been exhibited globally and featured in publications such as Solargraphs and Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover how Al’s life in Sheffield and the Peak District shapes his creative outlook.
• Learn about the six-year journey behind his solargraph series and its philosophical underpinnings.
• Reflect on the role of chaos and destruction in art as a means of creation.
• Explore the process of turning experimental projects into photobooks.
• Gain insights into Al’s approach to storytelling and capturing the ephemeral.

Don’t forget to:

• Like this episode to support meaningful conversations about art and photography.
• Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth interviews with photographers and creatives.
• Share this episode with your community to inspire discussion about experimental photography.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Solargraph Prints: Argentea Gallery
• Based on a False Story Prints: MMX Gallery
• Al's New Book: Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly: Link
• Follow Al on Instagram: @al_brydon
• Website: www.al-brydon.com

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Coming Up…
3:28 - Life in Sheffield: Finding inspiration in an industrial and natural landscape
14:32 - Darkroom Revelations: Discovering the magic of photography
21:41 - Embracing Chaos: A creative philosophy of destruction and imperfection
28:32 - Mirror or Window? Reflecting on photography’s dual purpose
40:37 - Solargraphy Explained: Capturing deep time and unseen changes
49:18 - Time and Perspective: Exploring non-human perceptions of time
56:52 - A Forest’s Death: Documenting the destruction of a pine plantation
1:00:18 - Pandemic Anchor: Solargraphs as a source of solace during lockdown
1:13:16 - Influences and Inspirations: The artists who shaped Al’s work
1:16:56 - Photobook Creation: Turning Solargraphs into a published work
1:32:18 - Stories in the Landscape: Unexpected narratives in photography
1:47:00 - The Philosophy of Forgetting: Memory, absence, and ephemeral art
1:51:14 - Reflections on Art: Intention, interpretation, and artistic legacy

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#AlBrydon #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #Solargraphs #ExperimentalPhotography #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #52 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Finnish artist, educator, and curator Rebecca Simons. Her multidisciplinary work examines the complexities of family, trauma, and memory, offering immersive experiences that challenge conventional storytelling.

About Our Guest: Rebecca Simons

Rebecca Simons is a Swedish-speaking Finnish artist whose practice spans photography, video, installation, and community engagement. Her work delves into intergenerational trauma, exploring family dynamics and memory preservation through innovative methods. Based in the Netherlands, Rebecca is a teacher at Willem de Kooning Academy and a member of the SAAC (Sexually Abused Artists Collective). Her deeply personal yet collaborative approach has made her a vital voice in contemporary art.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover how Rebecca’s family history inspired her art and storytelling.
• Learn how she integrates archival materials, such as photographs and letters, into her work.
• Understand the impact of multidisciplinary art on addressing complex social issues.
• Explore her collaborative projects, such as Daughters and her work with SAAC.
  

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more episodes diving into the world of art and photography.
• Like and share this episode to spotlight Rebecca’s important work.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
  

EPISODE LINKS:

Rebecca’s Website: rebeccasimons.com SAAC Collective: saacamsterdam.com

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Coming Up… 2:48 - Rebecca’s background and introduction 5:14 - Transition from painting to photography as an interactive medium 7:39 - Multidisciplinary approach and artistic identity 20:17 - Personal storytelling as a tool for healing and dialogue 28:43 - Collaboration within her family and the healing process 33:08 - Using archival material to create layered narratives 42:11 - Immersive installations and their impact on viewers 56:58 - The role of resin in preserving memory and reclaiming narratives 1:13:54 - Rebecca’s involvement with SAAC and collective storytelling 1:21:21 - Thoughts and Advice for Artist and Image Makers

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RebeccaSimons #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #MultidisciplinaryArt #TraumaHealing #SAAC #FamilyNarratives #ArchivalArt #ContemporaryPhotography #Urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard