The leader of the Regional group is;
Rod Fry ARPS,
Telephone number 01803 844721 after 7pm
e mail: rod@rodfry.eclipse.co.uk

Website address for the RPS Contemporary group is: www.rpscontemporary.org

We are a friendly, supportive, non competitive group of like minded photographers, who prefer to work on projects with a personal approach.

We meet 3 – 4 times a year to discuss work, exchange ideas and inspire each other.

Our meetings are open to all interested members, so if you are looking for more from your photography, you like to work in projects rather than chase single images or you like the personal non-competitive approach to your image making you are welcome to join.

Launched 3 years ago we have been quite active and successful. The group has published together with a Crediton Writing Group The book ‘Leaving Traces’,  had an exhibition in the Plymouth Sherwell Gallery, and has just published the book ‘Transient Witness’. The exhibition “‘Transient Witness’, Changes in South West England”, was held at The Sherwell Gallery, Plymouth.

Regarding the images, please click on the image you wish to view, this is now a user browseable gallery.

Regional Events: 

Contemporary South West Group Meeting

On Sunday 18th March, Carol Ballenger and Graham Hodgson were the perfect hosts, for the Contemporary South West Group meeting, at their home in Dartington. 
It was truly an inspirational day, with all the diverse and varied photographic projects on display.  All the work was thoughtfully reviewed and each worker was given considered feedback. 
Mick Medley is exploring the temporary fencing that surrounds so many building projects, and acts a barrier to things on either side. His new line of enquiry concentrated on how people interact to these fences. 
His second project, which could prove to be a long-term undertaking, is to follow the fate of a fire damaged building in Bovey Tracey. 
Jenny Leathes then showed us showed some more images from her Heartlands project, which is nearing completion culminating in an exhibition and book.  Jenny is concentrating on the old Robinson Shaft, which is at the core of this major redevelopment and this has given the work its vision.
Michael Woodhead is recording the old abandoned coaching route from Exeter to Barnstaple. The images have a forlorn feel to them, as the road threads its way through the rolling Devon landscape. Chumleigh a village on route, once a vibrant coaching stop over point, has become a quite backwater.
Nancye Gault showed us a series of photographs with the motif of feet in them. She explained that they were a tangible record, to show you were once here.  The public information maps, pointing out “you are here” have also caught her attention and are being scrutinised by her critical gaze. This is a fascinating project, which is bound to develop as the story unfolds.
Muriel Somerfield majored on a part of the Cornish coast near Porthleven some time ago. A recent rock fall prompted her to go back to record this dramatic change to the cliff, Muriel has sensitively documented the effects of this event. 
She has also been gathering more information on the Helston Community Centre closure in the form of newspaper cuttings and was looking for advice on the best way to use them in her current project.
John Evan-Jones through his images is exploring the meaning of the colour blue. His images look at the physiological effects the colour is meant to have when viewed.
Quite by coincidence Graham Hodgson showed us a set of images predominately using the colour white.  
Carol Ballenger very kindly showed us the final draft of her book Dartington Hall: One Endless Garden.  The book published by Halsgrove will be officially launched in June this year, has been five years in the making. The images sensitively record the ebb and flow of the seasons through this garden, since its creation in 1925 by Peter and Dorothy Elmhirst and the people who pass through it during the course of a year. It is a journey through time as well as place.
South West Group Exhibition
“Just Looking?” would continue to be the working theme for our next collaborative exhibition, it was felt that this year would be used for photographers to work on their own projects. Next year a submission would be prepared for the gallery hanging committee, with a view to staging the exhibition in 2014-15.

Events

Two members of our Group have major events this year that are a must for discerning Photographers.

Saturday 26th May -Heartland exhibition visit and field trip.
Jenny Leathes has arranged for members of the Contemporary South West Group to visit her exhibition. Jenny will be at the gallery at Heartlands from 10.00 am onwards. After lunch at the Red river café (or you may bring your own lunch if you prefer), Jenny is happy to lead a walk around the surrounding area. Starting at 14.00 hours out side the café. The walk will last approximately three hours and take in some controversial sculptures, the local covered market and remnants of the mining industry.
For details how to get to Heartlands please visit the website <http://www.heartlandscornwall.com> 
I am sure this will be a fascinating and rewarding day out and whilst is primarily for RPS Contemporary Group Members, is open to all who are interested. In order to get an idea of numbers, could you please email me to let me know if you will be attending? 

Thursday 21st June Carol Ballenger Book launch

Through the auspices of Arts Live members have been invited to an exhibition, including a book launch of Carl Ballenger’s new book called Dartington Hall: One Endless Garden. Carols photographs celebrate this special garden, surrounding fields and woods created by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst.

There is no charge to visit Carols event, but if a group of 10 or more wish to be a party to photograph in the garden there is a charge of £5.00 and  we have to get prior permission to photograph in the grounds. So for all those interested, I would be most grateful if you could let me know as soon as possible, if you just wish to attend the book launch and or wish to photograph in the grounds. So I can make the necessary arrangements with the trust.

The exhibition is in the Garden Room at Space, Dartington Hall, starting at 6.30pm -8.30pm. If you wish to photograph in the grounds I suggest we meet at 3.00 pm at the main house car park.

For more information please contact www.artslive.org.uk

Book details Dartington Hall: One Endless Garden

Halsgrove ISBN978 0 85704 web price £34.99. 

Contrasting Contemporary Weekend 10th - 11th November 2012

See full details and download PDF on downloads page 

If  you are keen to join the Contemporary Group or wish to find out more about this exciting genre of photography, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Rod Fry ARPS Deputy Chairman 
Contemporary Group
 <mailto:rod@rodfry.eclipse.co.uk> 
telephone :01803 844721 ( after 7pm)