Artist review #2 Megan Liddle

I first met Megan Liddle earlier this month through The Bank House/Lighthouse Yarns in Whitehead. I was really excited to learn she is a photographer, as photography has become vital to my own work.  Since I started my knitwear business in 2011 I had to get pretty handy with my mobile phone to take product shots (I'm still in fear of lenses and meterage) and it's pretty obvious to me now that there's more to a photo than point and click!
Megan has a natural relaxed style in front of and behind the camera.  I personally love the Concept series for the nostalgic use of colour.  I hope you enjoy meeting Megan and viewing her photography as much as I did.

Megan Liddle

Hi Megan, tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get started?
My name is Megan Liddle, I'm 23 and have recently finished my degree at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle. I've always been interested in Photography since I was a teenager and when I'd studied it at A. Level I decided to pursue it further as a Degree.  You can see some of my work on my website www.meganliddlephotography.com

Limbo

How have your life experiences shaped your work?
I'm mainly interested in Analogue Photography as I enjoy experimenting. Film photography gives you less control as you would have with digital photography and I find this really exciting. I guess I have developed an interest in experimenting and being as hands on with my work as I can from my mother and grandmother; they are and were extremely artistic.
In relation to my recent work “Limbo” my experience at University was the inspiration. I had a pretty tough time for various reasons while I was living in Carlisle and it began to affect my productivity but one day I decided to base my work on how I felt at the time in attempt to both express how I felt as well as use my productivity as a way to help me cope.

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

What pieces of your work are you particularly proud of?
My most recent series “Limbo” is probably my best work I have produced since I began my Degree in 2011 which was a relief for several reasons as it showed my degree has helped form my understanding of Photography and that I gradually progressed as the years went on. It also helped me to realise that self doubt can be turned into something productive.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2/

How do you handle criticism?
If I'm honest, I probably don't handle criticism very well as I lack confidence in myself in a lot of ways.  My degree definitely helped me to handle it better due to my progression and support from fellow friends/graduates in the same boat as me.
Criticism is something I intend to work on, as it is a big part of the Art world as a whole. You can't appeal to everyone’s tastes but it doesn't mean your work is of less value.

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

How do you stay inspired?
Inspiration comes in waves for myself as I constantly doubt my ideas due to the abundant competition within the world of Photography but I make sure to stick to my gut and to concentrate on what in the world interests me. By using Photography as a way to learn more about life I feel it both helps me as a person as well as an artist.

Morocco http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/morocco2/

Which artists do you look up to?
I love Duane Michals, Matthew Brand http://www.matthewbrandt.com/, Ian Ruhter http://www.ianruhter.com/, Robert Mapplethorpe http://www.mapplethorpe.org/biography/, Patti Smith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Kids
Having a mind block but that’s a few off the top of my head! 'Just Kids' is one of my favourites about Robbert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith!

Patti Smith

What are your hobbies?
Photography is my hobby. No matter what I'm doing I always carry my camera with me in case I see something I feel the need to photograph. I'm always looking around me.

Morocco http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/morocco2/

Do you experiment with other art forms?
I have experimented with destroying films in the past to see how particular liquids can effect the emulsion. I've also used paint on photographs and cut up negatives to rearrange photographs. On the whole my main source is photography but I would like to delve into trying more things with it such as mixed media etc.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2

In what way do you use the internet for your craft?
The Internet is pretty imperative to me in relation to keeping up with Photographers all over the world and my competition. It is also the main platform I have for getting my work seen all over the world (if I'm lucky), for entering competitions, and to network with other artists/photographers which is essential in the world of Art.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2

What advice would you give anyone considering crafting full time?
To be honest I'd like to ask someone else this question as I'm out of University about two months and am still trying to adjust!

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

Where do you see your craft taking you in the future?
This question, to me, is impossible to answer but I hope it takes me to a happy and fulfilling place!

Megan Liddle

I'd like to thank Megan for answering my questions and for giving me some great images to use.  I reckon we'll be seeing much more of Megan as she finds her niche.  Keep up the good work, Megan - awesome!