A chat with Artist in Residence Jamie Bubb
Portrait by Graeme Oxby
“I do think there’s something that’s in us all that’s worth recording and documenting.”
As part of our Phase 4 programming, we have committed to delivering a three-year programme of work within the Balby Bridge Estate to get to know the community on a deeper level. We had a chat with Jamie Bubb, our Artist in Residence and a local photographer from Doncaster, to get to know him more and understand the work he is delivering in the area.
Can you briefly explain your style and what you like to photograph? How do you usually socially engage?
Jamie: I’m generally quite interested in people. I do think there's something that's in us all that's worth recording and documenting.
I think that's always been my aim. To not only find out about people, for my benefit, but I think finding out about other people helps us understand ourselves. You can be presented with different points of view, different life experiences, and sometimes common points of view and shared life experiences.
I want people to like their photographs - I want people to like their selves a bit more after they've seen their photograph.
I worked in a commercial setting, working for companies, where I bring my style of photography. I've got a long 25 years in the creative industry with a background of illustration and graphic design.
Can you speak about the project and your intentions for the work?
Jamie: It's a little bit freer (than my usual commercial work). The brief develops as the work develops. The brief writes itself. Sometimes might not become evident what the brief was until the very end. But that's, that's the interesting thing. It’s about exploration.
It's an interesting journey so far and we're right at the beginning. I can't wait to see what happens.
Can you talk a bit on some of the work you’ve done so far within the community? Have you met anyone?
Jamie: I've started to find some common threads in what people are saying and attitudes. Some of it just even saying hello to somebody in the street and having a brief exchange.
I had my hair cut last week in a local barber. Just listening to conversations. I'm going to book in for a fresh shave so I can spend a bit more time there. They're a really interesting group of lads who work there.
I've been invited by the bingo ladies to actually play bingo. They made me promise that if I win the pot of money, I'll buy cake. So maybe they'll let me win so that I end up buying cake.
I've already got my idea for my first image. So that's come a lot quicker than I thought.
Do you feel a personal connection at all to that area?
Jamie: It’s in Doncaster and I've lived in Doncaster my entire life for nearly 50 years.
So, I've had friends who've lived on that estate. I don't think there are many places in Doncaster I don't have some part of my life connected to.
It does have a personal connection because it's part of my hometown.
The bingo ladies remind me of Auntie's when I was growing up. They've got that same kind of tough exterior.
Can you describe your approach to the project?
Jamie: Talk to as many people as possible and see where that leads. It's exploratory.
I'm not going to force anybody to be involved. If somebody interest or wants to talk to me I will do. Just talk to people respectfully be honest about what I'm doing and why I'm there.
Why do you think the estate is the best place for this kind of project?
Jamie: In my experience, Art brings something to communities that nothing else does.
The angle is to celebrate and lift people up. I think when you work in an area that is going through a lot of change, like this estate has over the last 15 years, people need a lift up. Sometimes all that takes is to allow do something in the form of art that allows people to look at themselves, and maybe just be reminded of those things that are worth celebrating.
“I do think there’s something that’s in us all that’s worth recording and documenting.”