Inspiration

The people, the places, the things that inspire my creativity, that spark the urge within me to create something new.

Below are a list of different inspirations, with weblinks where available.

Areas

The Lake District - how can anyone fail to be inspired by the majesty of the mountains, or the tranquility of the lakes and tarns.

The Peak District - the closest hilly area to my house, returning to the Peak feels like returning home. I've slept all over, walked all over, made images all over and still both the White and Dark Peak areas move me every time I visit.

The Yorkshire Dales - larger and higher and harder than the Peak District, smaller and lower and easier than the Lake District. Inhabited by the friendliest of people and with a special character all of it's own.

Photographers

Joe Cornish - his book "First Light" is a wonderful collection of images. He has certainly been an influence on me, stylistically a little, but more to do with what he has achieved as a photographer, both in his portfolio and in business.

Steve Lewis - less well known than Joe Cornish, but his articles in Outdoor Photography detailing the production of his first book were inspirational. Also, I had the chance to talk to him at a Light and Land Open Day and as well as being very friendly he gave me some excellent advice.

Peter Watson - probably the first photographer to inspire me when I began to explore. His books " A Field Guide To Landscape Photography" and "Light In The Landscape" cannot fail to both inspire with the images within, but also to make the reader think about the mental process behind a successful image.

David Ward - whilst his work is unquestionably brilliant it's actually his mind that inspires me. His books "Landscape Within" and "Landscape Beyond" look at the mental side of creativity, the thought processes, the feelings, the intelligence and emotion behind the creation of art.

Other Artists and Writers

Peter Brook - a stunning artist and a true gentleman. Sadly funds only allow the collection of prints, but these still have the power to move me every time I look at them.

A. Wainwright - the written word was Wainwright's tribute to the Lake District, and even now, 50 years on, that written word still has the power to inspire.

Arthur Ransome - the Swallows and Amazons books set in the Lake District portray a world long gone, but still those quiet corners can be found if you look hard enough.

Music

Mostly Autumn - call it rock, call it prog, call it folk...it's just beautifully written, atmospheric music. Mainman Bryan Josh has had a long love affair with the Lake District which often shows in his writing. "Passengers" is probably their strongest release, although "Glass Shadows" pushes it very close.

Mermaid Kiss - more operatic, softer, more prog than Mostly Autumn. I came to the band through their "Etarlis" album, set partly in Snowdonia, a place the band love, with good reason.

Riverside - a Polish prog band, imagine a modern day Pink Floyd with a heavier edge. The only band who I own every record they have released and there isn't a single song I don't like. Put "Out of Myself" on through headphones and sink into the music.

Iona - a mixture of folk, rock, Celtic and ambient music that transports the listener to another place.