Mary Shields

So many Artists have their passion for Art or photography ignited by a friend or family member in early childhood,as Mary did.

This why we encourage our youth to participate in all of our exhibitions, to help fuel that creative fire until the child believes they can create beautiful art or photography.

So, Mary….

Q1; My photography obsession started when I was given my first camera when I was around 10 years old. My father was an avid photographer, who also took 9mm film. My camera was a small camera where you inserted a cassette which contained the roll of film.

I would photograph anything and everything, but had to save up my pocket money and wait to get the pictures back. Not like with instant digital today.

I then continued to TAFE, specializing in photography in second year.

There I learned all about black and white photography. How to take photos, how to drive all the controls of a fully manual camera, how to develop negatives and how to develop and create photographic prints.

Q2. At TAFE, I started out with a second hand camera from my sister, a Pentax K1000, which I used throughout TAFE and afterwards.

Then more recently I bought a Sony camera.

I also came across the artform photography of Infrared. This took me by storm! .

This has captured my attention for nearly 3 years, with poor old Sony being ignored a bit.

Most recently I have rediscovered the photographic artform of Mordancage. This is my next project. There is lots to learn and equipment to organise. So watch this space!

Favourite subjects: anything. I am an opportunistic photographer, always keeping an eye out for a shot. NO AI here!!

Q3. My techniques for post processing are usually minimal. A little colour here, a little sharpening there. Not much else.

I have an enlarger and darkroom, which I am planning to use in my pursuit of the Mordancage process which requires true printing of silver based prints.

Q4. Favourite photographers?

For black and white, Ansell Adams is the baseline for excellence.

Q5.My inspiration comes from nature, clouds, landscapes, people, buildings, whatever I am looking at at the time.

Q6. Cassino Art Gallery has given me an outlet to exhibit some of my works. I’ve met some amazing and talented people, who are dedicated to keeping the gallery alive and growing!

Q7, My favourite colour is black and white

Tracey Piccoli | Kathy Pollitt | Jeanette Bennett | Katrina Daley | Mary Shields