Hi, my name is Hazel and I've an everlasting energy for creativity. I have a First Class Honours Degree in Photography, amid other qualifications including Graphic Design. I am an Associate Member of the Royal Photographic Society with over 30 years practical experience in the photographic sector. One could say well placed technically and creatively to be where I am today.

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Optical Sentiments evolves from my final year exhibition assignment 'Hinterland' at University. This spoke of how light plays an essential part in all we know, what we do, and how we identify different forms by using constituents of our sensory system like touch and smell; more importantly using our sight to distinguish between countless living species.  Natural light is central to the process of seeing and one of the key elements for the survival of all life forms, also photography within the field of art. Biological and scientific accountability engages artificial light, incorporating Microscopy.

 

The work for Hinterland was produced by means of unconventional optics either connected to the camera body or separate apparatus. The traditional lens was incorporated achieving visuals for a presented book integrating work from the exhibit. Hinterland was just one of the many assignments undertaken, not without challenges, but I truly enjoyed completing every assignment and so very proud of my achievements.

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Optical Sentiments believes art is far more than just pictures. I find the power of an image releases diverse emotional reactions that sit dormant within us and I encourage everyone to be creative by way of debating, engaging with or producing creative works to enrich our mental health and well-being. The work I produce not only encompasses the photographic image, but abstract visuals digitally created and crafting. 

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The abstract can be found in all forms of life and artefacts around us. The works I create as Optical Sentiments aims to energize joy through the mind’s eye by exploring surface and depth. My influences derive from William Henry Fox Talbot (early Scientist and pioneer in Photography), Wassily Kandinsky (Artist), Jackson Pollock (Artist); also crafting and mixed media.