Salcombe Mud 1

Larkspur 3

Larkspur 5

Agapanthus 1

Tree 4

Seascape 2

Redcurrants1

Rainbow chard, sliced beetroot and cabbage are some of the images that have inspired Elise Carr to produce stunning photographs in her forthcoming exhibition Chromatography at Harbour House, Kingsbridge, from the 20th April. It’s not all veg however; flowers, sea and sky take on a painterly quality that might not suit purists, but is a sumptious celebration of colour and form. She has an artist’s eye, creating evocative images that make the most humble of objects vibrant and exciting.

Elise acquired her sister’s Brownie camera when she was ten and became smitten with photography. As well as taking the usual portraits and holiday scenery she took many pictures of aging rooftiles and reflections of buildings in water. When at sixteen she was able to gain access to her childhood savings account she took the whole amount out to buy a Yashika twin-lens camera with attachable coloured lenses and a wonderful lift-up viewfinder. With this she continued to experiment until, unfortunately, the film required for it was no longer available (but she still has the camera!)

Being a keen gardener she is inspired by the beautiful forms and colours of the flowers and vegetables that she has grown, both in situ and when gathered in glorious abundance. Now with the benefit of digital photography and her IMac she creates new and exciting perspectives of familiar subjects. This allows her to experiment with the colours that she find stimulating which keeps the photos fresh and surprising, whilst also enhancing the subject’s breathtaking natural integral structures.