Artist Statement
By Chris Webb
This exhibition brings together two strands of my photographic work, both rooted in a strong connection to people and place.
The first room features portraits of individuals from Wirksworth, Derbyshire—people who are involved in local community groups. These portraits are a way to highlight the vital but often unseen work done by those who help shape and support the town. I wanted to create images that reflect their presence and contribution in an honest, respectful way.
In contrast, the second room presents landscapes from around the world, which have been developed further using some elements of mixed media. These works begin as photographs but are pushed beyond the image to explore texture, atmosphere, and emotion. Each piece is shaped not just by what I saw, but by how the place felt—often dramatic, sometimes unfamiliar, and always layered.
Together, these two rooms offer a look at different ways of engaging with the world: through local connection and shared community, and through travel, observation, and creative interpretation.