The Urbanaut Podcast

Ep. #53: Solar Arcs and Human Stories - Al Brydon’s Unique Vision

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🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #53 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with British photographer Al Brydon, whose evocative work explores the intersections of time, place, and memory. Known for his solargraph series and co-founding the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al offers a glimpse into his creative process and philosophical musings on photography.

About Our Guest: Al Brydon

Al Brydon is a Sheffield-based photographer whose work delves into experimental and narrative-driven photography. A co-founder of the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al is celebrated for projects like his solargraph series, which uses pinhole cameras to capture long-exposure images over months. His practice reflects a fascination with deep time, imperfection, and the unseen, creating a layered exploration of landscapes and human connection. Al’s work has been exhibited globally and featured in publications such as Solargraphs and Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly.


Tune in to this episode to:

  • Discover how Al’s life in Sheffield and the Peak District shapes his creative outlook.
  • Learn about the six-year journey behind his solargraph series and its philosophical underpinnings.
  • Reflect on the role of chaos and destruction in art as a means of creation.
  • Explore the process of turning experimental projects into photobooks.
  • Gain insights into Al’s approach to storytelling and capturing the ephemeral.


    • Don’t forget to:

    • Like this episode to support meaningful conversations about art and photography.
    • Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth interviews with photographers and creatives.
    • Share this episode with your community to inspire discussion about experimental photography.


      • EPISODE LINKS:

      • Solargraph Prints: Argentea Gallery
      • Based on a False Story Prints: MMX Gallery
      • Al's New Book: Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly: Link
      • Follow Al on Instagram: @al_brydon
      • Website: www.al-brydon.com


        • OUTLINE:
        0:00 - Coming Up…
        3:28 - Life in Sheffield: Finding inspiration in an industrial and natural landscape
        14:32 - Darkroom Revelations: Discovering the magic of photography
        21:41 - Embracing Chaos: A creative philosophy of destruction and imperfection
        28:32 - Mirror or Window? Reflecting on photography’s dual purpose
        40:37 - Solargraphy Explained: Capturing deep time and unseen changes
        49:18 - Time and Perspective: Exploring non-human perceptions of time
        56:52 - A Forest’s Death: Documenting the destruction of a pine plantation
        1:00:18 - Pandemic Anchor: Solargraphs as a source of solace during lockdown
        1:13:16 - Influences and Inspirations: The artists who shaped Al’s work
        1:16:56 - Photobook Creation: Turning Solargraphs into a published work
        1:32:18 - Stories in the Landscape: Unexpected narratives in photography
        1:47:00 - The Philosophy of Forgetting: Memory, absence, and ephemeral art
        1:51:14 - Reflections on Art: Intention, interpretation, and artistic legacy


        SOCIAL:

        • Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
        • Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
        • Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
        • Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


          • #AlBrydon #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #Solargraphs #ExperimentalPhotography #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard


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          The Urbanaut PodcastBy Patrick Lee Hubbard