In this episode of The Camera Cafe Show, we sit down with the inspiring Joanne Coates (UK), a visual artist and photographer whose work sheds light on the hidden stories of rural communities and working-class women. Joanne's unique perspective, rooted in her upbringing in the Northeast of England, has led her to explore themes of class, gender, and rurality through a multidisciplinary approach. 

We delve into Joanne’s acclaimed projects, including “Daughters of the Soil” and “Middle of Somewhere”, which showcase the resilience and creativity of women in agriculture and challenge stereotypes about rural life. Joanne also shares her experiences as the UK Election Artist for 2024, where she documented the rural vote and its role in shaping democracy. 

A highlight of our conversation is Joanne’s candid discussion of her neurodivergence, being diagnosed autistic and having ADHD, but how this shapes her art and creative process. She offers a deeply personal perspective on the challenges and strengths that come with it, and how she uses photography to build meaningful connections with her subjects. 

Join us as we explore how documentary photography can inspire change, foster understanding, and create a lasting impact on the communities it portrays. Whether you're an artist, a photographer, or simply someone passionate about storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired to look at the world differently. 

Key Takeaways: 

- Joanne’s journey from a working-class rural upbringing to an award-winning artist. 

- Insights into her projects “Daughters of the Soil” and “Middle of Somewhere”. 

- How her role as the UK Election Artist gave voice to rural communities. 

- The impact of neurodivergence on her art and creative process. 

- The power of collaboration and storytelling in documentary photography. 

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The Transcription of Joanne’s Episode is Available on our Website.

Check out more of Joanne’s work:

Website: https://www.joannecoates.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannecoates_/

X: https://x.com/JoanneRCoates

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqUQE5RqKOQ

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Thanks for listening and look out for our next episode!