J J Waller photographs ‘The Bohemians’
J J Waller
Photographer JJ Waller has been working in St Leonards since the summer of 2007. Better known for his commissioned portraits of top comedians like Paul Merton, Julian Clary and Reginald D Hunter his work in St Leonards has become an important documentation of a town experiencing significant changes.
He regularly visits from his base in nearby Brighton and he and his camera have become a familiar sight on the streets of both Central St Leonards and Bohemia. “I have developed a great liking and respect towards this town and have made many friends here. I particularly like the architecture, the amazing light and of course the very friendly people.”
Eventually JJ intends to publish his work as a book incorporating interviews with local residents, shopkeepers and artists. In the book will be a series of portraits of people living and working in Bohemia.
“The Bohemians project has been an exciting collaboration with the folk at the Bohemia Village Voice who have helped by making the all-important introductions to local residents. I never really know who I’m going to meet when I ring the bell. It’s kind of people to agree to participate and invite me into their homes. It’s great that some of these portraits will get their very first showing in the Voice. I find a high degree of optimism and feeling for Bohemia and I hope that positivity is reflected in these portraits.”
◊ You can see JJ Waller’s work at his website. If you would like to participate in The Bohemians portrait project please contact the Bohemia Village Voice or email JJ Waller at office@jjwaller.com
Website: www.jjwaller.com
Please click on the names to see the pictures.
Adam Earl photographed in 2009.
Allena Tyrell photographed 2009.
Andy Hubbard photographed 2009.
Brian Hughes photographed 2009. Published 2011, edition # 80.
Cathy Walling photographed 2009.
Chris Tomlinson photographed 2009.
Don Ray & Frank Jenkins photographed 2009. Published 2011, edition # 81.
Eddie Whitney photographed 2009.
George Okines photographed 2009.
Gill Brett photographed 2009. Published 2010, edition # 77.
Henry Baines photographed 2009. Published 2010, edition # 75.
Imogen Pybus photographed 2009.
James Caspian photographed 2009.
John Humphries photographed 2009.
Lollipop Lady photographed 2009.
Mary Housman photographed 2009. Published 2010, edition # 76.
Sarah Janes photographed 2009.
Scott Garrett & Jakki photographed 2009.
Sellens French photographed 2009.
Shahriah Mazandi photographed 2009. Published 2011, edition # 78.
Vic Chalcraft photographed 2009.
COMMENT
J J Waller writes (Mar 2013) Thanks to the Bohemia Village voice for putting me in touch with the people living in Bohemia shown here. It was without exception very interesting to meet and photograph them all. I appreciate their trust. The portraits are a ‘chapter’ within my wider body of work about the incredible town of St leonards On Sea. Started in 2009 it is still ongoing in 2013. I aim to bring out a book of this work and am currently looking to discuss with local people that share my passion for the town ways and means to find funding to achieve this. JJ Waller March 2013. www.jjwaller.com
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