JONATHAN CHERRY: What got you started with photography?

ROBERT GRAY: I had a passion that needed an outlet, I had wanted to document Britain both from a social and from a landscape point of view. I soon realised that photography was what I wanted to specialise in. After studying photography at college and university I was now able to visualise and articulate what I had struggled to in the past. Six years later photography was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Honorable mention to Max Spielmann disposable cameras.

JC: Any emerging artists inspiring you at the moment?

RG: Its always interesting to come across new photographers especially ones with a similar interest to yourself. I have recently come across the work of Phil Underdown, Jesse Marlow and Leigh Merrill. 

JC: Whats your current project all about?

RG: Each person views his or her surroundings differently. This variation in visual comprehension differs because of educational, geographical and social influences. My aim is to document my perception of the suburban, rural and urban British landscape through the medium of contemporary landscape and social documentary photography.

JC: Where are you currently living and how is it shaping you?

RG: Half the year I live in Manchester and the other half I live in Hull (UK). Living in two different places for so long has a lot of pros. Were I live influences my work massively and is the backdrop to a lot of my images, living between two cities means I remain motivated and sharp.

JC: Sum your University experience up in 2 words?

RG: Informed opinion

JC: Any big plans for the rest of 2012?

RG: Just about to go into my final year of University and plan to have a very busy year. I have just set up a website and it shall be followed later in the year by a photography book which will also partner an exhibition that is also in the pipe line. 2012 - 2013 for me is very much about appropriate exposure of my work.

JC: Favourite tree?

RG: Bonsai Tree (Karate Kid reference).