p.2022-ongoing
This series was developed during Ellis Bairstow's time at the Glasgow School of Art, inspired by the people he encountered across the school. Through founding the Climbing Society and the Gallery Society, Ellis had the opportunity to connect with individuals from a wide range of disciplines, outside of his own course. These interactions sparked his fascination with the unique talents, creativity, and passion that each person brought to their specific field of study.
Motivated by a desire to capture the individuality and drive of his peers, Ellis embarked on this photographic series. The work serves as a visual tribute to the vibrant community of artists, designers, and creators at GSA, each with their own story and dedication to their craft. By focusing on the people he met, Ellis sought to showcase the breadth of talent within the art school and highlight the personal connections he formed throughout his studies.
The images in the series are predominantly shot on 5x4 film, though some were captured on medium format. The use of large and medium format film lends a deliberate, contemplative quality to the portraits, emphasizing the importance of each subject and their unique artistic journey. Through this series, Ellis not only documents the individuals he encountered but also reflects on the collective spirit of creativity that defines the Glasgow School of Art.
Anna Waterston
Anna Rose-Mcchesney
Militsa Milenkova
Maya McMahon-Boon
Freya Lennox