Portraits giving poignant insight to the lives of people experiencing homelessness are due to go on display for the first time.
Photographer and filmmaker Jason Knott has spent one year with Catching Lives clients, staff and volunteers for a ‘Beyond The Margins’ series due to go on display this World Homeless Day.
Jason said: "Like any personal project, I was attracted to the stories - not only those of the clients, but the whole operation with all the hurdles they face every day. The staff and volunteers all have a story to tell as well.
“It was important for me to get to know the chosen clients and to gain the trust of those around the centre who attended each day. My storytelling process means that I like to make connections both ahead of the shoot and during the shooting.”
The project began with Jason attending the Catching Lives Day Centre in Canterbury and sitting quietly with his camera by his side. This invited curiosity from clients and Jason was able to build a rapport with those who wanted to be photographed.
He added: “My original intention was to take a documentary-style approach, but that soon evolved to shooting portraits and, in some cases, being invited into the lives of the clients. As I talked to them, I was slowly let into their worlds and heard each of the very individual journeys people had taken on their way to becoming homeless.
“To engage with the clients on this level - seeing them relax, smile, and noticing them hold eye contact for the first time - was such a huge moment for me, as trust is such a big issue. The whole subject got under my skin."
Miriam Ellis, Arts & Activity Coordinator, said: “Catching Lives has been working with professional photographer Jason Knott over the last year documenting the work we do as a charity.
“His sensitive approach and patience have produced a series of compelling images that illustrate the lives of those who use our services and the volunteers who support us.”
The ‘Beyond The Margins’ exhibition will be shown at Rock Paper Scissors, Stour Street, Canterbury, throughout the Canterbury Festival from October 11 to November 2.
Comments