Constructed Images

Photoshop has freed photographers to create interesting images that would have taken days

to make using traditional darkroom techniques. With the tools and filters the software contains anyone can manipulate colour, texture, image size and background to make personal statements which are powerful, dramatic, moody, romantic (or whatever else might appeal).

One of the best things about the process is that it is relatively cost-free and involves little or no waste. Nor does it necessarily generate harmful chemicals as the images can readily be preserved on dvds and shown on computer and television screens.

I have chosen to work with images which involve tattoos because they are intrinsically attractive, highly personal and because the decoration or illustration of the human body is so intriguing. Each of the images is highly coloured and contains several overlapping images of the same person.

My goal was to produce abstractions which suggest the power of these tattoos, and to create an air of mystery as to why they are so vividly inked on this man's powerful arms and shoulders.