Photography by Kelly Wilkinson.

Rose Of My Heart Photography Exhibition.

Bevali Francis chats to Kelly Wilkinson and finds out about his newest photographic exhibition and what inspires his work.

“I have lived most of my life in Yorkshire until a year and half ago then decided to return to Hastings, the town where I was born.

I love Hastings and find the art scene here inspiring. I have a keen interest in street art and love that there is a great variety of it in Hastings and St Leonards. Street art influences my photography, as does my love of all things Rockabilly – and classic cars.

My photographic career so far has been pretty varied; I have photographed bands and worked on horror shoots. In New Mexico I took photos of “Day of the Dead”.  I work as a wedding photographer taking pictures of alternative weddings; this has included several Rockabilly, Hillbilly, Pagan weddings and a very beautiful Sikh wedding.

I like to give myself projects just for fun and get my inspiration for these from films, art and dreams.  I’m constantly thinking of new ideas that would be interesting to photograph; I’m lucky that I’ve got some good friends that are willing to pose for me.

I have some other exciting projects in the future too; a new project in November that I anticipate will be finished in six months’ time, and another exhibition for next October to tie in with Hastings Week.

My latest exhibition which starts next week is about my return to Hastings, and the people I have met who have changed my life. Some are positive forces that are great to be around, and some have simply made me smile. It’s an exhibition that features local characters that many will know or recognise. I hope that this exhibition will bring a smile to everyone that visits.”

Rose of My Heart Photography Exhibition is open on October 25/26,
11am to 6pm, at Stade Hall, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3FJ.

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