The Brindleyplace Cherry Blossom photography competition was an astounding success and something we plan to build on – so if you weren’t chosen as a finalist this year, look out for the competition next year and get creative once again!
The three photos selected by our judging panel (made up of Matt Long, Brindleyplace, Head of Tenant Engagement & Placemaking, Lucy Mounfield, Assistant Curator at Ikon Gallery and James Carnell, National Trust – Head Gardener – Wightwick Manor and Gardens) are currently on display at Ikon Gallery and we caught up with the finalists to find out a little bit more about them.
Miriam Stevens
Miriam Stevens, is Birmingham born and bred and was chosen as the overall winner of the competition with her picture ‘Ikonic’. Speaking about her photography she said:
“I am so fortunate to explore Birmingham on foot, bike and even kayak! I take my phone with me everywhere I go and take lots of photos for my Instagram. Knowing the blossoms were out I knew I had to get a shot. I love this city so much and get a real sense of enjoyment when people go to the places I’ve photographed and recommended. My aim is always to prove that you don’t need to be a pro with an expensive device to take amazing photos, it’s all about angles, sometimes taking lots of pictures and more often than not just getting lucky with the lighting. I never regret having taken a picture, as it’s become like a journal for me to track my year and keep me positive.
“I still can’t believe I won. I’m going to have an unveiling at home when it’s time at the gallery is over and serve canapes and have a little party!”
Vanessa Harbar
Vanessa Harbar, lives in Digbeth and was the first runner-up with her image ‘Spring up Brum’. She works for the Heritage Lottery Fund and had this to say:
“I’m chuffed to be a finalist and have my photo displayed in the Ikon. as part of a cool event in the Brum calendar.
“I walk or cycle all over Brum looking for interesting scenes. I’m a history geek, yoga teacher and fitness model champ, so will usually strike some kind of crazy pose by any photogenic building or natural heritage feature!
“It’s always a buzz when the blossom blooms in Oozells Square. It is such a zen place and kind of typical Brum with the mix of building types, including the neo gothic Ikon. The blossom makes you smile and it’s fun to watch everyone taking pictures – families from every part of the world, some people glammed up specially or even grooming their pets for a pretty in pink photoshoot. It’s a happy time, as Spring begins and we enjoy the outdoors again.
“I came a few times this year to take pictures and people watch. The afternoon I took my photo was spur of the moment, because the sun was shining and I realised it was 20 March – Nevruz,. This is an ancient Anatolian New Years Day, marking the blossoming of nature after winter and the start of new beginnings. I’m a huge lover of Turkish/Anatolian culture and saw lots of blossom images in my Insta feed from Turkish friends, so of course I had to make a contribution from Brum!
“I propped up my phone on the ground and attempted something athletic on selfie video to grab a screenshot from. Not easy to do on the gravel, dodging fellow Instagrammers in the background. I’m sure I could have got a better shot at dawn, with a tripod, better handstand form and pink leisurewear lol. But maybe the haphazard nature of my pic captured the spirit of Spring.
“Blossom is poignant for me. My mom and dad both passed away in February time – so early spring with it’s new buds, flowers and rebirth is forever bitter sweet. Its lovely to have a happy memory of this year and my photo is dedicated to Una and Ronald Harbar, my darling parents whose love was even more beautiful than cherry blossom.”
Sundip Samra
Our third finalist with a photo entitled ‘The Reflections of an Ikon’ was Sundip Samra, a mum of two, who works in Brindleyplace and passes through Oozells Square regularly. Speaking of her blossom experience, she said:
“I’m doing my second 365 project which means I shoot every day and share my photo of the day with my fellow 365ers in a closed Facebook group. Last year almost all of my photos involved my two boys (aged 6 and 9) but I decided to give them a break this year by challenging myself to do a weekly self-portrait and a street photograph which is usually taken on a lunchtime walk in and around Brindleyplace.
“I loved photographing the cherry blossoms – who doesn’t love cherry blossom?! – but also the trees stay where they are, don’t lose patience and don’t need bribes as I try and get the perfect shot, unlike my two kids!!!”
There are just a few more days to visit Ikon Gallery and see the three winning photographs as the display ends on May 4th.
So, make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend and visit beautiful Brindleyplace – there may be no more blossoms, but they’re wonderfully captured in the pictures and you can still take advantage of the great cafes, bars and restaurants in Oozells Square and across the estate while you’re there.
Enjoy!
