Rod Morris

Rod Morris is a documentary film maker and photographer, based in Hastings, England. He transitioned from photo-journalism to film making in 2011, realising that the core concerns regarding visual storytelling, informed both mediums.

“The influence of cinema has always been present in my photography as I have been beguiled by the language of film throughout my life as an artist. There is often a sense of the protagonist, sometimes directly by their presence in a suggested drama, but in others, by their absence from a scene, stage or set.”

Rod Morris is one of our Open Call for Exhibition Proposals winner, with his work featured in an online exhibition on our website and Artsy, coming soon! In anticipation of his upcoming digital exhibition, we had the pleasure of speaking with him. In the interview, he discusses her inspirations and the story behind his winning series, Still Films.

What is your background in Photography?

I studied photojournalism at London College of Communication (LCC), then worked as a photojournalist for several years before moving to film making. I now work as a documentary film maker and photographer.

I am based in Hastings, England, but work on stories in many diverse locations and countries.

How did you find out about the Open Call and what made you submit your proposal?

I heard about Open Call through photographer Mick Williamson. I know he has a good relationship with Elliott Gallery, and I felt secure that Elliott Gallery would be a suitable organisation to exhibit with.

What inspired the series that you submitted, and can you share the story or meaning behind your series?

The series I submitted is called Still Films. Still photographs are like vessels, and the most memorable have countless references to our own lives and those of others – imagined or remembered. I strive to create images that resonate, that have a narrative that extends beyond the frame.

Do you have a favourite photograph in the series? 

One of my favourite images in the series is “Still Film 8”, which was taken in Cuba. I like the way the image plays with scale, and how it tells a story which can be adapted by the viewer’s own interpretation of the setting and juxtaposition of the characters.

How do you feel being exhibited in Elliott Gallery will impact your career and artistic journey?

I think that the show will allow my work to reach a larger audience who are already well versed in the language of photography. I am sure this audience will appreciate the curation by the Elliott gallery in selecting work they will find interesting. And hopefully, they will purchase my prints for their collections.

Are there any particular artists or photographers whose work inspires you?

Current artists who inspire me are Penti Samallahti and Eamon Doyle, but I have also loved the work of Josef Koudelka for a long time. I saw his work at a show at the Hayward Gallery in London, when I was at University.

What are your future goals as a photographer?

My future goals are to produce more books of my work, and to have a solo show combining still and moving images.