‘An incredible year’ for Muirson
It’s been an incredible year for Rangiora photographer Cheryl Muirson.
Having completed her Southern Institute of Technology Diploma in August 2015, a number of opportunities and achievements have since opened up.
In April Muirson achieved her Associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) with a portfolio themed from Charles Dicken’s novel Great Expectations. Each of the photos was named from quotes directly from the book.
‘‘This was the most incredible experience, as usually photographers start out with their Licentiate and then go to do their Associate level. I had only joined the Photographic Society in January and was awarded Associate at the PSNZ Conference in Queenstown in April,’’ Muirson said.
Then the awards started to flow.
‘‘I entered the PSNZ Canon on Line with my photo Abandoned and won the first round. I was totally gobsmacked that I won with my first time entry so in April I entered my second image Glittering on Rustic Objects (a quote from Great Expectations) and was blown away to get second in the second round of the PSNZ Canon on line competition.’’
As well as the accolades, Muirson has also had her winning images published.
‘‘Two images were featured in an article in Situation Magazine in May 2016 with Abandoned making the front page, Abandoned was also featured in Camera Book 2016, the annual book published by the PSNZ.’’
Following on from her success earlier in the year Muirson is set to exhibit two of her award winning photos in the Rangiora Photographic Society’s exhibition to be held at the 1 D Gallery in the Brick Mill next month.
Muirson is grateful for the support she has received from the Rangiora Photographic Society.
Fine art portraits, fantasy and surrealism inspire Muirson. She has also completed a course with photographer Scott Fowler, who she said was an ‘‘inspiration’’ and something of a mentor.
Muirson has been asked to exhibit at the Oxford Art Gallery next year, the theme for which is Veiled.
‘‘It’s around the idea that we don’t always have the confidence to show our true selves, hiding it away, and being selective about what we show to people.’’