While studying Photographic Art at Newport I was given the right opportunities, support and time to discover myself. I was introduced to new ways of working and new modes of thought and I became aware of the importance of photography within our culture. It was an incredibly stimulating time and I was encouraged to really engage with photography and with my own ideas. By the end of the course, I understood which area of research I was particularly interested in pursuing and had a clear idea of where I wanted to take my career.
Having graduated from the University of Wales, Newport I decided that I wanted to continue my studies into post-graduate level. I applied and was accepted into the Royal College of Art, London for an MA in Photography and I have exhibited at M&C Saatchi, London, The Photographers Gallery, London and the RWA, Bristol. Alongside my art practice, I have continued a working relationship with Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water, which has developed into four commissioned series from an initial photographic bursary I was awarded during my second year of study, which was set-up through the University.
The opportunities and experience the course has given me in photography has also led into other types of work where I have been able to transfer these skills. As a result, I have also gone on to work as a freelance lighting designer for theatre and music productions.
"In addition to his Flashforward Award and RCA Bursary, Stuart has also won a Fujifilm Distinction Award in 2008; the 2007 Reginald Salisbury Travel Scholarship and the 2007 MPD Graduate Future Partnership Award. He has exhibited at The Photographer's Gallery as part of the "Freshfaced and Wildeyed" group show, 2008; in the Artsway Open, 2009; in the RWA 2008 Open and in Descubrimientos PHE08, PhotoEspana, Madrid." From http://www.troikaeditions.co.uk/artists/stuart-bailes Where you can see a great video of Stuart discussing his work...