ART is in the mind, according to professional photographer Joe Wright, who will showcase his work in Old Town this autumn as part of Swindon Open Studios.

More than 50 creative souls will be throwing open their doors across 39 locations in the first two weekends in September to welcome the public and showcase their talents in the eighth edition of the annual festival.

Joe, who has lived in Swindon for 25 years and takes inspiration for his work from the countryside near his Purton home, will be displaying work from his handbound book of award-winning fine art photography, The Floods, and his ongoing work from Savernake Forest at The Core juice bar in Devizes Road.

He will be there from 10am to 4pm on the weekends of September 5 and 6 and September 12 and 13 to talk about his work and welcome members of the public.

“The ethos behind my work is driven by my belief that ‘art is for the mind’,” said Joe, who has lived near Purton for the past 10 years.

“Both in the artists connected engagement in the creative aspects of their chosen craft but then of course how the work is viewed – ultimately being able to stimulate emotion, memories, meanings, intrigue, challenge; lasting reactions.

“Through my work I set out to show others what they do not see themselves and to open minds to the possibility that there is more to see than the expected.

“If there was one tip I would want to pass on to anyone either taking up any art and craft for the first time, or even those more established, it would be to be yourself, be unique.

“Take inspiration from others across all art forms not just your own, but importantly do not copy them, create your own singularly identifiable work.”

While not working on his artistic collection, Joe works full-time at Swindon based Nationwide Building Society.

In his spare time he is a published photographer who pursues his passion for creating images using traditional photographic processes which form the basis of his limited edition fine art prints and books which are purchased by collectors worldwide.

To find out more about Joe visit www.josephwright.co.uk and for more on the Swindon Open Studios, visit www.swindonopenstudios.org.uk.