Exactly what you want in a website (From Swindon Advertiser)

Exactly what you want in a website

11:52am Friday 14th July 2006

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WHEN Dave Plotkin wanted to find a picture of a sunset to go on his wall, he thought it would be an easy task.

But the 24-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, found it was much more difficult than he expected.

So Dave decided to make art more accessible to the masses and launched his website Exactly What I Want.

The site allows users to search for particular artists or galleries and also to input key words, such as seascape or poppies, and it will find every piece of art that fits the description.

"Being in a wheelchair it can be very difficult to travel around various galleries trying to find what I want," said Dave, of Stratton. "Especially as many are old-fashioned buildings and not particularly accessible.

"In fact, in this modern age most people haven't got the time to look around every gallery and try to find something that fits their vision.

"My idea was to create an interactive gallery experience that does all the work for you, moving art into the 21st Century."

Since the site's launch in February, Dave, who is a law graduate, has dedicated every free hour to making it as accessible as possible and also encouraging galleries to submit their work.

"With my disability and the obvious challenges and obstacles that it brings, the internet opens so many doors and makes anything possible," said Dave, who has already uploaded more than 1,000 images on to the site.

And it is not just galleries that benefit from the site.

Aspiring artists can also use it as a showcase for their work.

"The site is not in any way elitist, like a lot of art websites," he said.

"Anyone can upload their work quickly and easily and it won't be ranked or get lost among the more prestigious work."

For £10 a month or £95 a year, galleries and artists can upload as many images as they wish and have complete control over them.

And to show them what a great service it is, the first month's membership is free.

"The point is that art is so diverse," said Dave.

"By coming on to the site most people will be able to find something that suits their taste.

"What is paramount is that the image is essential and a clear image of every piece of art is just a click away."

Those looking to submit art to the site should contact Dave on 01793 531274 or, alternatively email him on info@exactlywhatiwant.co.uk.

For more information about the site log on to the website, which can be found at www.exactlywhatiwant.co.uk.

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