Andrew Railton has not formally studied art, photography or cinema, but has embarked on a 30 year journey of learning through professional practice in what has thus far been roughly a 50/50 split in his career, firstly as professional motion picture camera assistant in the film and TV industry, and more recently as a Commercial photographer. Learning the craft of cinema and story telling by osmosis from some of the world's leading Directors and Cinematographers.
Looking to make a change after so many years of interpreting the clients vision or communication goals, Andrew decided he wanted to realise his own vision, and make his own voice heard. To finally become known as an artist. Passionate about the effect technological advancements are having on the Australian population, and in turn our human experience, Andrew set about making his first conceptual tableaux in between commercial photographic assignments. At this time he was also devoting a good portion of his time to assisting his young autistic daughter with her many therapy sessions each week. His commitment to doing his best for his daughter, combined with the extended Corona Virus lock downs in Victoria, Australia, meant that he spent some time away from commercial work, but also that his progress with completing large bodies of personal work have thus far been somewhat hampered by ongoing lockdowns and what has been a particularity financially challenging time ever since he found his voice some year or so ago.
All the while, Andrew has continued to visualise more conceptual tableau images. So he has used this down time as an opportunity to liquidate some of his photographic equipment and roll that equity into a camera system specifically for one purpose. To enable him to make exceptionally large, yet incredibly detailed conceptual tableau prints. All he needs is for the covid-19 restrictions to be lifted, so he can set about making new bodies of work and continuing his reinvention of himself as an artist.
Andrew’s work is driven by his feelings about the changes that he has witnessed in the course of his life and his Australian experience. He feels like the fabric of our society is breaking down. He feels ever more despondent about the fragmentation, anger, greed and degradation that we see everyday. The crumbling values, structure and fabric of our society is of great concern.
Recent achievements include being a finalist in the 2020 Mullins Australian Contemporary Photography Award, and placing two images in the top 4 in the 2020 AIPP silver lining awards photo illustration category.