Photographer Tara Smyth is originally from South Africa but has lived in Omagh for the past 19 years.

She is currently showing some of her photography work as part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's 'Art in Your Pocket' exhibition, which is currently on display at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.

Here she talks to The Impartial Reporter about her background in art and photography, what inspires her work and what her art means to her.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

I studied a BTEC National Diploma in General Art and Design in Derry between 1991 and 1993 after finishing my GCSEs in Omagh.

In 2014, I completed BTEC Level 3 in Graphic Design with the South West College (SWC) Omagh, and in 2020 I completed the NCFE Level 2 in Photography.

What inspires your work?

My work at the moment is inspired by nature and the world around us; anything from landscapes to architecture – see 'Ashford Estate Cong' and 'Mary’s Tree'.

Who are your biggest influences?

The biggest influences in my photographic work are Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976), Rinko Kawauchi (1972), Darren Almond (1971) and Thomas Joshua Cooper (1948).

Is there a specific place that you do your work?

As my work mainly involves photography, at the moment the majority of my work takes place outside. I will usually have a camera with me wherever I go, just in case inspiration strikes!

However, I also have a light box which I use for macro photography, which I set up on my kitchen table.

I use a film scanner and a computer for post-production work; this is also done from the kitchen table.

What has been your most ambitious project, to date?

My most ambitious project, to date, has been my images that are currently exhibiting in the 'Art in Your Pocket' exhibition in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen; mostly because of the macro aspect of the images, and deciding on how to present the images on brushed aluminium to add to their graphic and minimalist aesthetic.

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

In the past I would have painted and produced mono prints using oils, acrylic and watercolour.

After joining the Omagh Photography Club with my eldest child in 2019, I purchased my first DSLR camera, and from then on I have been hooked by the photographic process.

I am particularly fond of analogue photography. I also like to incorporate mixed media with printed images – see 'Rhoda'.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I am working on building a collection of images using my Holga 120 camera and learning how to process my own film before I scan and develop them digitally.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

I am a member of the Solas Art Gallery in Ballinamore where I have exhibited many times, and in 2020 had a solo exhibition.

I am currently exhibiting as mentioned before in the Ardhowen Theatre as part of the Art in Your Pocket exhibition.

I regularly exhibit in the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, where I held my first Solo Exhibition in 2017.

I have also exhibited with Belfast Exposed 2021.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2022?

For 2022, I would like to build on my body of photographic work and hope to exhibit in the Solas Art Gallery members’ exhibitions that will run throughout the year.

What has been your favourite project, to date?

My favourite project so far has definitely been taking the leap into analogue photography.

I love the whole process and enjoy the challenge of having to slow down and really look before you click the shutter button, although I still enjoy using my digital camera for more graphic images, such as my macro work; see 'Sprig' and 'Garlic'.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

When I am not creating, I enjoy cooking. I am a big fan of flavour so am always researching different recipes!

How would you describe your artistic style?

I think that my artistic style is two-fold – on one side, it is very dreamlike in atmosphere, especially where my analogue work is involved; on the other side it is quite graphic and detailed.

There is definitely a dramatic feel too, especially in my post-processing with colour and texture.

What does your art mean to you?

My art means a lot to me – it’s a part of who I am. I took a break after college from creating for more than 20 years and always felt that a part of me was missing.

I am definitely at my happiest when I am creating, and can only hope that anyone who sees my work can get a sense of this.