My name is Matt Watson. In 1999 I left my job as a software developer to take some time out and go back to college. I moved from London to Peterborough and spent two years at the College of West Anglia, King's Lynn, studying photography. I particularly enjoyed working in the studio and hand printing, learning not just the usual black & white printing techniques, but also all sorts of alternative printing methods. I also developed an interest in art in general, taking much of my inspiration not just from photographers, but from other artists too. I particularly like the work of David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, inspired by their courage to take the ordinary, everyday object and call it art.

Peterborough Millennium Photographic Competition, 2000 - Winner. A Hockney-style joiner of the Guildhall in Cathedral Square, Peterborough. Several 6x4 prints are laid out and re-photographed, producing this interesting effect. Click to view a larger copy.

College of West Anglia, Diploma Show 2001 - "The Nine Survivors". Our diploma show by the nine surviving students from the twenty or so that started two years ago (plus one completing from the year before). An excellent and brilliantly received show by everyone. My contribution of six pieces, liquid emulsion on canvas, even impressed me when they were up on the wall and I was delighted with the positive reaction it produced. A big thanks to everyone who came to see it and to anyone who took the time to leave a comment or to acknowledge me personally. And extra special thanks to the great John T. Hansell - Still an inspiration!