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As part of Electric Railway Museum’s Open Weekend on 10 and 11 September 2011, local artist Shiam Wilcox will be exhibiting stunning images of the museum site on both days, along with other photographs she has taken over the past two years.

After recently spent time at the Electric Railway Museum with her pinhole camera, Shiam said:

'I am very interested in transitional landscapes, as in places that are either coming to life or falling into disrepair. I have recently worked at Purtan boat graveyard, as well as photographing various derelict buildings.

'However, Electric Railway Museum gives us a view of both. The old trains and carriages have and are in various states of decay but what is fascinating is that they are being brought back to life. I am fascinated with what tales they could tell, what history has taken place on these trains.

'Trains have always had an extremely romantic feel; they conjure up so many images of loss and reunion, anticipation, fear as well as happiness. I always wonder if these extreme feelings are somehow captured in the trains or these places that I photograph. I recently finished a project concerned with this, where people of the past could be viewed through a discarded mirror. I think the concept of memory always become part of my photographic work.'

For her photography, Shiam uses a large format pinhole camera and produces paper negatives:

'I use this sort of camera for various reasons. I enjoy the fact that it is a pure image, as in there are no mechanics or a lens to alter the image. I also like that you never know what you are really going to get; the camera almost takes the picture itself.

'There is no view finder and so it is always a bit like unwrapping a present when you eventually see your developed picture. I also like the very slow exposure times, instead of rushing around taking a billion digital photos I stand for approximately two minutes thinking – or chatting – whilst the photo exposes.

'I almost always take my mobile darkroom with me too. This allows me to develop my image then and there. It’s the equivalent to the biggest Polaroid camera in the world. However the image produced is the paper negative and this then needs to be positively printed in the darkroom or scanned and inverted. I really enjoy using all of this equipment as I have always fancied myself as a bit of a scientist of the mad Victorian kind, so this all fits my personality quite well.'

Previous to mastering the pinhole camera, Shiam was better known as a sculptor. She has created very odd creatures, including those themed around Victorian ladies of science and the Victorian menagerie. However, for the past two years she has been working exclusively in photography and exhibits for the first time at Electric Railway Museum’s Open Weekend:

'I am very excited about being given the opportunity to exhibit my pictures at Electric Railway Museum. It is great making connections with people and I really enjoy going along to photograph at the museum. Everyone I have met is extremely friendly and it will be great to be part of their community over the weekend.

'I am also keen to see how my work will be received by the public. They are very odd and basic images to the modern digital eye and people don’t often realise what is involved in making the image. I plan to take all of my equipment with me during the weekend to show people the technique. I hope they like it as much as me!'

To get a sneak-peek at some of the photographs Shiam will be showcasing during Open Weekend, visit www.flickr.com/photos/shiamwilcox and she can be contacted through her website www.throughthehole.webs.com.

Electric Railway Museum’s Open Weekend takes place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September from11am – 5 pm both days. Admission is FREE! For more information click here.