Simon Robert Tune

I am an artist, photographer, and teacher. I am also a naturalist and ecologist, and I often combine my art and science. I live in Ceredigion in West Wales and moved here eleven years ago, since when I have worked in Higher Education for Aberystwyth University as a photography and natural history tutor. I have also worked in the community teaching one off photography classes for organisations such as Denmark Farm Conservation Centre and Cadw at Strata Florida Abbey, setting up groups such as Gorsgoch Photography Learners, and teaching part-time in Further Education for WEA Cymru and later Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adult Learning Wales. In October 2018 I completed a MA in Fine Art at the School of Art in Aberystwyth and I have since been working full-time on a PhD in Fine Art Photography which I am set to complete by the beginning of 2024.

Artist’s Statement:

For the last few years, I have been expanding my artistic practice. Photography is my primary medium because it is a point where art and science mix. At the outset in the 19th century, before a name for capturing an image with light had been decided, photography was simply referred to as ‘art science’.

In photography I have trained, worked, and taught over the last 25 years. I take a keen interest in all photographic work and all debates surrounding the study, teaching, and practice of the subject. However, I would not want to be thought of solely as a photographer, rather I see myself as an artist, much of whose practice is based in mixed media. I paint and draw; I often make models and maquettes, and I have in the past used film, sound, the written word, and sculpture. From time to time, I combine these media in the production of installation art.

Regardless of the media I find myself returning to the exchange between art and science, and this influence can be seen in projects dealing with diverse subjects such as natural history, climate change, social documentary, and digital identity. I also encourage an exchange of ideas between by my artistic and teaching practices. Examples of my artistic projects are available on this website and these I am constantly updating.

For more information on my influences visit: Influences in Art and Beyond & Influences in Art