{"id":10184,"date":"2012-07-26T13:56:22","date_gmt":"2012-07-26T13:56:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wonderlandmagazine.com\/?p=10184"},"modified":"2013-02-24T14:52:36","modified_gmt":"2013-02-24T14:52:36","slug":"twelfth-man-project-the-alternative-olympians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wonderlandmagazine.com\/2012\/07\/26\/twelfth-man-project-the-alternative-olympians\/","title":{"rendered":"TWELFTH MAN PROJECT: The alternative Olympians"},"content":{"rendered":"
Olympics coverage has (already) hit saturation point and we’re bored of seeing super-serious athletes with their game face on. That’s why the Twelfth Man Project is so refreshing: photos of everyday Londoners in their best sporting gear, beautifully set against the hustle and bustle of the city. We interview Matt Cottis about his collaboration with Dylan Collard.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n How did you and Dylan come up with this idea?<\/strong><\/p>\n I was cycling through Kennington and rode past a bumpy old cricket ground surrounded by huge council blocks. In the centre was a cricket match played by what turned out to be the only team in Lambeth playing in their full white. The image created such a contrast that you only seem to get in london – I then approached Dylan with the concept and so we decided to take it on as a personal project.<\/p>\n How would you describe Twelfth Man Project to a newcomer? <\/strong><\/p>\n A photography project about London’s diverse communities. Many of the shots have been taken on a 1920s Gandolfi field camera, which was a challenge but the level of detail on the images makes it all worthwhile.<\/p>\n Why the Twelfth Man Project as a name?<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s the idea that being inspired by your surroundings and communities can act as an extra player.<\/p>\n Are you guys especially sporty yourselves? <\/strong><\/p>\n I used to play a lot of football when younger, now due to creaky limbs I like to cycle and swim when I can. Dylan has a majestic past in table tennis and long distance running.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n What was the most interesting \/ unusual sport team you photographed?<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone has been great but I think going to Sport For Social Change Network<\/a> in Lambeth has been great – they’re doing great things with the local community through sport and the shots of Rebecca and Sterling (above)<\/em> was so much fun to take.<\/p>\n How did you find these sports teams?<\/strong><\/p>\n Word of mouth or out and about in town.<\/p>\n How did you and Dylan collaborate on the project together?<\/strong><\/p>\n Dylan is such a great photographer and I knew he’d be interested in collaborating to create an interesting project. It’s not about seeking out the cool, just about everyday people from all walks of life with a common theme: sport.<\/p>\n What’s your personal background in photography and art?<\/strong><\/p>\n Dylan is a successful photographer and I run Iya Studio<\/a> with my partner Fleur, who has also been involved in the project. We’ve just worked closely together on all aspects of the project.<\/p>\n Do you have a personal favourite out of your images?<\/strong><\/p>\n Matt Williams, pitcher at the Barbican or Jordan leaning on his bat at Kennington.<\/p>\n How do you feel about the Olympics – good thing or bad thing for London?<\/strong><\/p>\n Good, wish I had some tickets though! Am hoping when all finished that we can all really make use of the spaces – that Velodrome just has to be conquered!<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n