David Spero "Settlements"

'Settlements' is an ongoing photographic record of self-built homes and structures in a  number of low-impact land-based communities in Britain that wish to explore ways of  living on the land in an ecologically sustainable way. Their aim is to be at least partially  self-sufficient. They use renewable energy sources, grow food, and recycle and locally  source building materials. These photographs chart the evolution of these communities  through their homes, communal spaces and infrastructure. Planning conflicts surrounding these structures raise questions about planning values and  judgments, the privileged gaze, aesthetic elitism and who is allowed access to live and  work on the land.  The communities have been slowly challenging and shaping changes in  judgments on planning laws and its application at a local level. Photographs 'The Longhouse'  communal space and new kitchen, Steward Community Woodland, Devon, November 2004  John, Sonya, Daisy, Marley & Asher's, Steward Community Woodland, Devon, August 2004 Brigyn's, Tir Ysbrydol (Spirit Land), Pembrokeshire, October 2004 Emma and John's, Tir Ysbrydol (Spirit Land),Brithdir Mawr,  Pembrokeshire, October 2004. Communal round house and kitchen, Tinkers Bubble, Somerset, February 2006 Mary and Joe’s, Tinkers Bubble, Somerset, June 2004  Josh's garden and new communal yurt, Land Matters, Devon, November 2008 Robin and Annie's and communal garden, Land Matters, July 2009 All prints are 604mm x 750mm Photographs by David Spero  http://www.artcornwall.org/features/David_Spero_Settlements.htm http://www.davidspero.co.uk/