A new photography exhibition in Norwich is an inspiration to us all. They are Images from the Edge of Sight.

Norwich Evening News: The Effstopeyes group, run by the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind have designed an exhibition that shows progressive sight loss need be no barrier to artistic creativity. Pictured: Artwork by Cath ClarkeThe Effstopeyes group, run by the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind have designed an exhibition that shows progressive sight loss need be no barrier to artistic creativity. Pictured: Artwork by Cath Clarke (Image: Supplied)

When former teacher David Foulds began to lose his sight four years ago it would have been easy for him to feel sorry for himself and give up on the challenges of everyday life.

Instead, through resolve and determination, David, 76, decided to 'concentrate on the things I can do, rather than what I can't.'

As a result, he is now one of eight visually impaired Norfolk people are staging a ground breaking photography exhibition at The Forum in Norwich, showcasing 'Images from the Edge of Sight.'

They are all members of the Effstopeyes group, run by the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind and designed to show that progressive sight loss need be no barrier to artistic creativity.

As well as a static exhibition of their work in the Millennium Library, the group's pictures will feature continuously on the 24-meter wide Fusion screen in The Forum, complete with sound track and shots of them at work.

David's work involves using his computer to manipulate and magnify photographs of objects as humdrum as a piece of old string, turning them into repeated intricate designs and patterns

'I never did anything like this before, and I get a lot of pleasure out of it,' said David, who now lives in the NNAB's sheltered accommodation for people with sight loss, Hammond Court in Magpie Road, Norwich.

'Like a lot of people with sight problems, you think there are some things you can't do anymore, but it's all about concentrating on the things you can do and my photography is one area, with modern computer technology, where I can.

'It's brilliant for getting your confidence back and realising if you really want to do something it's about getting down and trying it,' added David.

Another of the photographers taking part in the exhibition is registered blind Lucy Dawson, 23, who also lives in Hammond Court.

She has some vision in her left eye, and is experimenting with light effects via her camera to produce images that reflect the world as she sees it.

'I have been trying to format my pictures to recreate the way I see things - blurry and not quite in focus,' she said.

'Photography means I can be expressive and also capture the emotion of how I'm feeling at the time through light and shade.'

The other visually impaired photographers taking part in the show are Cath Clarke, John Rawson, Joy Robinson, Mark Harper, Rae Andrews and Trevor Betts.

Their work covers a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from Norfolk landscape to wildlife and portraiture.

The NNAB's Effstopeyes is just one of the number of activity, cultural and sporting groups run by the charity to promote independent living throughout Norfolk's visually impaired community.

The exhibition opened on Monday January 28 and is open every day from 10am to 5pm until February 8. It will be well worth a look all those taking part can be very proud of their achievements. They are an inspiration to us all.