The book\u2019s designers, Alflie Allen and Max Marshall, brought grime\u2019s fashion legacy to the tactile experience. James says: \u201cI said I didn\u2019t want to make a coffee table book as I thought that didn\u2019t feel right for grime.\u201d In consideration of how best to encapsulate the genre\u2019s feel, James, Alfie, and Max came up with the idea of condensing the photo book into a poster; each page folds out into A2, creating a storybook that unfurls alongside the narrative. \u201cThe inspiration was all the materials back then \u2013 very plastic and shiny,\u201d James says. \u201cA pair of old y2k silver and orange Nike trainers had a big influence on the cover design.\u201d The photo book is encased in a silver, record-like sleeve, with a vivid orange belly band slotting into top and bottom grooves to hold it all together.<\/p>\n
Another important influence was the resourceful experimentation of grime culture. For example, S-X\u2019s Wooo Riddim<\/a> was created when the Wolverhampton producer was just 18, yet remains an immediately recognisable staple within the genre. James paid homage to the simplicity in grime production, often made in software like Fruity Loops, with his dark room techniques. \u201cThe technique was very instinctual, picking colours and almost painting out without seeing (it\u2019s on photographic paper so has to be done in place) to create these vibrant colours,\u201d says James.<\/p>\n Community is close to James\u2019 heart. He highlights one key spot to grime\u2019s beginnings \u2013 a youth club in Bow on Devons Road where the likes of D Double E, Nasty Crew and Ruff Sqwad all went to share ideas and hone their craft. Such spaces are ever-more integral for youth, especially in the face of widespread closures<\/a>. James says: \u201cI\u2019d love to think the government should be doing more, but history has taught me not to have faith in our government. So I believe the creative industry needs more care and support. It\u2019s our responsibility!\u201d<\/p>\n James to put on a two day workshop this summer at Beau Beaus Cafe in E1 to make sure the book gave back to the community. He put a call out through Arts Emergency<\/a> \u2013 an organisation he\u2019s mentored with for six years \u2013 to young photographers to join a practical workshop shooting young musicians from Beau Beau\u2019s music academy, the results of which were then exhibited. Since the books release, James has been expanding his mentorship, working on his short film and a book titled Taller the Hat Closer to Heaven. \u201cWatch this space!,\u201d the photographer ends.<\/p>\n James Pearson-Howes\u2019 photo book When I\u2019m \u2019Ere is available for purchase at his online store<\/a>.<\/p>\n