An Army veteran, from Andover, will host a photo-art exhibition in the town’s Unity Art Studio next month, just four years on from being medically discharged because of a neurological injury sustained during service.

Ian Smith, 47, served for almost 26 years – finishing with the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade, in Bulford – but hasn’t worked since his discharge, as his condition, uncontrolled epilepsy, puts off potential employers, even those just looking for volunteers.

He took up photography in 2020, just after his discharge, amid a Covid lockdown. It proved a godsend in more ways than one. Not only is it good for his mental wellbeing, but it also provides positive memories he might otherwise struggle to recall owing to his epilepsy.

He explained: “Where I can’t always remember certain details and events, the photographs become a visual prompt for a memory of a particular day, or even just a walk out with the dogs.

“And there is a lot of memories associated with some of those pictures. My partner, Kayla, and I have a standing joke that we’ve been together for six months … we’ve actually been together two-and-a-half years – something like that, I can’t even remember anymore.”

Soldier wearing medals poses with his partner
Ian receives tremendous encouragement and support from partner Kayla - Pic: Ian Smith

During his service he participated in several fundraisers for Help for Heroes, so it was fitting we were there for him when he was discharged. He has participated in several sports and social activities hosted by the Charity, including open-water swimming and Invictus Games trials.

These were a great help as one of his biggest struggles after discharge had been his inability to be as fit and active as he was previously. But it is photography that has proved to be a primary focus.

He added: “I didn’t deal very well with having seizures. I was a very active person – a competitive mountain biker, which was encouraged in the service – and, when I lost my job in the army because of my epilepsy, it really hit me hard because, all of a sudden, I had nothing.

I took one of Help for Heroes’ photographic courses and ... I’ve got validation. It boosted my self-confidence.

Ian Smith

Veteran and photographer

“I’ve been doing a little bit of photography over the years, just to keep myself occupied because I had very little to do. Last year, I took one of Help for Heroes’ photographic courses and some of the feedback I received from Siorna, the course leader, just blew me away. I’ve got validation. It boosted my self-confidence. At the end of the course, my main question was, ‘what do people do with their pictures?’

“I noticed the Unity Art Studio, in the Chantry Centre, had gallery space available for local and upcoming artists who wanted to display their work. I thought ‘I’ve got some got some good pictures’, so I applied. I wasn’t expecting to get anything and then got an email saying, I had a three-week gallery space’, from Friday, 14 February.

“I’m just doing it to see people’s reactions – see what feedback I get. I think the pictures are good and so do Siorna and Kayla. Now we’ll see what everybody else thinks,” smiled Ian.

swan on rippling water
Ian Smith has found a focus with his photography - pic: Ian Smith

The exhibition, which is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am until 4pm, is titled ‘Journey. Change. Reflection.’, an apposite label for Ian’s ongoing recovery.

“It’s a look at the journey I’m on and going through; the changes I’ve had to deal with; and the reflection we can now take looking back upon that journey,” he added.

Professional photographer Siorna Ashby, who leads our photography courses, said: “I’m so excited to see Ian sharing the results of his hard work and creativity – it’s such a proud moment. Huge congratulations on this amazing milestone. Beyond teaching photography, our programme brings people together, helping individuals overcome social isolation, and fostering a supportive community that champions mental well-being. Ian’s exhibition is testament to the power of art and community combined.”

Ian Smith’s exhibition – “Journey. Change. Reflection.” – is open from 14 February to 7 March, at Andover’s Unity Art Studio (SP10 1LX).

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