Thank You September...

 

I took this photo on the morning that I nervously waited for my new Art & Design Foundation group to arrive at the beginning of the month.

It's the same every time, those butterflies in the stomach, even after twenty-six years!

September is a really important month for me, probably because it's a New Year in many ways for us teachers.

I feel so lucky to work part time with students who are on the cusp of their creative careers and adventures, it's such a turning-point in the lives of these future artists and designers.

This is the month that makes me reflect, as I talk to them about some of the fundamental aspects of living a creative life. I need reminding of these things too, it's so easy to forget.

The first statements that I always write on the board before the students arrive are:

1. Make misteaks.

2. We cannot give you the answers but we can give you the questions.

I must admit that sometimes I feel more like the Riddler and not the tutor, these two statements are the fundamental corner stones of being a Creative.

And even after all these years, as a tutor and a painter-textile-artist-person I still have to remember that it's okay to make it up as I go along!

So thank you September for reminding me about these important lessons, I shall miss you until next year ...

X

Introducing...

This is my fifth year now that I have taught part-time on the Art & Design Foundation Course at John Leggott College.

I love working with the students who are embarking on such an exciting journey on their creative futures.

Last week, one of our Fine Art students, Lewis Robbins, opened his first exhibition at the 2021 Visual Arts Centre, and it was so exciting to see his work being displayed.

It fair made the Art and Design Department's heart swell with pride to see him standing next to his artist's statement up there on the gallery wall.

The 2021 have organised a series of these shows that introduce up and coming artists in the area, which is such an amazing opportunity, and really highlights the talent that North Lincolnshire has to offer.

'Over the past year my artwork has become a vessel for my thoughts and emotions and I hope this comes through to the viewers. When I paint I never think of  it as a hobby but something I just need to do as a creative person.'

L.Robbins

Thank you Dominic from the 2021 for curating the work so brilliantly, and cheers Sam (our technician, who is just a bit brill!) 

I'm really rather rubbish at doing proper practical things like this (but I was allowed to hold the nails!!!!!!)

This is a portrait of our Head Of Department, Nathan.

Success!

Congratulations Lewis!

And a huge thank you to the 2021 Visual Arts Centre for such an amazing opportunity.

Watch out world, our Art Foundation students are just a bit brilliant!!!!!!!!!

Introducing: Lewis Robbins
2021 Visual Arts Centre
19/11/19 - 7/12/19

The JLC Art and Design Foundation Diploma Exhibition (Part Two):

Welcome to part two of the John Leggott College Art And Design Final Exhibition!

I've shown Anya's and Gaby's work together as they both explore deeply personal issues and even though their work is very different there is a deep sense of sensitivity and emotion within the work produced.

Gaby's Fine Art explored generational trauma and her impressive large scale sculptures communicate the inner child.

Anya's impressive display of her fashion design really communicated a strong visual message and the technical skill used in the construction and production of the garments was superb.

I love how Anya combined fine Art and Fashion Design techniques together so seamlessly.

Dal produced a highly sophisticated re-branding campaign for the London-based fashion label CLOTHSURGEON.

The display looked stunning under the artificial lighting and the whole campaign was extremely professional.

Neave pin-pointed a really interesting niche market for her graphic design and produced a range of paper-based products for low budget, gender neutral weddings.

Her work is light-hearted and quirky and I loved how she approached her brief.

I absolutely love these cake-topper people!

And just look at this little chap!

Marcus' Fine Art CONTROL/ESCAPE installation explored many seemingly disparate themes that actually blended together beautifully throughout the project.

Areas such as Greek Mythology, The Beatles,' transcendental meditation,The Cat In The Hat' and childhood were but a few of the elements to this work!

Marcus worked incredibly hard to create this highly ambitious installation (and produced thirty-two preparatory paintings in the first week of this project alone!)

Gabby explored the concept of branding her own electronic music festival.

She created glow-in-the-dark artwork as well as the branded graphic design elements.

And she even created her own little night club!

(Here I am with my glow stick having a little celebratory rave!)

Neve is both a Fine Artist and extremely talented singer-song-writer, who not only produced an installation but also wrote an original song and filmed the video as well!

'My work will take you through both personal emotions and startling metaphors of things we experience as part of the Human Condition-watered down with blasts of colour and sugar-coated truths.'

Mac's conceptual fashion designs questioned society's view on gender-based clothing.

I am so proud of Mac because at the start of the course he hadn't sewn or drafted patterns before, and now he has secured a place to study on a fashion design degree!

I loved the 'subverted suit' where the jacket was made of the trousers and the pair of trousers was a re-purposed jacket!

Liv is an illustrator who produced a range of beautiful stationery that was based on plants and nature.

The purpose of her designs was to create a positive and calming influence and to support the individual's sense of well-being.

The space was carefully staged to create a sanctuary-type environment that was warm and welcoming, I loved her printed paper plants so much!

Kayleigh's graphic design project posed the question

'What if words never existed?'

This collection of beautiful outcomes explored this deeply profound concept in a sensitive and technically skilful manner.

Every aspect of the display space was carefully considered in such detail, and I felt as though I was actually walking into a shop when I looked at her work.

Kayleigh handled both traditional 'hands on' techniques and digital design with great skill and control.

I do hope you enjoyed this exhibition, I cannot express just how proud I am of the class of 2019!

A huge thanks  to Cafe Indie,  the Creative Arts Department, Kelly at reprographics, the Estates staff, 2021 Visual Arts Centre and everyone else who supported the students throughout the year.

(Cheers Sam for helping with the photography for this post as well!)

Good luck to all the students on the next step towards your glittering futures.

Miss you chucks x