fresh winter 2010

freshNews magazine from the University of Wolverhampton School of Art & Design – Autumn/Winter 2010

AnimAtion / APPLiED ARtS / ComPutER GAmES DESiGn / FAShion AnD tExtiLES / FinE ARt / GRAPhiC CommuniCAtion /iLLuStRAtion / intERioR DESiGn / PhotoGRAPhy / PRoDuCt DESiGn / ViDEo AnD FiLm PRoDuCtion

StuDEnt FoCuS 9 ALumni SuCCESS 13 StAFF FoCuS 17 CREAtiVE EmPLoyABiLity 19 EVEntS 21

[still from ‘Gardenia’ Hakam Poselay]

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www.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesign

1 Graduation Prize Winners

2 Recent Events 2 Stairway to fame

3 undergraduate Degree Show

5 the Grand tour

6 Creativity and innovation in Glass

7 mA Show

9 Student Focus 9 interactive media Collaborative Project

9 London Fashion Week

10 the Light house Photography Awards

10 Snow hill Project

10 Gardenia

11 illustration Award

11 Wedgwood museum Student Exhibition

12 Starpack

12 the hush Room

13 Alumni Success 13 Jonny Loves Rosie

13 Bags of Style

14 Giorgos maraziotis

14 Paul Power

15 the Pleasure Gardens

16 From Wolverhampton to Bath

16 international Fibre Art Bienalle

17 Staff Focus 17 Blended Learning

17 Craft Research

18 Animation Award

18 Cyprus Conference

19 Creative Employability 19 Bradleys

19 Baby Steps

19 Decorating the Performance hub

19 Dear Art & Design

20 Employability Live

20 Drumming up

21 Events Listing 21 mAGiCS

22 Clothes Show Live

22 the Sea

22 CADRE Lecture Series

ContEntS

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The Caparo Prize for Creative Enterprise: Charlotte Clark

The Express & Star Award for Excellence in Journalism & Editorial Design: Jade Coleman

Daler Rowney Prize for Excellence in Painting: Vicky Groves

Daler Rowney Prize for Excellence in Graphic Communication: David Healey

The Sandvik Prize for Excellence in Sculpture: Lyndsey Searle

The Sandvik Prize for Excellence in Photography: Jon Crump

The Light House Photographic Award - in Collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton - Overall Winner: Andrew Scarle

MDTi Prize for Excellence in Commercial Video Production: Nitesh Patel

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Fine Art & Photography: Natalie Poole

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Design & Applied Arts: Rebecca Forster

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Visual Communications: Leanne Pickering

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Digital Media: Matvejs Terentjevs

The RotoVision Award for Excellence in Editorial Graphic Communication: Matthew Zarandi

Ed Bird Memorial Award: James Sharp

The Powercell Batteries Prize for Outstanding Work on Live Commissions in Graphic Communications: Dmitry Osipchuk

New Award. The Canon Illustration Prize for the most innovative student work in Illustration: Lee Taylor

New Award. Wow! Stuff Product Innovation Award 2010:Thomas Farlow

Congratulations to all!

2010 Graduation prize winners

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Stairway to FameEach year the University of Wolverhampton award honorary degrees to figures who have made an outstanding contribution to their field and offer inspiration to our graduates.

Staff and students gathered to celebrate graffiti artist Goldie, real name Clifford Joseph Price, receiving an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design on Friday 3 September 2010. The multi-talented star, originally from Walsall said, “It really means something coming to Wolverhampton. It is an honour to be recognised in these fields and by the academic community. It is quite overwhelming.”

He also thanked his family and friends for their support over the years, and had a few words of advice for the graduating art and design students. “I knew I could change things around me – shape them for a better future. And I would say if you cannot say what you want to say about something, just paint it. Adapt and visualise and never stay still.”

In addition to the ceremony the School of Art & Design, in collaboration with Martin Jones, hosted a photographic exhibition entitled ‘Stairway to Fame’ chronicled Goldie’s time as a breakdancer and graffiti artist in Wolverhampton. Goldie visited the show for a special preview after the graduation ceremony.

Many people will know Goldie from his TV and film appearances, including in Guy Ritchie’s classic Snatch and the James Bond The World Is Not Enough. He became a firm favourite with many Eastenders fans and recently appeared in the highly successful BBC Maestro. He was then asked to score a piece of music for the Proms entitled Sine Tempore. A two-part BBC documentary, Classic Goldie followed, portraying his talents.

Soon afterwards he spoke out to try and recruit social workers on a national TV campaign, which won huge public support. Goldie is currently involved in TV and film projects.

[Pictured: (left) Goldie at the exhibition. (top) Goldie with staff from the School of Art & Design. (bottom) Goldie in front of his work ‘Future World Machines’]

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In June 2010 we celebrated the hard work of staff and students by showcasing work at our annual degree show. Over 300 students, graduating from various subjects, transformed our seven-storey building into a dedicated exhibition space.

The exhibition was launched with a private view held on Friday 4 June. Students, their families, staff and industry professionals enjoyed the work on show and over 800 people passed through our doors during the week. For those who didn’t get the chance to see the work, visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/degreeshow10

This show provides a platform for many of our students to secure work, so if you are a business seeking new talent then contact us.

“I thought I should drop you a line to commend you on an excellent Degree Show this year for your design students. We were very impressed with the standard of creativity this year and also the way the students presented their work, in fact so impressed, we have offered one of your students, Sigita Katiliute, a job with us”, Kevin Stevens, Peachtree (UK) Limited.

underGraduate deGree show

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underGraduate deGree show

[Pictured: A selection of work on show at the undergraduate degree show 2010]

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the Grand tourOur budding fashion designers showcased their creations on the catwalk at a fashion show hosted by Wolverhampton Art Gallery in June.

The show celebrated the newly refurbished Victorian room at the Museum. Several of the clothing collections took inspiration from the exhibits and reflected different aspects of Victorian society.

The catwalk show featured collections from Fashion and Textiles students entitled The Grand Tour.

Nichola Bryan, studying BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles, saw her designs come to life on the catwalk. She said her red and black Victorian-style beachwear had been inspired by 19th century buildings in the West Midlands. Her collection included bathing costumes, beach dresses, feather boas and over-sized headwear.

Fashion fans also got a glimpse of work created by budding fashion designers from St Peter’s Collegiate School and Heath Park Business and Enterprise College who had contributed to the project.

If you missed the show, why not watch the video on the University of Wolverhampton’s YouTube channel www.wlv.ac.uk/youtube

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[Pictured: (top) Prof Guan Donghai and his work (far left) work by Prof Keith Cummings

(left) Ice Chi by Stuart Garfoot, Senior Lecturer]

Creativity and innovation in GlassArtists and glass professionals from around the world gather at the The International Festival of Glass in August 2010. This year, our staff and students were actively involved and ran a series of masterclasses to showcase our excellence in glass.

In addition to the masterclasses, a one day symposium was held within the School. The event explored the special nature of glass in craft and industry and included high profile keynote speakers and glass professionals, such as Dr David Brick-nell and Dr Vanessa Cutler. Masterclass leaders and local glass artists were invited to exhibit their work in the School’s Bessant Gallery.

RECEnt EVEntS


Ceramics, glass and video installations were among the creative work of students on display at this year’s show.

Artwork by more than 50 Masters students was exhibited from 4 September to 10 September 2010. This exhibition was the culmination of years of hard work for full-time and part-time Masters students studying Fine Art, Art & Design and Design for Advertising courses. Creations on display at the lively show were from a variety of disciplines including painting, sculpture, print, illustration and photography to audio-visual pieces, animation, glass and installation.

Professor Dew Harrison, Associate Dean, Research & Postgraduate Studies, said, “This exhibition is the culmination of the excellent work undertaken by our Masters students and shows the diversity of creative thinking, skills and professional approach to practice that they have achieved. Both full-time and part-time students have come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the debates and extend their individual practices, with a good proportion of international students to enrich cultural understandings of art and design. We wish our graduating students continued success in their endeavors and future plans, whether this is to further develop their individual practice, work in the creative industries, teach, or continue to research at doctoral level.

“We hope that the MA experience has left them well-equipped to prosper and make their mark on the world.”

To see some of the work visit www.wlv.ac.uk/newsandevents

Ma show

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[Pictured: A selection of work on show at the MA Show 2010]

www.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesignwww.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesign

Ma show

8 RECEnt EVEntS

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StuDEnt FoCuS

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interactive media students collaborative project Interactive Media students were asked to design a new website for Malthouse Engineering. Established in 1947, the company has grown significantly to become the premier flame-cutting company in the UK.

The project was so successful that Roy Taylor, the director of the company, visited the students and presented the winner, Robin Lloyd, with a cheque for £300.

“We are delighted with the collaboration between Malthouse Engineering and the University in producing these tangible results with inspirational flair,” Roy Taylor.

Tom Sochacki, a BA (Hons) Photography graduate, produced Jacob Kimmie’s Eternal DelightSpring/Summer 2010 collection presentation as part of London Fashion Week in September 2010.

Jacob Kimmie is a fashion designer based in the Custard Factory Birmingham. His work has been published worldwide in various fashion magazines and featured in many fashion shows. Jacob found Tom’s photography interesting and inspiring, so invited the young photographer to collaborate.

“About two months ago, I met a young married couple, Tom and Dominika Sochacki, from Poland who inspired me no end with their drive and passion for what they do” Jacob writes on his blog. “Tom, who studied photography in the UK, is shooting my SS11 campaign and has the most incredible eye. My favourite work of his are portraits of Dominika which portray the most incredible intimacy, void of being crass or sugary.”

Tom was excited about the presentation, “This was a great opportunity to show my work to a very serious and influential audience. This collaboration is not only a great creative experience but also an amazing opportunity to be involved in a big event like London Fashion Week. Working with Jacob was a pleasure; I love his designs and ideas, and I’m really glad with the photo shoot results.”

Tom, together with his wife and business partner Dominika, launched their own photography business a few months ago, with help from Wolverhampton University’s Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education West Midlands (SPEED WM) programme. Tom is now working full time as a freelance photographer for his own company, Tom Sochacki Photography. Visit: www.tsphotography.org For more information about the event and to request Tom’s latest portfolio CD please contact Dominika Tasarz-Sochacka on tel: 07773 590720

For more information about Jacob Kimmie visit: www.jacobkimmie.com

Local photography graduate involved in London Fashion week event

[Pictured: A selection of screen designs from the project]

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GardeniaStudents from BA (Hons) Video and Film Production were briefed to create a short film/re-create a scene from an existing film as a module assignment but turned it into something much bigger.

This resulting film is a stylishly shot, off-beat thriller about a hit man who faces his biggest challenge yet: he must decide between his family and his job.

“My thought process towards Gardenia was to push my boundaries as far as I could take them whilst I am in University so this will allow me to learn from my mistakes and get me ready for the real world for when I graduate,” said Hakam Poselay

The film has been recognised throughout the UK and after a successful screening at The Light House Media Centre in Wolverhampton, the film will be screened in London on 25 November 2010.

For more information about the film visit: www.facebook.com/pages/Gardenia-Short-Film/372337823354

Starring: Chris Butler, Hanna Kass, Katharine Kavanagh, Andelys Tomlinson, Paola Berta, Clem KouijzerScreenplay by: Andrew J. Rutter, Hakam PoselayDirected by: Andrew John RutterProduced by: Hakam Poselay

Snow hill Project 2009/10A successful project between Dr Peter Day, Senior Lecturer in Photography, and Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust was shortlisted for a Regional Arts & Business Jaguar Land Rover Award 2010.

The awards ceremony took place on 7 October at Birmingham Town Hall. Although the project did not win the overall prize it has certainly helped businesses of every size and shape find the right cultural partnership for their needs.

Following on from this success the project was also awarded “Judges Special Award” for the best use of Visual Art Healthcare at the nationally recognised Building Better Healthcare Awards 2010.

the Light house Student Photography Awards 2010After the success of last year’s awards, The Light House Gallery hosted a group exhibition of student work from all three years of the University of Wolverhampton’s BA (Hons) Photography. The exhibition featured nine photographers short-listed in three categories: Commercial, Documentary and Fine Art.

Level 3 Photography student Andrew Scarle (work pictured right) picked up ‘Overall Winner’ with his contemporary documentary work entitled Class of 2004.

Andrew’s work combines paper-based photography with new media and addresses issues related to ideas surrounding networking sites and contemporary anthropology. He was selected from the documentary category as overall winner by the judging panel beating off strong competition from Fine Art Category winner Nigal Goodship and Commercial winner Dan Carter.

Judging was by a panel of industry professionals, SM2 Studio (Commercial), Dr Vanley Burke (Documentary) and Lorna-Mary Webb from Rhubarb Rhubarb (Fine Art). The judges were impressed with the quality of work and provided individual feedback to each of the shortlisted photographers before presentations were made at the opening ceremony. Further congratulations to all the shortlisted photographers for their efforts and contribution to a successful exhibition.

Photography lecturer Dean Kelland commented, “This is a great opportunity for the students, not only do they get to exhibit their work publicly at an established gallery but they also get detailed feedback from industry professionals. In some cases those professionals will want to work more with the students and offer some work placement opportunities which has happened this year.”

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wedgwood Museum exhibition supports new talentThe Wedgwood Museum Trust worked on a collaboration with the University to support a creative challenge for its students – to produce a piece of work in ceramic or glass based upon the brief: The Table in 2020.

The designs were displayed at the museum in a special exhibition in July with key pieces then joining some of Wedgwood’s most iconic pieces on permanent display within its galleries.

Gaye Blake Roberts, Director of the Wedgwood Museum, said: “Josiah Wedgwood was famous for supporting young designers and artists, and we are passionate about continuing this legacy. Having a piece of your work included in an exhibition, or on permanent display, at the Wedgwood Museum is just the kind of boost needed by young people who are perhaps thinking about a career in the ceramics industry today. We are delighted to be supporting this project by providing the University and its students with an area within the museum free of charge to exhibit their work.”

Vicky Shaw of Wolverhampton University’s Ceramic Department added, “Our students are extremely excited about this project, which is not surprising with such a prestigious incentive within grasp. The brief is challenging and encourages those taking part to design a creative piece based on the theme of The Table in 2020”.

illustration student shortlisted for national awardA talented illustration student from the University of Wolverhampton has been shortlisted for a national award after designing a new cover for a classic children’s book.

Matt Jones, from Oakengates, has reached the finals of the prestigious Penguin Design Award 2010. The 23 year-old created an innovative and contemporary cover design for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Matt, who is a third year BA (Hons) Illustration student, attended the award ceremony at the Penguin Books offices in central London on Wednesday 23 June 2010. Matt’s design was shortlisted in the Puffin Children’s Prize category in his response to a brief which asked students to reinvent the classic book for a new generation.

John Clementson, Illustration course leader from the School of Art & Design, said, “Matt has produced a great cover design for ‘Alice’. It’s an incredibly difficult brief to bring something new to a book that is indelibly etched in the collective subconscious. Matt’s cover has a simplicity, elegance and sophistication that delivers a different and more contemporary dimension to the character. “The Illustration team are delighted for Matt and we are also really pleased that for the second year in succession we have a student who has got to this stage of a prestigious national competition.”

[Illustration by Matt Jones]

[Pictured: Table by Sevim Ackim]

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Starpack For the second year running students from the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication course have won two International Starpack Awards from The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and The Packaging Society. The Student Packaging Design Awards were introduced in 1964 and attract entries not only from most UK universities but from courses in the USA, Spain, France, Norway and Iceland.

Congratulations to Lisa Woodland who won a Bronze prize for her entry, Corrugated in the 21st Century, a new packaging concept for cosmetics, sponsored by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI).

This brief sets the challenge to make use of corrugated board in a new and innovative way, pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible in modern packaging. The student was able to choose to use an existing brand or create their own, to design a novel and versatile packaging solution.

Filippos Filippou has won a Commendation for the same brief but under the category of ‘Innovative Concept’.

Over 20 students from the module population of 58 entered their work across six briefs selected.

The judging criteria were: creativity and innovation, originality, fit for purpose, brand awareness, graphics, information typographics, environmental, 3D model, consumer target and retail appeal.

Commended

Filippos Filippou

University of Wolverhampton

Interesting concept and use of corrugated.

Judges’ comments

Bronze

Lisa Woodland

University of Wolverhampton

Lovely idea and concept.

Judges’ comments

CPI Sponsored Award Winner

Santi Tonsukha

Royal College of Art

An innovative and attractive application of corrugated making optimum use of the unique structure. Easy to store with a distinctive look. Resealability and variety commended.

Sponsor’s Comments – Andy Barnetson, CPI

Also takes Gold & Dragon’s Den Finalist

Lovely concept throughout. Well done.

Judges’ comments

Student Starpack Awards 2010

the hush Room Graphic Communication graduate, Amanda Merrick, started her new business The Hush Room this summer under the SPEED programme.

Amanda has used her own experiences of counselling to launch an innovative relaxation business with the highlight being a portable relaxation unit, The Hush Room, after finding that adapting her own music and videos reduced her stress levels.

The 23-year-old received counselling via the University after experiencing a number of personal problems in her second year, including two family deaths and her mum being diagnosed with various health problems.

Amanda received support for her business from the University’s Student Placement for Entrepreneurs in Education West Midlands (SPEED WM) programme, which enables students to launch a business alongside their studies.

The Hush Room was officially launched at The White Tree Studio and Gallery in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton on Saturday 14 August 2010. Visitors were able to test out three moods; inspiring, uplifting and relaxing, by sitting in a chair infront of a projector. Portable semi-circular boards and a curtain are placed around the client for 10 minutes of soothing music and images.

Amanda says, “I was going through a tough time and was advised to try counselling, and I found that it did help me. During that time I was listening to music and creating visual images that I wanted to see and listen to in order to relax.

“Seeing the counsellor sorted my problems out and I felt I needed to do something new so I created The Hush Room. I heard about the SPEED programme and applied, and it has been amazing. If I had not had the support from that I don’t think I would be where I am today. Before all this, I used to be quite shy and retiring but because people have said how good the music and the concept of The Hush Room is, it has brought me out of myself and made me more confident. It is amazing that I’ve created something that people want to buy or use and I’m really excited.”

Amanda has a part-time job but hopes to one day focus on her business full-time.

The Hush Room can fit into any sized room and businesses can purchase a unit for their premises for employees to use to deal with workplace stress, or individuals could book to use the portable room.

For more information about The Hush Room visit: www.hush-room.co.uk email: [email protected] or call 07521 601928.

[Pictured top: Winning designs by Lisa Woodland and Filippos Filippou (below right) Filippos Filippou receiving his award]

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Bags of style for Graphic Communication graduate

ALumni SuCCESS

Rachel Faulkner BA (Hons) Fashion Accessories graduate used her time studying at the University to learn and grow her skills as a jewellery designer that has led to a dream job in London.

“In my first year I found it hard to change, but with positive thinking and hard work, I grew to change and become a better designer. Working on live projects such as the Clothes Show, really gave me the feeling that this was for me. Designing and making is all I want to do. After taking part in New Designers 2010 in London, it gave me the confidence to start searching for my dream job, after a few months of searching hard I am now part of the Jonny loves Rosie team as an Accessories Buyer, and currently working on a live project for Vogue.

University has not only helped me to be a confident and creative person but it has changed my outlook on life and one day I too hope to have my own jewellery business.” Visit: www.johnny-loves-rosie.com

Jonny loves Rosie

Graphic Communication graduate Ashley Jessiman uses her love of vintage graphics, print and 50s fashion in her own company, SodaKitsch based in Edinburgh. All their items are lovingly hand-crafted using the highest quality traditional leather, to create handbags, briefcases, satchels and accessories with a contemporary twist. Disappointed with the mass-produced, poor quality leather goods found today Ashley and her business partner Ian Dunlop set out to create bags that will last a lifetime.

Sourcing the best possible leathers they line the bags with quality screen printed suede and fabric linings, which are printed using eco-friendly water-based screen printing inks.

The idea all began during Ashley’s final year major project here at Wolverhampton. Her company won the Glenmorangie/National Museum of Scotland Commission and were featured as part of The List Magazine’s March Style issue, featured as “Ones to Watch”.

You may have caught SodaKitsch in Manchester at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in October 2010. To view their work simply go online: www.sodakitsch.com

[Work by Rachel Faulkner]

[Work by Ashley Jessiman]

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BA (Hons) Illustration alumnus Giorgos graduated with a 1st class degree in 2005. Originally from Athens, Giorgos has experienced international success.

In 2006, he created “plakton” design team, with the purpose of producing and promoting illustrations and experimental graphic design.

He has designed storyboards for four short films, had various illustrations published in newspapers, European magazines and websites. In January 2008, part of his work was presented in the juggling/ theatrical performance of “EQUIPOIZE” in Paris and a year later he created an original comic for the 13th International Comics Festival in Athens.

He has taken part in various exhibitions around the world, including a solo held in Prague and a collaboration with “LUCKY” gallery in Brooklyn (New York). In June 2010, he was commissioned to decorate each bedroom in “Andronikos” Hotel with his illustrations in Mykonos and had his first solo show in London this year.

“O Lord!” the London exhibition opened on 22 October 2010 comprising seven final pieces and 40 roughs. Following the young artist’s tradition, he used cardboard as his canvas. Whilst the name suggests the exhibition has a religious premise, the effect is a surreal fusion of Byzantine art techniques, injections of contemporary elements and the artist’s signature dark comic-style art. Tel: 020 3254 4619 visit: www.maraziotis.com

ALumni SuCCESS

Giorgos Maraziotis

paul power

ALumni SuCCESS

Graphic Communication alumnus Paul Power has just been appointed as head designer at Britons.The Britons family have been making carpets in Kidderminster since 1783 and have a long standing relationship of collaborative projects with the Fashion and Textiles department of the University. Their carpets adorn many of the world’s most famous addresses and locations.

http://www.brintons.net

Previously, Paul set up Deadly Graphics using a SPEED initiative and has successfully been trading form the Science Park in Wolverhampton until his new appointment. Course Leader Jeff Leak said “We all wish Paul every success in his new position”

http://www.engagingwithemployability.co.uk/case-study-paul-power.htmlhttp://www.deadlygraphics.co.uk/

[Illustrations by Giorgos Maraziotis]


One of our talented graduates has created striking work for a new exhibition at the Museum of London, alongside world-renowned milliner Philip Treacy.

Yasemen Hussein graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 1994 with a BA (Hons) 3D Design degree. She has since opened her own studio and secured several high-profile commissions.

The talented mixed-media sculptor’s most recent success is The Pleasure Gardens, an exhibition at the Museum of London, which opened at the end of May this year. Yasemen designed 22 striking metal hairpieces to wear Treacys hats, forming a permanent exhibition at the venue.

The exhibition is billed as the perfect example of when fashion worlds collide, as Philip Treacy’s 21st century hats are seen as the contemporary accessories for a Georgian masquerade, circa 1760.

The backdrop to and theme of The Pleasure Gardens is a masquerade in a Georgian Pleasure Garden. One of the party-goers wears a copper ‘antlers’ head-dress, created by Yasemen, and inspired by Diana, the goddess of the hunt and the moon, which was a popular fancy-dress costume of the era.

Other notable work Yasemen has secured includes catwalk shows for American lingerie giant Victoria’s Secrets and creating a gold collar for Will-i-am from the Black Eyed Peas.

Originally from Castle Bromwich, Yasemen is full of praise for the skills and advice she gained at the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Art & Design.

“I loved it at Wolverhampton. I had a lot of support,“ she said. Stuart Garfoot, who was one of her lecturers and keeps in touch with her, praises her talent and says she continues to inspire students at the School . “She was an absolute and total individual. Her work is unique and has influenced students here today,” he said.

For more information about Yasemen see: www.yasemenhussein.com. To find out more about the exhibition see: www.museumoflondon.org.uk

the pleasure Gardens

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[Pictured above: Philip Treacy and Yasemen Hussein. Museum of London. John Chase]

Ben Foxall graduated from the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication in 2008. His studies combined with his own grit and determination saw him land a job with the prestigious Future Publishing, based in Bath.

Ben now works as an editorial designer on the successful title, Cycling Plus. Recently Cycling Plus was named ‘Specialist Consumer Magazine of the Year’ at the prestigious PPA Awards 2010. More than 1,000 guests from across the magazine publishing industry gathered for the 30th anniversary of the event, which celebrates editorial and publishing excellence in the consumer and business media sector.

“Winning the PPA Award for Specialist Consumer Magazine of the Year 2010 was a huge achievement for Cycling Plus. We beat some pretty tough, more mainstream competition – Radio Times, Lonely Planet, Jamie, Learn with Peppa Pig – and that’s testament to some great work from the whole team including the art department. How a magazine looks is as important as the words within and you don’t win awards if the designers don’t do an excellent job...” Rob Spedding Editor, Cycling Plus.

From Wolverhampton to Bath

16ALumni SuCCESS

international Fibre Art Biennale Following his recent graduation, Song Yue is already making an impact on the art world due to his recent success in his home country, China. Song graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in September 2010, successfully gaining a Masters award in MA Art and Design (Textiles).

On his return to China, a piece of work from his exhibition held here at the School of Art & Design was selected for inclusion at the 6th International Fibre Art Biennale, ‘From Lausanne to Beijing’, held at the Henan Art Museum, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China (October 22—November 6, 2010).

The exhibition involves Fibre artists from 36 countries across the world and is sponsored by the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of Culture. The theme for this year’s exhibition was “Culture through Creativity”, encouraging international communication and promoting fibre art to a broader audience.

The final selected exhibition included over 300 pieces and Song was honoured and amazed to be awarded the Gold prize for his work. His prize was presented by the daughter of the former leader of the communist party, Deng Xiaoping, and the Chancellor of Tsinghua University. Song has expressed his deep gratitude for the education he experienced here at the University, and states that, “It has given him the gift of a lifetime!”

[‘Diana’ Hair&Antlers by Yasemen Hussein. Museum of London. John Chase] [Work by Ben Foxall]

[Song receiving his award]

StAFF FoCuS

Jon’s hard work within the School as a blended learning advisor has been rewarded by gaining Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT).

“This has been a wonderful culmination to a truly exciting and rewarding year for me here at the University. To have the work I have done recognised by such a prestigious national body brings me great personal satisfaction and is recognition of the School of Art & Design and the Blended Learning Unit’s commitment towards innovative, blended approaches in education.”

“I am an ardent exponent of the appropriate use of technology supporting learning when blended with traditional Art and Design pedagogy. My background is one of traditional Art and Design practice allied to a thorough understanding of current software, hardware and web mechanisms available for Art and Design and educational use.”

Well done Jon!

Jon rhodes,

The aim of Craft Research is to advocate and promote current and emerging craft research, including research into materials, processes, methods, concepts, aesthetics and style. This may be in any discipline area of the applied arts and crafts, including craft education.

The journal will portray and build the crafts as a vital and viable modern discipline that has a vision for the future. It is distinct from mainstream journals in that it is dedicated to presenting and reporting on research, in the widest sense, in order to advance the knowledge in the field. Making this knowledge, in whatever form, available to the community will help build and advance the field, and present it - in all its diversity - as a strong and essential force that cannot be overlooked.

In addition to the editorial feature and a thorough reviews section, the inaugural issue includes the articles ‘Surface and substance: A call for the fusion of skill and ideas in contemporary enamel jewellery’ by Jessica Turrell and ‘Exploring net political craft: From collective to connective’ by Otto Von Busch.

For more information about Dr Niedderer and research within Art & Design visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/sad/research

a new Journal by dr Kristina niedderer

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StAFF FoCuS

Blended Learning advisor, CMaLt

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The fourth International Conference on Typography and Visual Communication took place at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus during June 2010. An impressive list of sponsors, including The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA), the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at the University of Reading, Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI) and the Musée de l’imprimerie Lyon, France have added their endorsement to this event.

School of Art & Design senior lecturer, Jessica Glaser and Graphic Communication course leader Jeff Leak were invited to give a paper. Their topic on the broad theme of ‘adding grace to language’ focused on the use of typography to communicate sensitivity, emotion and subtlety.

“Hundreds of enthusiastic delegates attended from as far afield as Puerto Rico and Australia, making the conference a great success. We are delighted to have been asked to contribute alongside so many well respected academics and designers” says Jessica Glaser. Keynote contributors from the UK included, Neville Brody and Mary Dyson, and from Holland, Petr van Blokland.

Lecturers attend conference in Cyprus

StAFF FoCuS

One of the lecturers in Animation is celebrating after scooping a prestigious award for her short film.

Senior Lecturer Samantha Moore, from the School of Art and Design, won the Nature Magazine Scientific Merit award at the third Imagine Science Festival, New York. The award is given to the best short film of the festival and Samantha was presented with it for her film, An Eyeful of Sound.

The jury consisted of Carl Zimmer, Valerie Weiss and Randy Olson, and the film beat off tough competition from over 35 shorts. Samantha’s success will be promoted through Nature magazine and she will also receive a 2,500 dollar cash prize. Samantha said “I’m really thrilled to have been given this award by Nature and the 2010 Imagine Science Film Festival. An Eyeful of Sound was a challenging and fascinating project to work on as it included science and documentary as well as animation.”

Awarding the prize, the festival organisers said: “We absolutely loved your film, as it really encompasses what we are all about here at Imagine Science Films - a cocktail of science, imagination and storytelling.”

An Eyeful of Sound is described as “conjuring up the fascinating visually complex internal world of audio-visual synaesthesia, where senses make unique connections the rest of us don’t experience.”

The project was funded by the Wellcome Trust and Samantha Moore, an award winning animated documentary maker, worked with Dr Jamie Ward, leading researcher into synaesthesia and head of the UK Synaesthesia Research Group, and a group of people with synaesthesia to portray an accurate and insightful picture of what it is like to experience the condition.

For more information about the festival and awards, visit http://imaginesciencefilms.com/festival/awards

For information about An Eyeful of Sound, visit http://imaginesciencefilms.com/2010/09/an-eyeful-of-sound

prestigious award for animation lecturer

[Pictured: Animation stills by Samantha Moore]

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CREAtiVE EmPLoyABiLity

Walsall-based First Steps Babywear are a major manufacturer of babywear to the supermarket and high street. For the third year running students from Textiles and Illustration have been given the opportunity to work with this company, this year creating designs that complement their 2011 Autumn/Winter themes.

Three designs were chosen from last year’s brief with each student offered a placement with the company. The winners were Karen Perry, Sue Spencer and Stacey Wheeler.You can visit the First Steps Babywear site at www.firststepsbabywear.com

Students take baby steps

Construction is underway on the new Performance Hub that will be based at the The University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus. After the hoardings were installed around the site the University thought they would make a great canvas to advertise the new building and decided to engage a creative student.Quinton Paddock a BA (Hons) Animation student was given the commission to produce the artwork, and has based his design on the Hub’s four themes of music, drama, dance and IT.

Decorating the Performance hub

After a successful live brief to design a new visual identity for Bradleys the Tannery, winner Lisa Barratt worked over the summer to apply her design to all of their business and retail print. Lisa is currently working on a new web design, a retail brochure, and has introduced the company to the benefits of social networking by giving them a presence on Facebook.

Visit Bradleys at www.bradleysthetannery.co.uk

Bradley’s get a new identity

Dear Art & Design Just thought that I would give you an update on what I have been up to since leaving University last year. I was volunteering for Voice 21 while I was studying, which I continued to do for a year. I was also commissioned to create a magazine for ‘The Public’ art gallery in West Bromwich working in partnership with UK Youth.

Whilst working part-time at the gallery, I decided to take on an Internship at a digital media agency called Gas Street Works, which is based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. There I worked on various projects including web template designs, motion graphics, putting together marketing material and re-branding their logo. After completing five months with Gas Street Works I am now working full time for a company called Redan Publishing as a Junior Editorial Designer. They are a main distributer of children’s magazines, which include characters like Pepper Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer and Scooby Doo just to name a few, and also produce magazines for the US and Australia.

As an Editor I create page layouts for the magazine as well as the content. I also continue to work each Saturday at The Public Art Club. So, I’m doing alright, and my 4 years in University education has not gone to waste.

I’d like to thank you all for making this possible! Kind regardsJazz Patel Jazz Patel graduated in 2009 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Graphic Communication. She was a pro-active student who pursued opportunities for work experience, quickly realising that one door often opened up another. As a graduate her tenacity has rewarded her with a job that she loves and we are very proud of her - well done Jazz!


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employability LiveRachael Lee graduated from the School of Art & Design in June 2010 with a First Class Honours Degree in Journalism & Editorial Design with Professional Placement. Opting to take a year out from study to pursue the Professional Sandwich Placement Year has allowed Rachael to graduate with a CV stocked with industry-based experience, knowledge and references. All of this has helped to secure her first graduate job in the health sector.

We asked Rachael about her experience.

What made you decide to choose the Professional Placement year?I’d always been interested in doing a placement year, recognising the importance of work experience in addition to my degree studies, especially when the recession hit and there was fierce competition for jobs. How easy was it to find placement hosts and where did you look?Ideally I would have liked to find a paid placement for the whole year. This didn’t work out for me because media and communications are very competitive and rarely pay for work experience. So I decided that I would look for three shorter work placements each lasting 10 weeks.

I knew the type of work I wanted and I thought it would be more interesting to try and get a mix of different companies to work for. The Creative Employability Studio helped to get me started and then it was a case of browsing the internet and looking for potential host companies, and contacting them by phone and email.

I eventually got all my placements sorted, but I did put in a lot of time and effort I decided to do unpaid placements (largely because the companies were more likely to accept me!) but I always made sure it was clear that I was happy to work for free, but wanted proper, beneficial experience in exchange.

What type of sectors were the placements in and how much did they add to your subject-knowledge?I was interested in getting into the press and communications industry so my placements were all based in this field – all within the public sector. My first placement was at an art gallery, my second at a hospital and my third was at a local council; and for all three I worked within a Communications Team. You have now secured your first graduate post; did the experience gained in the placement help you get this post?Very much so! I am now working as a Marketing and Communications Assistant. My degree covered Journalism and Editorial Design so it is partly related to the position, but there is no way I would have got the job based on my degree alone - not a chance! Luckily all of my placements were very successful, and I got a fantastic amount of experience that I was able to talk about in my application form and at the interview stage - and that’s what swung it for me!

Would you recommend a Professional Placement year to other students?Without a doubt! There is so much competition out there now for any job, particularly for graduates, so if you want to stand a chance you need more than just a relevant degree.

I chose to do unpaid placements, and at times this has been financially difficult for me, but I don’t regret it at all! I was always more concerned about getting the experience, rather than getting paid. I made sure I saved up money working over the summer beforehand, got a part-time job whilst I was doing my placements, and applied for a reduced student-loan - so it can be done, and I wasn’t just living on beans the whole time!

It is actually a lot of fun too - I met some great people, many who I’m still in touch with, and they gave me some really useful advice too on getting into the industry and where to look for jobs.

Drumming up new designIllustration students have been given the opportunity to work on a live brief for a local company that pimps (customises) drum kits. PimpCo is the partnership of Chris Newell, an engineer and drum maker, and comedian Al Murray who also drums in a band.

The students working on the brief got to see a selection of customised drums and to meet Dave O’Connor, the drummer with Wolverhampton band The Lines. Dave talked to the group about drum kits, The Lines musical influences, and what it could mean for a drummer to have their kit customised.

You can visit PimpCo at www.pimpco.co.uk or hear The Lines at www.wearethelines.com

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www.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesignwww.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesign

EVEntS LiStinGS

mAGiCS Student ExhibitionTwenty of our MA students formed a group “Midlands Artists in Glass, Ceramics & Sculpture (MAGiCS)”. After exhibiting in the final year Degree Show within the School of Art & Design, they have decided to take the exhibition on tour.

Exhibiting as a group gives a marketing strength to the initiative. The members aim to promote their work to a wider audience within the Midlands, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the work done by other ceramic and glass practitioners in the locality. The first exhibition was held at The Public in West Bromwich and then moved on to Rugby Art Gallery and the Nottingham Lace Market Gallery. The group hopes to raise the profile of ceramics and glass within the art community. MAGiCS members hope that the exhibitions will show that ceramics and glass have a significant place in the art world and that the talent in these areas should be encouraged and developed.

[Pictured: Staff and students at the 2009 photo shoot for the Clothes Show Live]

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EVENTS LISTINGS


EVEntS LiStinGS

CADRE LECTURE SERIESLectures from the research groups within the Centre for Art and Design Research and Experimentation at the University of Wolverhampton.

WITHOUT YOU WE’RE NOTHING: TWENTY YEARS OF THE WORK OF GRENNAN & SPERANDIO30 November – Simon GrennanSimon Grennan and Christopher Sperandio have been practicing internationally as an artist team since 1990. They are well known as pioneers of interventionist, New Genre and relational practice, through publishing, television and social action projects, transforming and presenting the narratives of friends’, relatives’ and strangers’ lives into odd and familiar objects, events and situations, de-mystifing artistic processes and bringing a variety of publics into the world of art. Grennan has also been Director of Viewpoint Photography Gallery, Salford and Public Art Forum (now IXIA). Sperandio is Associate Professor at Rice University, Houston. Grennan & Sperandio are at www.kartoonkings.com

ENLIGHTENMENT NOW7 DecemberProfessor Blake Stimson, University of CaliforniaBlake Stimson teaches art history and critical theory at the University of California, Davis.He is the author of The Pivot of the World: Photography and Its Nation (MIT 2006) and Andy Warhol (Reaktion 2011). This presentation is drawn from a study in progress on the meaning of the old dream of enlightenment now.

Who can attend: The lectures are open to University students, staff, and members of the public.

Lecture venue: All events take place in Room MK045 in the School of Art & Design Building on City Campus unless otherwise indicated.

Start time: all lectures start at 6pm

Contact: Jo Mills on 01902 322213 or [email protected] for further information

THE SEAMay – July 2011Graphic Communication student Annie Miles has successfully submitted work for exhibition at Newcastle-under-Lyme Museum and Gallery. Her imaginative work was created in response to the theme of ‘The Sea’. Annie created vibrant, lively deep sea creatures and wave images, all made from recycled computer parts.

Annie’s work is on exhibition from May to July 2011 at the Gallery. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/leisure

CLOTHES SHOW 2010NEC Birmingham: Friday 3 – Wednesday 8 December Visit us at the Clothes Show Live 2010Students studying BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles will take their collections to the catwalk of the Clothes Show again this year. Visitors to the show can also meet our staff and students at our stand.www.clothesshowlive.com

VISIT THE SCHOOL

If you and/or your students would like to see and hear more about the School of Art & Design at the University of Wolverhampton please call to arrange a visit on 01902 322058 or email: [email protected]

We can arrange tours of the facilities, tutor-led workshops and wider tours of the University.

For more information about contributing to this magazine or to join our mailing list contact Marketing on 01902 322058 or email: [email protected]

ViSit thE SChooL / ContACt FRESh

study art & design

Ba (hons) coursesAnimation, Applied Arts, Computer Games Design, Fashion and Textiles, Film and Production Studies, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Graphic Communication & Illustration, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Video and Film Production, BDes (Hons) Product Design

Foundation coursesArt and Design, Commercial Video Production

hnd coursePhotography

postgraduate programmesMA Design and Applied Arts*, MA Fine Art*, MA Visual Communications*, MPhil/PhD

open Days are a great way of getting a feel for the University and the subject you want to study.

You can meet tutors, talk to fellow students, and see our great facilities.

University Open Days 2011: 12 March 10am-3pm11 June 10am-3pm20 August 10am-3pm

To find out more, visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays

* Course subject to final approval

fresh winter 2010

Documents

illustration award

canon illustration prize

animation award

andrew scarlemdti prize

nitesh patelthe deans

natalie poolethe deans

rebecca forsterthe deans

dear art design