HCA ILLUSTRATION

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T01:20:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM HCA ILLUSTRATION

This is our Gothic looking tree made by first year students Lauren Kidner and Louise Goves

Special guests

2011-12-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

We have had four excellent guests this term.

Rising Illustration star Dominic Owen came to visit in early December. Dominic explained how he is working with Young Creative Network to help him get his portfolio out to as many potential clients as possible. Dominics youth and energy will bring a useful insider view to the students as they try to do the same thing next year. Dominic will be returning in the spring to advise on developing 'Introductory Media'. HCA Illustration are proud to say we gave Dominic his first ever visiting teacher post!
http://www.dominic-owen.co.uk/

Marion Elliot helped out our resident Book Arts guru Guy Begbie with some paper engineering workshops based on her recent book 'Paper Sculpt Sensation' published by David & Charles. Marion has written over 20 titles relating to many processes and techniques used in the world of crafts including tin-working and papier-mache. You can see more of her work at her Folksy shop. http://www.folksy.com/shops/vintagetown.

Christmas card 2011 from Matthew Richardson

Matthew Richardson recently won the 2010 Folio Society award for his terrific illustrations for The Outsider by Albert Camus. Matthew talked through his portfolio and gave the students an insight into his working process. This is the Christmas card Matthew sent us.
http://matthewxrichardson.com/

Illustrator Rebecca Gibbon has been helping out due to a staff illness. Becky helped the students complete the mural project (see below) and hopefully will be coming back in the New Year. Thanks Becky.
http://rebeccagibbon.com/

Waterstones mural project in Hereford

2011-12-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

The third year Illustration students were invited to design and construct a mural for the awkward stairwell space in Waterstone's bookshop in Hereford City Centre. They solved the problem of the wall shapes and immovable permanent light fittings by making a series of boards that could be pre-prepared and transported to the site. Working on boards also allowed them the freedom to retain their own personal solutions to the subject matter, by effectively making a giant 'collage' of printed material, paint and stencils. This was thought of as a risky strategy (would the mural fit together stylistically) but ultimately it worked as positive comments from the public are proving. The Waterstone's staff are 'thrilled' with the result.

The Folio Society

2011-11-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

Third year student Kim Waring has illustrated three short stories by Angela Carter for the Folio Society annual student award. More Folio Society work later.

Illustration Trip to Liverpool

2011-11-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

We got off to a new academic year by visiting the Magritte 'Pleasure Principle' exhibition at Liverpool's Albert Dock. Much fun (long coach ride though) and everyone had a great time. All v impressed with the new builds on the Liverpool waterside including a look at the new Museum of Liverpool.

Marble Runs

2011-11-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

As well as faking Old Masters, the first year Graphics/Illustrators have been working on creating Marble Runs from paper and tape only. There were three criteria...... fastest, furthest and most efficient. Not sure what the third category really meant but prizes were awarded and much controversy created.

Faking Old Masters

2011-11-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

Rembrandt

First year illustrators

The first years have been busy reproducing old master paintings. Here is their version of Rembrandt's 'Anatomy Lesson of Dr Tulp'. Great work!

2011-06-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

2010 Graduate Nicholas Stevenson is showing some new work in Worcester during July.

My recent paintings are visited frequently by an elongated tiger-like beast; a beast which is just as frequently obscured by the dream like landscapes it inhabits. In these works I am attempting to recreate one of my most favourite sensations. The unnamed feeling you get from spotting a distant object on a beach, looking more bewildering and terrifying as you stroll towards it. Old boat? Driftwood? Giant Squid? Body? Or maybe the sensation of looking in to an empty cage at the zoo; the sign with the latin name is present, so something must be in there somewhere, but where?

I hope you can make it along and maybe I’ll let you see the tiger’s face…

Nicholas www.nicholasstevenson.com

Illustrations: www.nicholasstevenson.com

Music: www.nicholasstevenson.co.uk

ART360 Show Review

2011-06-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Review of 'Collections.' A show presented by second year Illustration students from Hereford College of Arts

...by L4 student Josh Fitzwilliams

The tutors for illustration at Hereford College of Art took the brave step to launch the first ever second year student exhibition..... a risk that payed off and showcased the vast amount of talent the students had to offer.

The exhibition was held at the 'Art 360' building on Bridge Street, a fantastic white cube, perfect for small exhibitions such as this one. The exhibition was well presented and used the space imaginatively. It was obvious when first stepping into the room that a lot of time and care had been taken over arranging the works in the best way possible. There was a welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful spread of light snacks, cakes and beverages provided by those involved. There was a wide range of students from different ages and backgrounds which resulted in an eclectic mix of works, making every space a new and individual visual treat.

I thought the theme for the exhibition was brilliant, the idea of collections conjures up the image of sentimentality, a concept which appeals to me greatly and is an interesting and deep subject matter to explore.

All of the students work was of a high and professional standard, however there were several students work that really stood out for me.

Grant Peacock's work packed a big emotional punch. The images were of a high aesthetic standard, marrying a collection of family photographs with a number of illustrative techniques to communicate turbulence within his family life, a brave subject to cover and share with the world. Several of the images were linked in clever and intuitive ways and clearly communicated a narrative. Perhaps the most hard hitting piece was (what looked to have been) an edited letter or e-mail received from his father. The images were presented in a 'hodge-podge' of different family photo style frames and were arranged beautifully.

Also the work of Lucy Driver-Williams deserves merit, her mix of photography and hand rendered images showed a beautiful experimentation with line and colour. I loved her quality of line, the textures of the colour and how it bled from her line work.

Another student whose work really stood out for me was that of Steph Moulden. One of the two large images she exhibited focused on block colour and shape, subtly using repetition. The collection of paper cut-out huts were beautifully simple and striking. Her second piece was outstanding and wouldn't look out of place in any contemporary gallery or magazine. A mixed media image combining inks, collage and computer techniques, a piece I found hard to pull myself away from.

I was extremely impressed with the exhibition, all participants had something interesting and individual to show, I can only imagine what they will create for their graduate show but it is definitely something I'll be looking forward to seeing. I think it would be great to see more of these happen regularly throughout the academic year as it gives students invaluable experience in understanding and curating exhibitions.

Josh Fitzwilliams

Hay Festival 2011

2011-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

Great day at the Hay Festival where we met Illustrator Adam Stower. We bought him a beer and he exchanged sketchbook banter with us. Thanks Adam. In the picture, Pascal, Alister, Adam and 2010 graduate Nick. More pictures soon......

....and here they are. Drawings by L4 student Pascal Heinzelmann. Excellent stuff.

L5 Illustrators Show

2011-06-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

The L5 (second year) Illustration students are curating a show of their own work at a gallery in Hereford. Here is the flyer designed by Jo Parker. The show is the culmination of a series of works developed from a personal collection of related objects. More images from the show soon.
Art 360, Bridge Street, Hereford. Thursday 9th until Wednesday 15th of June. All welcome

Animation project

2011-04-01T01:54:00.000-07:00

The First Year Illustration students have just completed several short animations on the theme of Man v Bird. Scriptwriter David Bull of Toucan Animation provided the basis for the work by talking through principles of story development and script design. Photoshop and Garageband workshops with our technician Nick Brown helped the students create their animations.

Alister Cann and Chris Dakers

Hannah Rees & Louise Tulacz

Pascal Heinzelmann

Poppy Way & John Walker

Guest Speakers

2011-03-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

Some great news for the Illustration students.
Illustrators Mathew Hodson, Laura Carlin, all round ace Art Director and Designer Rob Lowe of 'Supermundane', plus War Artist, Xavier Pick, have all agreed to visit us in the next two months. Rob will be setting a one day 'typography' project and the others will be talking about their work and reviewing the students portfolios and current projects.

Mathew Hodson

http://www.matthewthehorse.co.uk/

Rob Lowe of ‘Suprmundane’

http://www.supermundane.com/

Laura Carlin

http://www.heartagency.com/artist/LauraCarlin/biog

Xavier Pick

http://www.xavierpick.co.uk/

Hans Helweg

2011-03-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

The widow of Illustrator Hans Helweg, Sue Bell has kindly donated his easel, brushes and other art materials to the Illustration course. Hans was a brilliant Illustrator who is most famous for his work with Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond on his Olga da Polga books. Hans also illustrated many book covers for Pan in the early 1960's and his artwork is still much collected by fans of the English/European 'pulp fiction' scene. I will be writing more about Hans later in the year.

Berlin - February 2011

2011-02-18T02:24:00.000-08:00

Just back from Berlin where we had a great time exploring the cities landmarks, galleries, sites (and clubs and bars). Here's a cold but happy bunch of second and third years with Jonny Mendelsson at the Brandenburg Gate.

UPPER BODY SUCCESS STORY

2011-01-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

Face by Nicholas Stevenson and Gabby Brace
(part of their 'Upper Body Success Story' series)

Courtyard Theatre Poster Project

2011-01-18T02:04:00.000-08:00

Kate Ganderton of the Courtyard Youth Theatre Hereford invited our Illustration students to design a poster for their up and coming production of 'Theatre of Doom', a specially written play about the life and work of David Garrick (famous 19th century actor and son of Hereford). The play was written by David Durrant and he developed it into a 'Shaun-Of-The-Dead' / mock zombie / faux horror type affair.

Tom Wooley

Stephanie Moulden

Nancy Berry

Laura Petit

Louise Tulacz

Gabby Brace

Kate was really pleased with the results and will use one of the works as a poster and the rest as part of the publicity campaign. There will also be a small exhibition in the Foyer of the Courtyard for the duration of the performances on Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th of March.

http://www.courtyard.org.uk/education/youththeatre/

Well done Tom Wooley for getting the commission for the poster and Laura Petit for winning the flyer.. Here are some of the best designs.....

Charles Shearer

2010-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Brilliant print-maker Charles Shearer held a two day master-class for L4 Illustration students in December 2010. Charles demonstrated techniques in mono-printing and collography. Everyone loved it. Thanks Charles!

Joyce Clare - poetry book commission

2010-12-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hereford pensioner Joyce Clare has commissioned HCA Illustration students to produce a set of images for a book of her poetry to be created as a gift for her Grandchildren. Working closely with the students, staff and a local printer, the book will be printed and ready for distribution at Christmas 2010. Each of the three years of students are represented in the book and all were awarded some sort of cash prize. Here are some of the best.

My Son by Rebecca Davies

Blizzard by Emily Amor

Eclipse by Gabrielle Brace

Mid-winter by Jessica Shoolbraid

For a Sprout by Kim Waring

MEDIA Research Project 1

2010-07-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

ILLUSTRATION / ANIMATION BA

MEDIA Discourse Research Project 1

As part of their Media Discourse modules first and second year Illustration students began looking at the origins of visual awareness. Was there a single moment early on in peoples lives that triggered a lifelong love of images or pictures? The students asked themselves and members of the staff team to ‘show and tell‘ their earliest formative memory of a single image and describe what it was about this confrontation that had sucjh a lasting and profound effect.

Project Brief:

Most people can trace their love of the Visual Arts to a single image. This confrontation normally occurs quite early in life and may have passed by without fanfare at the time. Only in retrospect, when looking back, does the enormity or significance of this moment become clear.

So what was yours?

Was it a painting in a museum, an illustration in a book, a postcard, a stamp, a comic strip, a billboard poster, a newspaper photograph or a moment in a film or something completely different?

What was it about this image that so completely grabbed your attention or sparked your imagination?

What was the lasting impact of this event?

Please help us develop our collection of these images by sending a copy of yours and a brief response to the questions above.

n.hadfield@hca.ac.uk

Here is the first offering from HCA Illustration Lecturer Jonny Mendelsson

I was lucky enough to go to Prague as a child in 1977. Wherever you went their were images of The Good Soldier Sveijk by Jiri Trnka.
My parents bought me some small dolls that sadly, didnt stand the test of time, but some postcards did and they have always featured prominently in my workspace .
There were a number of puppet films in my childhood, but Trnkas puppets had the most charm. Im not sure the image was "The catalyst" in a creative career, but it is the one I cherish.
Tomi Ungerers Frances The Face Maker & Saseks This is London, that my aunt gave to my sister in 1960, ran Trnka close!

Creative Image Making

2010-07-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

Several images from the Creative Image Making module by first year Illustrator Steph Moulden

Hay Festival

2010-07-13T01:51:00.001-07:00

Illustration students meeting and discussing work with Martin Rowson at the Guardian Hay Festival

The World of Peacock

2010-03-30T04:02:00.000-07:00

Some sketchbook work from first year Illustrator Grant Peacock.

Grant's favourite things include Berol Fine Liners, classic Warner Brothers animations and his shiny new alarm clock (that helps him get to college on time).

Creative Type

2010-03-18T04:06:00.001-07:00

Some of the results of our project to illustrate letterforms. The work on show is by Steph Moulden, Duncan Morgan and Kim Waring, all from first year.

Theatrical

2010-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Some work by 2nd year illustrator Jessica Shoolbraid for a project challenging students to develop their own interests and visual language.

To see more of Jessica's work visit her blog
strawberryjester

D&AD

2010-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

Every year our Illustrators take part in the D&AD Student Awards in an attempt to win a coveted Yellow Pencil. This year's brief was to create a poster for the magazine 'Don't Panic' relating to the theme 'Resistance'. Here is third year illustrator Chris Lewis' entry, where he has attempted to depict nature resisting man and in particular how if left alone long enough plant life etc will take back what was theirs to begin with. More of Chris' work can be seen at Mr Slak

Two Dogs

2010-03-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

These images belong to third year illustrator Nicholas Stevenson.

A combination of paint, collage and the creative use of plasticine, The Man Under The Mountain draws together snippets of overheard conversations to tell the tragic tale of it's titular character.

More of Mr Stevenson's evre so slightly surreal work can be found at
Mr Stevenson

Little Boxes

2010-03-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

This image is from the sketchbook of Jo Parker.

Together with her first year classmates Steph Moulden & Suzie Booton, Jo produced a short animation in response to a brief that looked at bringing Blues music and it's performers to a new generation.

The animation and a few others can be seen by following this link - shinymoonbeans