Undergraduate & Postgraduate Prospectus 2016/ 17 - Plymouth ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Prospectus 2016/ 17
Plymouth College of Art Undergraduate & Postgraduate Prospectus 2016 / 17 Design: Lovers Illustration: Mat Williams Kathryn Mackrory Photographers: Andy Ford – BA (Hons) Photography graduate Carol Sachs Dom Moore Liam Ricketts James Mann Matthew Sheather – BA (Hons) Photography graduate Owen Richards Sarah Packer – BA (Hons) Photography graduate Tatsunori Ishikawa – BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate With thanks to: Beijing Design Week Bread and Roses The Contemporary Craft Festival Exile KARST Ocean Studios Plymouth Arts Centre Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Port Eliot Festival Prime Café Bar Prior Creative Rockets and Rascals Theatre Royal Plymouth Visit Plymouth Printed by Park Communications. Park is an EMAS certified company and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001. 100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and on average 99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled. All information is correct as of going to print in September 2015. Please always check our website for the latest updates on fees, funding, and more. We are very grateful for the time, hard work and energy of our talented students, staff and alumni in putting together this prospectus
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Welcome 05
Don’t Just Make - Live Make 06
Why here, why now? 08
On Campus 10
In Conversation: Sofia & Chris 14
Facilities 16
Fablab Plymouth 20
In Conversation: Tristan Manco 22
In Conversation: Alice Vandy 24
A Choice for Life 26
In Conversation: Amy & Kelsii 28
Plugging into Industry 31
Careers 32
Welcome to Plymouth 36
Plymouth Culture 38
In Conversation: Matt & Andy 40
Gems, Jaunts & Hideaways 46
Living Here 48
Tokyo to Plymouth 50
In the Gallery 52
Around the World 54
Looking Back 56
Life in Design 60
In Conversation: Lucy & Will 62
Undergraduate Programme Guide
UAL Foundation Diploma 66
Contents
UAL International Foundation Diploma 68
Extended Degrees 70
BA Honours Degrees 72
Postgraduate Programme Guide
The Graduate School 158
Playing to our Strengths 162
Useful Information & How to Apply 166
2016/ 2017 2 3
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
It's your energy
that brings you here
Welcome to Plymouth College of Art, an independent art
school run by artists and designers for artists and designers.
A place of making and thinking, where what interests us is
your distinctive kind of curiosity, the inkling that prompted
you to open this prospectus, or click onto our website, and the
creative direction that might bring you here. What interests
us is your energy.
Because a good education is one that listens to the horizon. Any history of Plymouth has
you, that works with you and is there to support to include the horizon, and at Plymouth College
you in every step along your individual path – a of Art you can expect your dynamic creative
lifelong commitment to creative inquiry and horizons to expand – locally, nationally
to making. Making work, making new ideas, and internationally.
making your way in the world. We’re interested
in everything you will make of yourself. Our distinctive art college ethos and the
direction of your creative practice informs every
Your work here will connect you directly with decision we make – from the way we design
the world of creative practice, as you develop our curriculum to industry and community links
strong technical, professional and critical and the investment we make in our specialist
understanding, and deep creative thinking. studios, workshops and technologies. Our
We believe that art students are natural academic and technical staff are all expert
activists, keen to take their practice out of the practitioners in their specialist fields.
studio and into the world: into the community,
into industry, and into the cultural economy at So do come and visit us, and take some
home and overseas. time to ask questions and look around the
extraordinary range of facilities that we offer
You’ll find yourself in extremely good company. here at the heart of a dynamic city of culture,
This college is a hive of creative practice and just a stone’s throw from the sea and from the
activity, a place of many hands, minds, hearts wilds of Dartmoor. A word of warning, though –
and eyes, for whom the most exciting place is you might not want to leave.
Professor Andrew Brewerton
Principal & Chief Executive
4 5
Don't
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Just
Make — WE COLLABORATE
We’re an independent, specialist art school. Here you’ll
find fashion designers, ceramicists, games designers, fine
artists and photographers, all sharing facilities and ideas.
Whatever their specialism, everybody works on the same
AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
We see ourselves as an international art college,
welcoming students from around the world to share
ideas and encourage our students to look at global
opportunities. We use our Gallery to showcase
Live
campus. It’s a truly collaborative environment. international creative artists, and we welcome guest
lecturers from overseas at every opportunity, as well as
Creativity doesn’t just happen in the MAKING TIME, MAKING SPACE
Our tutors are practising artists and designers, and our
curating, publishing and exhibiting abroad ourselves, and
arranging exchange programmes with our foreign partners.
studio, workshop or darkroom. It’s a technicians are highly skilled masters of their crafts. Plymouth is only the beginning.
way of life. A lot has changed here We’re all making something. Some are working at degree
level, while others are pre-degree or postgraduate – all are JOIN US
since we started out 150 years ago, but contributing to the growth of the creative industries in the Throughout this prospectus, you’ll hear from our students,
UK. We even have The Red House – a school for four to tutors, technicians and graduates, many of whom have
this simple equation of making and 16-year-olds and a centre of excellence for learning, living gone on to blaze their own trails in the creative industries.
living still shapes everything we do. well and the creative arts, for children from all walks of life.
We’re proud of our big, open studios and our inspirational We hope it gives you a picture of what life’s like here
Make
equipment. Some of it is cutting edge, like our 3D printer, – the space, the city, the people, the facilities, the
but lots of it is here because it’s stood the test of time, opportunities. And a sense of the ethos that drives us
like our beautiful printmaking presses. – our independence, our intimate scale, and our faith in
making and thinking.
LIVE WHAT YOU DO
We pride ourselves in providing high levels of contact Atmosphere is a hard thing to put into words, but so
time, not just a few timetabled hours a week. Living what many people who come here say the same thing: it feels
you do means getting immersed in learning, and that like home. Study here and you’ll be joining a supportive
requires constant access to the facilities, technicians community, somewhere to work hard but also to relax,
and tuition that you need to develop. The high-contact create, enjoy, aspire and be yourself.
experience here is one of the things we’re proudest of,
and we won’t compromise on it.
6 7
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Why here, why now?
History & Expertise
We’ve been providing specialist arts education
since 1856, and are one of the few remaining
truly independent, specialist art colleges in the
UK in the Higher Education sector.
Creativity for Life
From our four-to-16 free school The Red House
to our Postgraduate Programme, we encourage
our students to create, collaborate and explore,
throughout their education. To live, and to make.
Links with Industry
Study here and you’ll work on live briefs, set
and assessed by industry professionals, and
you’ll be encouraged to take up work experience
opportunities. You’ll leave equipped with the
skills and independent, creative thinking, that
you’ll need to excel in the creative industries.
Top Facilities
Ranging from the latest 3D printer to a
wallpaper press from the 1840s, you’ll get to
use some of the best facilities in the country.
Our £8 million Craft, Design and Fabrication
Workshops opened in 2013, and we continue to
invest significantly in new studios, workshops
and digital technology.
High-Contact Time
We’re a small college. That means that you get
great access to our studios and workshops,
and lots of time to work with our expert tutors
and technicians. Our high-contact time sets us
miles apart from other arts institutions.
Collaborative Learning
Left: Student work by Hayley Gage
Just like industry, we know the importance of
collaboration. Our teaching is cross-disciplinary
and our studios are open-door. Fashion design-
ers work with photographers, fine artists with
film-makers. No matter your specialism, you’ll
have access to the full range of resources
and facilities.
8 9
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
On
Our city centre campus is a thriving creative hub
Right: Illustration lecturer
of collaboration and innovation, thinking and
making. A close-knit community where artists,
designers and makers combine, it’s a place
to explore and experiment with processes and
materials, both contemporary and traditional.
Phil Trenery
Campus
Our students say that it’s the energy here
that makes this place special. And they love
that all of our workshops are open to them
regardless of their chosen specialism. Fashion
designers collaborate with filmmakers, fine
artists with photographers, animators with
ceramicists. The opportunities for cooperation
here are endless, and they’re just waiting to be
discovered by the next generation of creatives.
But we’re not insular. Our staff are all
practising artists and active makers in their
fields of expertise. And our students work
closely with industry partners – gaining
invaluable skills and experience working on
live projects, gaining in-work experience on
placements with industry, and eventually
landing top jobs. Our campus, as well as being
a safe and supportive place for our students,
is also a home for our industry partners, our
visiting lecturers, our guest speakers, and our
graduates.
Joining us is a fantastic opportunity to
make what you want, when you want, in light,
airy studio spaces filled with professional kit,
under the support and guidance of our expert
tutors and technicians. With the UK’s creative
industries booming, there’s never been a better
time to become a part of our collaborative
community of artists and makers.●
" There’s so much here that you
can use and experiment with, just
mess about with and try out. I
thought it was crazy, but as an
Illustration student I have access
We have 13,000 square metres of studio space and four buildings to things like free tutoring from
filled with professional workspaces and state-of-the-art kit – all the ceramics department. I was
home to our 2,000 strong community of student artists, designers blown away."
and makers. — Alfie Phillips BA (Hons) Illustration
10 11
" This place is a shelter for artists. It's an oasis." Stephen Felmingham Programme Leader for Painting, Drawing & Printmaking
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Left: Sofia Beale
BA (Hons) Animation From hand-crafted plasticine characters to the latest digital
Right: Chris Eales
BA (Hons) Animation lecturer
techniques, animation spans a range of specialisms. We talked
to Chris Eales, a BA (Hons) Animation lecturer whose recent
animated short ‘Two Films About Loneliness’ has been a hit at
film festivals worldwide, and Animation student Sofia Beale,
In Conversation: who’s preparing to exhibit her own stop-motion work at our
Sofia
Summer Show.
● What was it about Animation that drew
you both to the subject?
SB: I did film, art and writing at A-Level and
& Chris
I thought Animation would be a great way of
combining them. I watched lots of cartoons as
a kid and thought ‘I want to do that.’ When I got
here I realised that animation is so much more
than the stuff you see on TV – stop motion or
3D, lifelike or abstract. There’s such a range,
and I find that fascinating. ● And what are the facilities like?
CE: I always liked the idea that one person SB: They’re amazing. The cameras, the
or a small team could make their own films. lighting, the software... We also get access to
I like the democracy of that. And I really like other departments like woodwork, which I’ve
low-budget films. For me, stop motion also still used to make bits for my sets, and printmaking,
has a real magic about it. You know there’s a where I’ve screenprinted scenery and set
lifeless object there, but you can see it move. backgrounds... There’s no way I could do what I
Its appeal goes back decades and decades. do if I weren’t here.
● What does the teaching focus on here CE: The FabLab, where students and staff
– is it mostly the technical side of Animation? can make use of new design technologies like
SB: In the first year you get to know the key 3D printing and scanning, is a really exciting
technical skills that allow you to animate and space too. It’s a great resource and there’s
bring a character to life. After that, the teaching so much open source stuff online. You can
becomes increasingly about getting feedback download little parts for armatures which can
on your work and choosing a specialism that be very expensive. Or you can scan objects
most interests you. and work with them digitally. There are so many
We also have a lot of one-to-one teaching. options – and it’s very accessible.
Students and staff work closely together. In ● And finally, what do you think is the most
some colleges with high student numbers you important thing to pass on to students?
only get to see your tutor a couple of times CE: The freedom and joy of exploring new
a year, but it’s the opposite here. I really ideas. That’s why it’s so important that the
like talking to people about their ideas and college has practising artists as tutors. People
discussing different methods for exploring who are still learning themselves. People who
them – so it’s great for me as as well as the are always looking for new ideas, and who don’t
students. want their own practice to stagnate. People
with a broad idea of what’s possible within
animation and with the creative industries.
SB: Having teachers who are still themselves
" The facilities here are amazing. making films is great for the students. Not just
teaching you how to animate but from the point
There’s no way I could do what I of view of getting advice. Showing you how to
do if I weren’t here." get your work seen at festivals for example.
Getting your foot in the door of the industry. And
— Sofia Beale, BA (Hons) Animation landing a job once we graduate. ●
15
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Our students tell us that our open-plan, open- ANIMATION, FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
Our students make full use of our industry-
JEWELLERY DESIGN STUDIO
Housed in our fantastic new Craft, Design
door studios and workshops, and our specialist, standard dedicated studio spaces – including and Fabrication Workshops, this stunning
professional equipment, are essential for the our infinity cove, green screen, and specialist space provides everything for contemporary
Left: Photographic Cove
sound studio (with Foley pit and vocal recording and traditional techniques in jewellery design,
thinking, designing and making that goes into booth) – plus our stop-motion suite, our including benches supplied with gas and
their award-winning work. darkrooms, and plenty of individual edit suites,
all up-to-date with the latest industry-standard
oxygen, in-house metal casting resources, hand
and machine-forming tools, facilities for vitreous
software. enamelling, and a separate chemical room for
etching, anodising and patternation. We also
Facilities
CERAMICS AND GLASS WORKSHOPS have larger metalwork equipment for welding,
With a glass furnace that works at 1,100 brazing, cutting and grinding.
degrees, 10 potters wheels, resources for hot,
warm and cold glass processes, a plaster room PRINTED TEXTILE DESIGN STUDIOS
for mould making, 16 kilns, a well-stocked glaze With views out to sea and 35 metres of print
mixing area and individual studio space, our tables to encourage experimentation, our
Ceramics and Glass Workshops have a real Printed Textile Design Studios also boast
‘wow’ factor, rivalling any art school around a fantastic Mimaki fabric printer, digital
the country. embroidery resources, industrial sewing
machines, sublimation printers, a dye lab, heat
DRAWING STUDIOS presses, a tufting gun and a Mac suite. It’s got
With north-facing windows, a ‘methods and to be one of the best printed textile workshops
process’ area, individual studio space and a in the UK.
specialist life-drawing studio, our impressive,
open-plan, triple-height Drawing Studio is a huge THE PRINT LAB & EQUIPMENT
space, perfect for many different activities RESOURCE CENTRE
and specialisms. The Print Lab offers affordable and quick print
services for all our students who are looking for
FABLAB* anything from large-format or solvent printing,
Our ‘fabrication laboratory’ is kitted-out with to photo printing, scanning or vinyl cutting, and
the latest in digital design technologies – from a wide range of finishing services. And our
3D printers to 3D scanners, a vinyl cutter, CNC highly experienced Equipment Resource staff
milling machine, CNC router and laser cutter. can advise you on which of our 6,000 pieces
It adds a whole new level of opportunity for of industry-standard kit – from underwater
Right: Etching Press
students across all creative walks of life. cameras to traditional large format cameras
and all free to hire – will best meet your needs.
FASHION STUDIOS
This large professional studio offers a real-life WOODS AND PLASTICS WORKSHOP
fashion experience in a fabulous space with Alongside the latest in new technology, we
sea views. Specialist industrial and domestic value the long-standing traditions of making in
sewing machines, a range of knitting machines wood and plastics – and have developed an
It’s the reason we, unlike many other and a wide stock of fabrics and knitting yarns excellently-resourced workshop that is open to
institutions, provide dedicated studio space sit alongside a media and marketing Mac suite, all our students. It boasts a wide range of kit,
for our students across all specialisms – all a fully operational CAD cutting facility, and a including an impressive CNC router, plenty of
Left: Jewellery Design Studio
up to date with the latest industry-standard kit library of designer garments to inspire. saws and lathes, and strip-heaters, as well as
and software. greenwood-working facilities. ●
It’s why we continue to invest heavily in FINE ART PRINTMAKING
our buildings, and in kitting-out our specialist A fantastic facility supporting fine art
Right: Equipment Resource Centre
spaces – such as our £8m investment in our printmaking, our dedicated space caters for
Craft, Design and Fabrication Workshops. a wide range of programmes and processes.
And it’s the reason we have plenty of You’ll get access to a 150-year-old Columbian
experienced, expert technical staff – who are press, an Albion press, an historic and rare
all practising artists, designers and makers wallpaper press, and an automatic FAG proofing
themselves – always on hand to help and guide press, plus a broad selection of metal and
you in the latest processes and techniques. wood type, vacuum screen-printing beds, and
Here’s just a little preview of the kind of four etching presses.
access to resources and equipment that you
can expect if you choose to study with us...
16 17Life Drawing Studio
Mac Suite in our Design Studios
3D printer in our FabLab
18
Wood type in Fine Art Printmaking
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17
Sewing machines in our Fashion Studios
Photography darkroom
19
Glass diamond saw in Ceramics & Glass
CNC router in our Woods and Plastic Workshops
The Print Lab
Colombian Press in Fine Art Printmaking
UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATEPLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
FabLab
What’s the idea?
FabLab stands for ‘Fabrication Laboratory’
– a workshop housing highly sophisticated
computer-aided design software and machinery.
Each FabLab is a space to learn, experiment
and create. By connecting to other FabLabs
around the world, artists and makers can share
Plymouth
ideas and knowledge, and solve problems
together.
What does it mean for students?
FabLab Plymouth gives our students the power
to turn their ideas into reality. Filmmakers and
animators can print props and characters,
costume and jewellery designers can prototype
their designs, and fine artists and graphic
designers can experiment with a whole new What kinds of projects happen in there?
range of materials in their work. In the FabLab, All students have access to the technologies
students gain a deeper knowledge of the housed within the FabLab meaning a wide range
machines, materials, design process, and of innovative new projects across art, design
engineering involved in creating innovative and digital media. Our new 3D Design Crafts
products and artworks. programmes make full use of this while fashion
It’s a great space to connect and collaborate, students have used the laser cutter to create
locally and globally. It encourages conversations intricately cut garments and jewellery quickly
and knowledge-sharing via direct video links, and at a low cost for their final shows.
collaboration via open-source software, and the We also open up the FabLab to artists,
chance to build an international community with designers and businesses to innovate and
artists, makers and businesses. develop new processes, which subsequently
informs our understanding of this constantly
What will I find in Plymouth College developing technology.
of Art’s FabLab? The EU-funded Crysalis Project saw national
Our FabLab houses the latest 3D printers and and international artists explore smart textiles
scanners, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, milling such as heat-responsive LED lighting using
machines, and a large wood router. There’s the electronics and robotics software Arduino
also a suite of other electronic equipment that as part of college-hosted event Rejuvenating
enables students to create prototypes, models Craft – with these developed processes now
and final artwork. made available for experimentation using the
We specialise in fusing traditional art software, platforms and technologies within
practices with cutting-edge technologies. Our our FabLab.
FabLab, which sits adjacent to our craft and Similarly, FabLab Plymouth manager
design workshops, helps us create unique Ian Hankey developed a new metal-casting
techniques and artworks that have the potential technique which uses 3D printing to create
to revolutionise the creative industries. Across intricate bronze designs that wouldn’t otherwise
all of our programmes, the FabLab creates be possible using traditional techniques. He’s
exciting opportunities for doing things in a also experimented with producing a chainmail-
new way. like ‘fabric’ with the 3D printer, creating a
continuous and fluid material that can be used
for garments.
We first opened our FabLab in September 2014 – but the The Serco Project has also seen our FabLab
international FabLab movement has been going since 2001, when BA (Hons) Jewellery grad Eleanor Gooch help to develop new and innovative uses for tra-
ditional materials and processes. Following an
the first one opened at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. made use of the technologies in the open course welcoming artists, small traders
FabLab for her award-winning jewellery and creative businesses into the college, Dar-
There are now over 350 FabLabs around the world and we’ve pieces of her final major project –
tington Glass are now working with us to fabri-
cate glass moulds using CNC and 3D software
built strong working relationships with Barcelona, Amsterdam developing an innovative way of metal in less than half the time and with a higher level
of accuracy than the traditional methods of
and Paris. mold-making using CAD technologies. having to hand-carve into graphite. ●
20 21PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
BA (Hons) Illustration lecturer Tristan Manco is also an author, ● What stood out for you about the college
when you first joined?
We give you options as an illustrator: as a
freelancer, working within an agency, or starting
art director and curator. He oversaw the design of Blur’s ‘Think TM: Firstly I was really wowed by the
facilities, both across the college but also
your own company. But we also encourage you
to think about the transferrable skills that a
Tank’ album artwork, is a judge for the Association of Illustrators, specifically in Illustration. We’ve got our own
press and we encourage students to self-
degree course gives you, and where they could
take you. We try to instil a professional attitude,
and has been described as ‘the world’s leading authority on street publish. This idea of an artist as a self-producer and ideally help you start finding your own
art.’ We sat down for a chat... is a big development in the last ten years within
design and illustration – the idea that between
clients in your last year.
● So students have the chance to work on
clients you can be making your own products live briefs, and create their own brand?
In Conversation:
and creating your own projects. TM: Yep. Creating your brand, identifying
But it’s also how switched on the staff and your market… You have to keep up with how
Tristan
students are here. In Illustration we’ve got a people work. The latest software, the latest
really good team who offer lots of different ways of sharing and presenting work. But things
angles on the subject. We’ve got traditional change quickly, and so you can’t be too specific
practitioners doing story books and editorial, in what you teach: you also need to be teaching
and we’ve got people more interested in zines general visual awareness, professional practice,
and self-publishing. We’re all practising today, contextual theory – that kind of thing. You can’t
so we know about the latest trends: what’s predict what roles there are going to be in a few
going on, and what’s interesting at the moment. years’ time.
Manco
● How does having teachers who are also ● What does someone get from an Illustra-
practising artists help students? tion degree that they wouldn’t otherwise?
TM: Students are getting prepared earlier TM: When you reach the finish line, you feel
and earlier, in that they’re thinking about their how different you are as a practitioner from
online presence and their portfolios. They’re what you were when you finished your A-levels.
thinking about their personality as an illustrator, A degree gives you three years of opportunity,
the areas that they can specialise in, how to time and space. You can only go so far being
stand out. And all these things we, as active self-taught. ●
illustrators and makers ourselves, instil in them.
I like illustration students to be aware of
where their work could be used. It could be on
a product, it could be in an app, it could be in
an exhibition. It’s good to think outside of an
A4 sheet of paper. The field of illustration is
an area that’s growing. I like to think of the UK
as a creative culture: we’ve got a big games
industry, and we’re paving the way with design
and illustration. Illustrators can jump in with
all these different areas – it’s a good time
for illustration.
" All the teaching staff here are practising
today, so we know about the latest
trends – what’s going on, and what’s
interesting at the moment."
— Tristan Manco, BA (Hons) Illustration lecturer
22 23PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Alice Vandy’s unique range of digitally printed garments has been ● What were you doing before you joined us?
And what was the first thing you noticed about
garnering international acclaim since she graduated in our BA the college when you joined back in 2005?
AV: Prior to starting Fashion at the college,
(Hons) Fashion programme in 2008 – with her designs being worn I’d studied Fine Art. I knew I wanted to be a
fashion designer but at the time I hated sewing!
by celebrities like Jessie J, Little Mix, Cher Lloyd and Rita Ora. We As I loved art, it was a more attractive route
asked her about her first impressions of the college, and how her to take. When I finally joined the college I
remember being really excited about mixing with
time with us helped her make the step up. new creatives. The first thing that hit me was
just how vibrant the students were. Everyone
at Plymouth College of Art is unique – there’s a
really great energy.
In Conversation: ● Students here often talk about the positive
Alice
relationship between students and staff. Was it
the same when you studied with us?
AV: Absolutely. I had a great relationship
with my lecturers. Art and design is, of course,
very subjective, so there will always be some
people who understand you more than others.
But I was always strong-minded, so I stuck to
my guns regardless – and the lecturers and
Vandy
technicians at college were always supportive of
what I wanted to do.
● And looking back at your time with us,
would you do it all again?
AV: A hundred percent. I always think if there
was an era I could go back to, it would be that. I
have really positive memories of my time there.
The facilities were all great, and sometimes
I find myself wishing I still had access to the
production equipment. And the surrounding
pubs and bars were fabulous too! ● Other than access to facilities and support
from staff (... and the surrounding bars!),
what do you think has helped you achieve the
fantastic things that you have since graduating?
AV: Drive and ambition. During my final year
at college, I focused on doing exactly what I
needed to do to end up with a strong portfolio.
You have to be able to think for yourself, and
not be too concerned with what other people
are doing, as there is no right or wrong way. You
need to come up with your own strategy that
" The first thing that hit me about suits your work. I have a long-term goal, but to
the college was just how vibrant the get there I’ve worked out short-term goals. An
ultimate ambition is completely reachable, but
students were. Everyone is unique – it’s just working out how to get there.
there’s a really great energy." ● And so what advice would you give to
young students who are thinking about moving
— Alice Vandy, BA (Hons) Fashion graduate to Plymouth, to study with us?
AV: Just do it! The college really nurtures
creativity, and there’s a lot of one-on-one help.
The lecturers treat everyone as an individual,
and they’ll help you reach your own goals. And
when you’re there, use the help as much as you
can. Ask the right questions, and use all the
support you can get – so that when you gradu-
ate you’re fully prepared for life in industry. ●
24 25A Choice
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
But the importance of creativity goes deeper than that. The idea of creativity as a lifelong pursuit inspired us
Creative invention is the magic that human societies have to do something radical – we made a school. The Red
relied on for tens of thousands of years. Creative people House is a place where four to 16-year-olds can learn
see things differently, they make things that didn’t exist in a way that encourages their creativity, and exposes
before, and they know how to tell stories. Creative people them to the possibility of a life of being awake creatively.
are able to express ideas and capture things in a way that At the other end of the spectrum, we encourage skilled
the rest of the world can understand, be moved by, and crafters and experienced artists to carry out their own
take as inspiration. research, offering those who have already done a lot with
their creativity the chance to pursue new avenues. Our
A huge focus of our teaching is about bringing out the postgraduate programmes encourage people to re-skill,
creativity that’s already inside you, and letting it take a break new ground, and develop in new directions.
unique shape. We’re fascinated by the way that a person’s
creativity evolves over time. Here, we see all our students This all has a huge influence on the atmosphere here.
developing a little bit more each day. We’re a creative ecosystem unlike anywhere else, in our
We meet lots of people with great talent, size, our space, and our philosophy. And that gives us a
certain kind of energy. We all learn from each other. And
but who aren’t sure whether pursuing a we all live what we do. ●
creative path is the right thing to do. We
don’t like bombarding people with
statistics, but the truth is that the UK’s
creative industries are booming. They’re
our fastest-growing sector, and account
for over 1.68 million jobs.
for Life 26 27PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Glass technical demonstrator Amy Whittingham and student Kelsii ● How are students first introduced to
working with glass – a material that many won’t
Burns take some time out in their favourite spot in the college, have worked with to much extent before?
AW: At the beginning we show them quite
our Glass Workshops, to chat falling in love with the material, simple, but effective, processes. Hot glass is
really quite impressive and intricate. Right from
why the college’s facilities are so crucial, and ‘touching the the beginning we show them how to make a
untouchable’. droplet which they can turn into a paperweight
and take home. It’s that quick.
KB: When you first start, you don’t really " We’re constantly communicating
have any idea how to handle it, but I quickly fell with technicians and lecturers
In Conversation: in love with it. It’s just beautiful, like touching
the untouchable. and you develop a very good
Amy
● And I guess for working with glass, having
the right facilities is crucial.
relationship. Help’s always there
KB: Definitely. You wouldn’t get the same when you need it. It really pushes
opportunities, with all the different areas of
glassmaking – hot, cold, and warm processes – us and our ideas."
if you did it anywhere else. Here is the best. — Kelsii Burns, BA (Hons) Glass
AW: Yeah, the facilities here really are
amazing. We have so much light coming into
& Kelsii
the studio which is a big help. We also have a
big kiln which is brilliant for making large work.
We’ve got so much space and everyone is
connected. AW: There’s all of this knowledge and skills
KB: And because of that you get to try lots of that the different technicians have. We all have
new things. If I have an idea and can’t figure out different backgrounds and different specialisms
a way to do it, you can use different facilities – glass blowing, cold working, working with
or work in a different way. I’ve got friends who other materials like ceramics and metal. We
work more in cold glass and casting but we each have a piece of the puzzle.
still bounce ideas off each other. If we were And from a technician’s point of view it’s
in a smaller space we’d be more tucked away really exciting. Students come to us with their
and isolated. ideas and we help to make them a reality. We
● So how closely do the staff and the see the students a lot and you really see how
students work together? their ideas and skills develop. You see these
KB: Students are constantly communicating people flourish.
with technicians and lecturers. You develop KB: Ultimately it’s about them helping us find
a very good relationship. Help’s always there our own way.
when you need it. Talking to the technicians one ● And on top of the college’s staff, we bring
on one has really helped me. It really pushes us in guest lecturers?
and our ideas. KB: Yep. The students meet and learn
from lots of visiting artists from different
areas. There’s a really good range… At first
I thought ‘I’m in hot glass, I don’t need to
look at ceramics, I don’t need to broaden my
knowledge in that because that’s not what I’m
working with.’ But listening to them, you find
concepts that are similar and you learn a lot.
AW: And even the technicians come away
with lots of hints and tips of ways of working
that we’d never considered before. We had
Liam Reeves come to visit and he gave a
presentation on his work as a glassblower. That
was just really exciting, seeing his journey and
Right: Amy Whittingham where he’d come from and where he is now.
Glass Technical Demonstrator
We’ve also had international artists like Michael
Left: Kelsii Burns Petry, Sandy Brown, and lots of others. It’s a
3rd Year BA (Hons) Glass real perk of the job for me! ●
28 29UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Our students begin their professional careers the moment
they step into the college: we encourage everyone to think
of themselves as practitioners – photographers, illustrators,
designers, filmmakers – from day one.
Plugging
in to
Industry
All our programmes show students how to
combine their artistic talent with business
acumen, giving them the toolkit they need to be
successful in today’s creative economy. And we
give our students lots of opportunities to liaise
with a wide range of creative industries.
Our Animation students, for example, have
taken part in huge international events in Lille
and Stuttgart. Our Fashion students regularly
visit Première Vision in Paris to identify trends INSPIRATION AND NETWORKING
and manufacturers. Our students can draw inspiration from
knowledge exchanges, where they share
BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN learning, ideas and experiences, exhibition
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT visits, lectures, and talks from experienced
Our students work on live briefs, set and professionals in the creative business
assessed by industry professionals. They get community. We offer masterclasses, taught by
to see how a professional creative project is industry experts in small, focused groups, and
handled from start to finish, including pitching tailored business courses. Our careers advice,
and marketing ideas, project management, before and after graduation, includes a service
and being part of a creative team, as well as that promotes international awards and events,
working directly with clients. They’re involved relevant jobs, and internships.
with elements of the creative business process All of this means that you’ll hit the ground
that they wouldn’t otherwise be part of until running in the UK’s fastest growing industry the
they entered the world of work. moment you graduate. ●
31PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
We believe that creativity is a way of life. That, with the right Our programme leaders work closely with
local, regional and national creative industry
support, anyone can make a living doing something they love. employers. So our teaching is always relevant,
and tailored to meet the needs of industry;
And that’s why we live by the three Es – Employability, Enterprise, our students are equipped with the skills and
thinking that they need to excel in working life,
and Entrepreneurship. from the moment they leave the college.
We also offer an array of extra services,
designed to fit around your studies, which help
What Next?
to make the transition from student life to the
working world even easier.
CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY IN ACTION
● Creative employers deliver workshops,
seminars and masterclasses, ensuring that
students hear the latest about industry, from
industry.
● ‘‘I’m a creative: What next?’ is our annual
week-long conference of workshops and
seminars. There’s the chance for students to
meet and learn from industry practitioners and
professionals.
● Our Design Hub is a space where external
businesses and organisations can pitch live " My first job after I graduated was an
projects and briefs to students.
internship with local gallery KARST,
● Our Job Wall offers up-to-date opportunities which I found advertised on the
to earn as you learn, advertising work and
commissions to our students across all of our
college Job Wall. Now I’m running
programmes. my own design studio."
● We also take part in a variety of major — Marcin Nowysz BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate
fairs, festivals and shows – such as D&AD’s
New Blood in Shoreditch, Cornwall’s Port Eliot
Festival, design trade show TENT London, the
International Contemporary Crafts Festival (one
of the biggest in the UK), Free Range Shows,
Graduate Fashion Week and The Clothes Show.
Right: Designer Justyna Michalowska visits our students
They’re a chance for our students to sell their
products and develop their public profiles as
professional artists, as well as networking with
creative agencies and organisations that they
may want to work with in future. ●
Left: Richie Manu - Founder of Consurgo
32 33PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
" We don’t wait
for permission"
Tim Bolton
Vice Principal
34 35PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Located on the coast of Devon in the South West of England,
Plymouth is ‘Britain’s Ocean City’. With a beautiful waterfront
and harbour, plus plenty of stunning surrounding countryside,
our thriving city offers dazzling views, rich history and world-
class events.
Welcome to
Plymouth
Left: Tinside Lido, The Hoe
We have a strong connection to the water.
Plymouth Hoe is where Sir Francis Drake
played his last game of bowls before sailing
to defeat the Spanish Armada. We also boast
the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers
set sail on their voyage to the New World. Our
National Marine Aquarium is the biggest in the
UK. And the beautiful River Tamar connects us " I really like Royal William Yard and
to neighbouring Cornwall.
Today, Plymouth is home to some 200,000
I love the Hoe. This is the first
people – plus an additional 60,000 students. time I’ve had an ocean view in my
They’re here because they love our wealth
of independent shops, galleries, bars, cafes
hometown so it’s really amazing.
and restaurants. There’s a real metropolitan And I like the pubs here!"
feel here. You can catch a ferry to France and
Spain - if you ever need to leave the South West — Tatsunori Ishikawa, BA (Hons) Graphic Design
beaches.
The home of Plymouth Argyle Football Club,
Right: Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard
Left: Mayflower Steps on the Barbican
as well as professional and semi-professional
teams in basketball, rugby, roller derby and
more, we’re also a city that enjoys our sports
and events. Plymouth Life Centre is a leading
sports complex, with pools, diving boards and
climbing walls, while the world-famous British
Firework Championships also take place
annually, against the stunning backdrop of
Plymouth Sound.
We’ve always loved our city, but lately there’s
an even greater buzz to the place than usual.
Come and find out for yourself. ●
36 37PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Plymouth
Culture
Explore your creativity in a city bubbling with dynamic
projects. There’s something special about the way that music,
art and film blend in Plymouth. Established art venues like
Plymouth Arts Centre house innovative exhibitions and
independent film under the same roof. And DIY spaces like the
Junction are passionate promoters of both unsigned bands and
local makers – hosting live music and record launches,
alongside illustration and zine fairs.
If you’re looking for projects to get involved The Plymouth Pavilions draws the biggest
with during your studies here, check out the names in music and comedy, while the
exciting, fresh enterprises springing up around Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, who
the city. The River Tamar Project recently " I am hugely proud of what my we work closely with, houses a fascinating
produced an outdoor film festival beside the permanent collection – as well as featuring
river, while contemporary arts venue KARST group and I achieved during the visiting work on loan from the Tate.
hosts regular residencies and shows. Radiant
Space combines a bustling tea room with
short amount of time we had, and Plymouth is a city where culture is thriving,
creative workspaces, perfect for grabbing a bite of what we planned, prepared and so whether you’re looking for inspiration or a
while you work. And Prynne Chapel, the Alamo
Project and Ocean Studios are all collaborative
proposed to Plymouth City Muse- project to throw yourself into, here you can find
everything you need to take the next steps in
facilities just waiting for your ideas. um and Art Gallery for the Tate’s your creative journey.
Plymouth’s artistic spirit also shines in the exhibition of Gerhard Richter’s For inspiration and more, visit
Theatre Royal, the largest and best-attended work. I am really looking forward plymouthartscentre.org
regional producing theatre in the UK. As well as theatreroyal.com
bringing luminaries such as Matthew Bourne to working further with them – barbicantheatre.co.uk
and the theatre company Complicite to the
South West, our relationship with the theatre
such a good opportunity." thealamoproject.uk
karst-projects.org
provides opportunities for regular collaborations Jess Wright tamarproject.org.uk
and industry experience. BA (Hons) Fine Art student plymouthdance.org.uk
38 39PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17
Recent Photography grads Matt Sheather and Andy Ford enjoy a
coffee in Prime Cafe and Bar and answer some questions about
the college’s independence, seemingly endless resources, and
how joining changed how they saw their practice.
● What made you want to study for a degree
In Conversation: rather than just trying to learn yourself?
Matt
AF: Studying at college gives you so many
great opportunities. People are always thinking
of projects they’d like to do. Without the support
network in college and people pushing you, it’s
a lot harder to find these opportunities.
MS: For me it was a natural progression. I
studied the degree programme after finishing an
Extended Diploma here. The access to facilities
&
and resources I got here I wouldn’t have got
anywhere else.
● So what has the college made you focus
on and realise that you previously hadn’t?
AF: It definitely changes the way you think
about your work. You start to consider what
you want to achieve, rather than just seeing
something you think is cool and taking photos
Andy
of that. When I first came to college my portfolio
was a disparate collection of good photos but
with no real cohesive thought to them. It’s a lot
different now.
MS: The college really opened my eyes.
If I wanted to try something new, it was
encouraged. And through studying I became
really interested in the written side of my
practice. My practice developed in every way –
technically and theoretically.
AF: Going to college simply massively
develops your work, because you’re forced to
sit down and pull it apart, comparing it to what
else is out there. It makes your work a lot more
sophisticated.
● And how important is access to
resources?
AF: Really important. For example, I’d never
shot on large format cameras before but
having the college’s facilities meant I could
try those kinds of new approaches. Having
Left: Andy Ford, BA (Hons) Photography graduate access to things like lighting and studios
Right: Matthew Sheather, BA (Hons) Photography graduate gives you a really good opportunity to push
40PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
your work and embrace things that you might
not be comfortable with. I’ve never been a
natural studio photographer but I can do it
because I did it at college. When I get offered
commissions which are studio-based, I know I’ll
do a good job.
MS: From my first day I was encouraged to
use the whole of the college as a resource.
There were no limitations really. And I knew
there was never going to be another time in my
life I could use a photographic studio one day
and a ceramics studio the next. It really pushes
you to try new things.
AF: There’s loads of opportunity for
crossover when you’re surrounded by people
who are constantly making things. It’s a
different mindset from what you’d get if you
were, say, next door to an accountancy school.
● So it makes a big difference the fact that
the college is a specialist art school, rather
than a department within a bigger university?
AF: It’s not like being at a university where
you’ve got an art department and, say, a
business school within the same building.
Everyone here has that creative thing.
MS: Being immersed by creativity made all
the difference to my studies. Knowing that in
every room someone is making something is
really inspiring.
● And the college being an independent
institution is part of that?
AF: Definitely. Because the college has
been able to forge its own identity rather than
being a little, weird offshoot of something else.
We’ve been bold in our vision – like with all the
new buildings and facilities – and we wouldn’t
have been able to do that if we were part of a
massive structure.
MS: It also makes you feel like you’re a part
of something different and unique. There’s
a great community here between the staff
and students – because we’re specialist and
independent.●
" There’s loads of opportunity for
crossover when you’re surrounded
by people who are constantly
making things."
— Andy Ford, BA (Hons) Photography graduate
42 43PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
" The energy that
Student work by Molly Milldren (left)
Shauna Cooper (right)
brought you here
is what we're
interested in."
Professor Andrew Brewerton
Principal & Chief Executive
44 45PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Gems, Jaunts
& Hideaways
Stock up on culture, take in a view or
eat out on a budget. Whatever you’re
up for, you’ll find it in Devon’s fastest
-changing city. Here’s what floats the
boats of some of our staff and students:
The Hoe – Chris Perk Bread & Roses Pub – Josh Blackwell
BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts BA (Hons) Graphic Design
“If the sun’s out, there’s nowhere “It’s this amazing community arts
better to be than the Hoe. You get pub just around the corner from the
these incredible views out towards college. They put on live music, little
Plymouth Sound, and there’s a exhibitions and screenings, and the
stunning lighthouse.” beer is pretty good too.”
Port Eliot Festival – Katie Beasley Exile – Stevie Ann Thompson
Lecturer, BA (Hons) Fashion Level 0 Jewellery and Silversmithing
“This is a pretty dreamy literature “If you want to eat like a horse but
and arts festival that happens every don’t want to pay through the nose,
July, just outside Plymouth. I always Exile (which used to be called Tiki
leave inspired.” Bar) is perfect. It’s only 30 seconds
from the college. And there’s a live
Tinside Lido – Alana Harrison music venue downstairs.”
BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts
“As soon as it remotely resembles The Theatre Royal – Charley Stanbury,
summer, I’m down here. It’s an Art BA (Hons) Costume Production &
Deco lido from the 1930s, a bit of Associated Crafts
an architectural gem, and you look “From classic Shakespeare to
out over the sea while you swim. It modern plays by up-and-coming
makes me feel like I’m in The Great writers, I’ve found loads of things to
Gatsby.” see at the Theatre Royal. No need to
trek to London for great theatre!
Plymouth Arts Centre – Andy Ford And you get money off with your
BA (Hons) Photography student card.”
“It shows loads of independent and
alternative films throughout the year,
and it’s also a great place to hang
out, grab a drink or have a bite
to eat.”
46 47PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
With a rapidly-growing creative scene and over How would you describe Plymouth as
a place to live?
60,000 students, Plymouth has loads of energy. SD: It’s a great combination of being a hectic
We asked Sam Donohoe, a recent Graphic Design city whilst also being a place where you can
go and relax by the sea. I didn’t want to go to
graduate, to tell us about the city, and what it’s a really manic city like London or Leeds, I just
like to be a student here on the South Coast. wanted to be in a fairly chilled-out place that
still had lots of stuff going on. The nightlife is
really good, and cheap – very cheap! There are
always things to do, little festivals to go to:
Living
there’s a mini music festival at Freedom Fields
which is really cool. You can relax by the sea on
the Hoe and on the Barbican, or go camping or
climbing on Dartmoor. There are loads of nice
pubs and restaurants. Any time friends visited,
they always said it felt like a cool place to live. I
think they were a bit jealous actually!
Right: MTV Crashes Plymouth on the Hoe
Here
" I didn’t want to go to a really
manic city like London or Leeds,
I just wanted to be in a fairly
chilled out place that still had
lots of stuff going on."
— Sam Donohoe, BA (Hons) Graphic Design
And was it easy to find accommodation?
SD: Yes. There’s plenty of student
accommodation in Plymouth, and the cost of
living here is cheap compared to most cities.
CONNECTED PLYMOUTH The college can offer dedicated students halls
Direct trains to London and houses and everything you could need to
throughout the day, with journey know is in a guide on the college website, and
times of just over three hours. the student support team are really helpful too.
We’re forty minutes from an
airport, connecting us with Do you have a favourite hangout in Plymouth?
Left: Boston Tea Party, Barbican
the world. SD: Bac Bar is one of my favourite places to go.
The music’s good, and the drinks are cheap.
Right: Plymouth Arts Centre
Ferries from Plymouth to North Hill in general is good to go out in as
France and Spain.
well. You could go into loads of different bars
Single ticket to London by without having to walk much more than 50
Megabus from £6, booked metres! That’s where the majority of people go
in advance. for a good night out. KARST, which is a local
Time to walk from the college
arts space, and the college’s Gallery also have
to the Barbican seafront – openings where you can see a new exhibition
seven minutes. and have a drink at the same time. ●
48 49PLYMOUTH COLLEGE OF ART 2016/17 UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE
Tatsu Ishikawa is a BA (Hons) Graphic Design student who moved ● Why did you decide that you wanted to
travel and study abroad?
I also had a great opportunity to brand the
college’s Fashion Show in 2014. I produced
to the college three years ago from his home near Tokyo, Japan. TI: I knew that studying Graphic Design and
improving my English by moving and living in
the creative, designed the look book, and
photographed student work. Afterwards the
We talked to him about making the move to study in the UK, how the UK would be the best way to forward my
career and help me get a job once I graduate.
Fashion lecturer came back to give me more
branding design projects, which was great
the college helped to make it a smooth transition, and why he’s And I’ve also been really interested in the UK’s because it meant that the client was really
fallen for Plymouth. subcultures, music and fashion – everything
really. Even though I’d never been abroad
happy with my work. That project gave me loads
of confidence.
Tokyo to
before, I just really wanted to experience the UK ● So, looking back, moving to the UK and
culture first hand. choosing to study in Plymouth has been a good
● How did you find the process of applying decision?
to the college as an international student? TI: Yeah, it’s been even better than I
TI: It was really smooth. I was able to send expected. I’ve got really nice friends, I’ve
my portfolio as a PDF file for my Programme got really nice lecturers and loads of nice
Leader to see and I had a lot of contact with colleagues as well…. I hadn’t imagined that
[the college’s Admissions Manager] Susannah I would experience so much. So yes, looking
Plymouth
Chambers before I arrived. When I found out back it was a great decision. ●
I’d got into the college I nearly cried. I was just
so happy.
How friendly and helpful Susannah was
was one of the reasons I chose to study at
the college. She helped me get the train from
Paddington to Plymouth and when I arrived into
Plymouth train station, Susannah was there " Admissions Manager Susannah
waiting for me. She had a name board with
‘Welcome Tatsu’ written on it, helped me get to
was a big reason I chose to study
the college, and even helped me find a room! at the college. She helped me get
She is my hero.
● Now you’ve had some time to settle into the train to Plymouth and even
Plymouth, what are some of your favourite bits
about the city?
met me at the station."
TI: Plymouth is quite a chilled-out and — Tatsunori Ishikawa, BA (Hons) Graphic Design
relaxed place, which helped me to settle in.
I really like Royal William Yard and I love the
Hoe. This is the first time I’ve had an ocean
view in my hometown so it’s really amazing. And
I like the pubs here! I’ve been to lots of gigs,
exhibitions, and shows since I’ve arrived and
I’ve also explored other beautiful local areas
like Exeter, Totnes and St Ives.... The view at St
Ives is the most beautiful ocean view I’ve seen
in my life. It’s a completely different experience
to my country, but a really positive one.
● And how have you found the course?
TI: It’s been great. In my first year,
we covered loads of printing techniques:
hand printing techniques like lino printing,
screen printing, and letterpressing. I hadn’t
experienced anything like that before, so it was
very interesting. All the desks have Macs which
is great. It’s even better than I thought.
50 51You can also read
