Jumping fences
Rosie Higham-Stainton
9th June 2008
Diversity and variation was the order of the day at ‘Into the Woods’- the Brighton University exhibit at Free-Range. More impressive still was the way in which graphic design students were experimenting with art forms to create work that cross boundaries. Huge Illustrations were hung next to large scale photographs and audio visual displays showing film shorts.
One student we meet, Sarah King, exhibited large-scale typographic screen prints that combined words and images to create deeper meanings. When asked about her fascination with type, Sarah explained ‘I looked back at old type and American posters. Retro graphics really inspired me too.’ King cited her general influences as ‘just stuff around me, nature, books and things.’
Beautifully precise font interweaved with detailed illustrations resulted in great compositions for her informative posters. Sarah is a key example of how these Brighton students don’t feel restricted by the titles of their degrees. Instead they are at liberty to experiment and cross boundaries. “I hope to continue in this field, melding graphics and illustration”. Her work is informative- as is the nature of graphic design. However there is an illustrative element to her style that demonstrates her ability to cross-format.
Throughout the entire exhibition there was an abundance of students interested in crossing boundaries both in terms of medium and subject matter. We also met student Rachel Lattimore and she described how her work began by was motivated by experimentation in collage.
Rachel explains how she was keen to explore what the true nature of reality was investigating theory around atoms and empty space. Moving onto moving images as a method of ‘bringing her work to life’ she produced a series of fantastical short films that looked at the idea of ‘other worldly’. Through the use of the camera and music Rachel has found an alternative approach to graphic design.
Neither student stuck to using computer graphics and Sarah’s illustrative work even has a raw and ‘handmade’ feel to it while Rachel’s alternative mediums give an interesting twist. The two artists hope their imaginative and unconventional approach to graphic design will set them in good stead for employment in the creative industries. Both students have an interest in illustration and see this as a possible career path.
Sarah- www.eveningtweed.com
Rachel- www.rachellattimore.com www.gdi08.co.uk/rachel-lattimore
