Showcase Newsletter Winter '08

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 1

Open College of the Arts

SHOWCASE Autumn 2008

H

ave the OCA resorted to images of young women with big eyelashes to get your attention? Possibly, but only to spark a debate. This is an image from a fashion shoot. In an effort to sell clothes the photographer has deliberately placed the model in a run down doorway adjacent to an image of Jesus by the streetart collective Faile. A set of conscious choices, designed to make the image 'work' in particular ways. What is your response? Have your say at oca-uk.com

If you are interested in the theories underlying an understanding of visual culture then you might like to look at our new course: Visual Studies or develop your photographic practice with the People and Place course and gain an understanding of particular challenges of portraying human subjects and their environment, or branch out into Creative Digital Film. More details of these new courses on page 3

Inside Short story competition Full details of how to enter

Meet two of our Workshops programme 4 successful writing Extra support for students up to students 4 & 5 August 2009 8

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 2

Showcase Who’s who at the OCA is published three times a year by the Open College of the Arts. Open College of the Arts The Michael Young Arts Centre, Unit 1B, Redbrook Business Park Wilthorpe Road, Barnsley S75 1JN Telephone: 01226 730495 Email: [email protected] Web: www.oca-uk.com Registered charity no: 327446 Company limited by guarantee no: 2125674

OCA welcomes contributions to Showcase but reserves the right to edit materials at its discretion. Views and opinions expressed in Showcase are not necessarily those of OCA, nor does the inclusion of an item, insert or advertisement constitute a recommendation. To amend your contact details or just to give your feedback – please contact Dee Bean, Marketing and Events, on 01226 704364 or email [email protected] Copy dates for 2009 Submit articles by: 10 January Publication date: 1 March Submit articles by: 10 May Publication date: 1 July

The staff at the Open College of the Arts are keen to support you and as a student you will no doubt talk to many of us at one time or another. Over the next few issues we'll be profiling members of staff, starting with our two newest team members:

Moz Khokhar

Emma Mason

Moz has a degree in Art and Design Since joining the college at the from the University of Leeds and a beginning of August Emma has PGCE from Huddersfield. He joined breathed new life into the academic the OCA as an Academic Co-ordinator services team with her vivacious in August; having previously worked personality and sharp wit. Emma for the YMCA. Moz is previously worked a practising potter in for the RSPCA. She both traditional and moved to OCA to contemporary styles further her career and regularly exhibits and strengthen in local galleries. He her administration channels his creativity and clerical skills. into his work at OCA Emma is 23 and updating and editing loves the colour the images in the pink and animals, course materials. Moz Moz Khokhar though not Emma Mason just couldn’t be persuaded to enjoys playing cricket, necessarily at the have her picture taken cycling and running. same time.

Graduate Celebrations A year after Bucks New University began its partnership with the OCA there were celebrations all round as the first group of OCA students attended their graduation ceremony at the Wycombe Swan theatre. Peter Slater, Executive Dean, Faculty of Creativity and Culture at Bucks said: “We are particularly pleased to welcome the first cohort of graduates from the Open College of the Arts. This is a nationally based partnership which has greatly expanded the range of part-time and mature students now working with us”. OCA Chair of Trustees Chris Jelley and Chief Executive Gareth Dent joined the From the left: Marion Symes, Cedric Smith, Gareth Dent (Chief Exec), Marie Kelliher, Kay Bannon, Chris Jelley (Chair of Trustees).

2

students and their families to celebrate their successes.

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 3

Lights, camera, action... reflection?

T

he OCA is pleased to announce three new level one courses which we are adding to our portfolio this winter.

People and Place is an addition to our highly popular photography courses and will make it possible, for students seeking to progress towards a degree, to gain all the necessary credits through specialising in photography. Written by Michael Freeman, the course is suitable for anyone with an interest wishing to develop their photographic practice and gain an understanding of particular challenges of portraying human subjects and their environment. The module will allow students to explore the meanings of portraiture and landscape photography and the nature of genre. They will develop their understanding of the relationships between subject, photographer and how their environment influences these relationships. Creative Digital Film is for anyone who has an interest in exploring the creative techniques used in producing moving image media. Students will be expected to produce short films, so must have the ability to record and edit digital video. The course is concerned with developing an awareness of creative techniques and exploring artistic approaches. It provides a structured introduction to a range of visual and narrative devices used to create mood, atmosphere and an intended meaning within a moving image sequence. Students will be encouraged to view media critically, to identify the techniques that are employed and how they affect the audience and the course will enable students to employ these techniques effectively in their own work.

The course has been written by Reuben Irving who will also tutor the first cohort of students. Interest in the course is expected to be high but since the course is a new area of study for the OCA student numbers will initially be limited. Visual Studies is probably the most radical new addition to our portfolio. Written by Peter Haveland the course will be relevant to anyone with an interest in the theories underlying an understanding of visual culture. As such it will make an exciting and challenging addition to the programme of studies for students in fine art, photography and history of art. The course preferences the practical application of those theories over a spectatorial approach and will provide a sound introduction to the subject in a truly interdisciplinary fashion. To this end it will provide: • an understanding of the parameters of visual studies • an introduction to the major themes that underpin the discipline • experience in the application of theory to live projects. Students will be introduced to and guided to a clear understanding of the key texts in the study of visual culture. The course will also trial the use of blogging as a means to creating a personal learning log. To be notified when these courses open for enrolment please email [email protected] 3

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 4

Short story competition for OCA students First Prize: £50 Amazon voucher and publication in the March 2009 issue of Showcase.

John Haines a second degree immature teen?

The competition is free and open to all students, regardless of country of residence and course studied. Entries will be judged by OCA tutor Nina Milton.

“I have been amazed by Writing Poetry as it is extremely accessible but demanding. The analysis that you do of your own poetry can’t fail to encourage you to develop your writing. You look at it in such depth and breadth. If you are a developing poet (however many years you have been writing) then here’s the road for you.

Entry requirements: A short story on the theme of ‘Kitchen Table’. You can use this theme in any way that creates maximum inspiration – by including it as an object in the story, or by taking advantage of the atmosphere and emotions the phrase conjures up, or simply include the two words somewhere in your text. You can have any title for your story. Word limit: maximum 1000 Your entry must be typed or wordprocessed. It can be emailed [include ‘short story’ in subject line] or posted as hard copy. Please mark for the attention of Dee Bean. Please include name, student number, address, email address, phone number and story title on a separate page. Closing date for entries: 10 January 2009 OCA will not enter into any correspondence about the competition, including the rules, selections, formats, receipt of submissions or results. OCA cannot provide any feedback on individual entries.

4

“Here is a poem I have developed on the course. My tutor felt quite pleased with it, so, of course, I fully agree.” John Haines has been an OCA student since December 2007. He writes, “I have just completed OCA’s Writing 1: Poetry as the first step to a second degree.

A lonely Pompeii

“I always thought those who went for second degrees must be slightly mad. I had no intention of further academic study after my OU degree. I’m in my sixties and ‘taking it easy!’ I have written poetry since school days but only in recent years began to study it. The OU literature courses were obviously thorough in introducing me to many poets I didn’t know and to much literary (often conflicting) theory.

As an immature teen

“In 2007 I began to think about developing my own poetry. I ‘tasted’ workshops, readings, read a couple of books. Then I discovered that the OCA did practical poetry courses.

There was a swift whiteness,

I was too introverted to fully appreciate the ruins of Pompeii. Yet, I took in the fallen Columns; their whiteness hard and soft in the grass.

always swift then. Time, ancient and new, ribboned in lonely squiffiness.

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 5

Marianne Lederman

published author I have always had a love of books and

For people like myself, working in a busy

literature of all kinds, as well as a fervent

job and with a family and limited time to

imagination. As a child I lived much of the

write, the OCA provides flexibility

time in a dream, telling myself stories and

combined with high quality one-to-one

developing imaginary characters who

tuition.

were more real to me than the people

prepared to wait until my home and work

around me. However, I never wrote these

commitments allowed me to complete an

stories down as I had too little confidence

assignment. Formal assessment wasn’t

or belief in my abilities.

what I wanted, so I decided to repeat the

Understanding

tutors

were

Advanced Writers’ course three times!

Thanks to the OCA I received my reward. I finally won the Greater London prize in the national Undiscovered Authors

It wasn’t until about fifteen years ago,

With each course I honed my writing skills

after a career of thirty years, that for no

a little further, benefiting from the

reason that I can recall or define I started

different

to write. It was then that I decided to look

Elizabeth Ashworth, Elizabeth North and

at

my

especially Linda Acaster, provided me with

amateurish efforts and the Open College

encouragement, constructive criticism and

of the Arts proved to be ideal. I started

a mature mentoring approach, where I

The following extract is from an early

with a course in short story writing, and

could discuss and explain what I was

chapter and shows the tense relationship

then moved on to the Advanced Writers’

attempting to write, and receive in return

between the teenage Euan and his

course.

advice and suggestions.

parents Evelyn and Douglas.

possible

ways

to

improve

approach

T

of

each

tutor.

competition for 2006/7 under the pen name, Naomi Nielsen, and my novel, Euan’s Torch is due to be published in Spring 2009. (Publishing, I have found, is a slow process).

hough his recent enthusiasm for life was

and drained his mug of tea, innocent and oblivious to

reassuring Evelyn knew it was unwise to be smug

her thoughts.

or complacent. She would often remind Douglas

of the dangers of pressurising him. ‘You don’t know

He was maturing and would soon be going out with girls and maybe even having sex – youngsters of his age

what might happen, Doug. Both our families have had

were these days. But she had no wish to pry and in any

some knocks. Never mind if he fails exams; we should

case it was his nature to be remote and introverted; she

be content if he’s healthy.’ And Douglas, who was

doubted if he would ever confide in her. ‘Let him live in

usually impatient with her homilies, on this occasion

a world of his own’, she urged Douglas when he

agreed.

complained of Euan’s secretiveness. ‘He doesn’t want us

She pressed herself against the kitchen worktop to give Euan space to finish his sandwich and drink his tea. While most boys in their teens were still coping with adolescent growing pains – too fat, too thin or too spotty – he was maturing with ease. Just to watch him

knowing everything he’s thinking and doing.’ His periodic phases of unhappiness, she hoped – she was sure – were over, but even so it would be wise not to interfere. If he felt burdened by intrusive questions he might withdraw again, lapse into his old moodiness.

gave her pleasure. He leaned back to eat, his sweater

The conversation ended. As he said goodnight to her he

rucked up over the waistband of his jeans which were

ruffled her hair and she felt herself grinning and

now too tight for him, and she was suddenly conscious

blushing like a girl. When he had disappeared she

that his hips and crotch were sexually provocative.

pushed aside the hair on her forehead. She also pushed

Swallowing hard, she snapped her eyes upwards and

aside the worries that buzzed around her head like

fixed her gaze on his face. He finished his last mouthful

angry mosquitoes. 5

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 6

Painting with fibres Tutor Jacqueline Jeynes Jacqueline Jeynes has been a tutor with OCA for 20 years, for both the Understanding Art and Textiles courses. She writes: “Since I was a little girl spending all my pocket money on bundles of fabric to ‘make things’, I have been fascinated by textiles. There is a long family tradition of textiles design and craft including tailoring, dressmaking, fine art and three-dimensional design and I am whole-heartedly committed to learning new skills and trying out new techniques. “Painting with fibres is how I see my current textile work. There is a resurgence of interest in the traditional craft of felt making with earliest examples of the technique dating back to 700BC. Felt has always been valued for its durability, warmth and protective qualities so given the poor return farmers now get for their fleece, it is an ideal way to use this natural product.

“I really love making the individual seamless jacket designs. Starting from the basic idea of the shape and size of the jacket, I make a template that takes into account shrinkage of the type of fleece used. “I need to think about the design features at this stage – how the collar and revers will be shaped, what pattern is needed on the inside of the jacket especially around the collar and cuffs. Fibres are set out in two even layers to form the basic structure, overlapping the edge of the template to ensure the joins between front and back are seamless, then adding a third layer to make the decorative outer surface. “I love this part of the process. I just follow the design as it develops organically, seeing how blocks of colour interact, – an instinctive process

that is difficult to plan in pre-design drawings. The most exciting aspect of this part is introducing other fibres or materials. Sometimes I use fine silk fibres with a soft sheen when worked, or exciting man-made fibres in contrasting colours and with unusual tactile qualities. “I have been experimenting with the peg loom – a traditional craft re-invented around 20 years ago in this form. It is a simple loom structure and is an ideal way to use up all the yarns and fibres collected over many years. There is scope to vary the length of lines, fibres used as warp threads, and to incorporate a wide range of other materials. “Future design work includes creating different types of structures by combining fleece fibres with paper pulp, using heatbonded Angelina fibres, and various fibres in silk paper. There is still a fascinating journey to travel in my exploration of textile art and design, and I cannot ever see that I shall reach the end of my travels!” Jacqueline is a member of International Feltmakers Association; Ceredigion Craft Makers; Spinners, Weavers and Dyers Guild. Her book Painting with fibres – Felted seamless jackets and wall hangings is due to be published early 2009. To contact Jacqueline or learn more about felt making go to www.oca-uk.com

6

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 7

From Furniture to Fine Art The OCA's accrediting university, Bucks New University is one of the newest in the UK, having been granted full university status in October 2007. The ‘new’ in its name, reflects the University’s vibrancy and dynamism and its aim to always be open to new ideas and thinking. But, its history dates back to 1893 and the foundation of the School of Science and Art in High Wycombe. After the First World War, the school began to give special tuition to disabled ex-soldiers and sailors. They were trained in a range of traditional skills including cabinet making, carving and polishing, to help them find work in local factories. By 1920, daytime classes in woodwork had been introduced – the first in the country. Following the defeat of Hitler in 1945, there was an even greater need for technical education for returning servicemen, and the then Technical Institute expanded into a College of Further Education. The University now offers a range of exciting and innovative awards not widely available in the sector, from commercial pilot training to music industry management,

textiles and furniture. Its faculties are aligned to employment markets: creative and cultural industries; the management and information management sectors; and the public sector. Furniture courses are still an important feature in the portfolio. Courses are designed to give students a broad range of skills associated with the small specialised furniture-making workshops which are the mainstay of the British furniture industry today. The University is

unashamedly teaching-led and businessfacing, and so furniture students, like those in other disciplines, are given a sound understanding of professional practices, and the opportunity to undertake ‘live’ projects in conjunction with industry partners, including Ercol, Homebase, Isokon, John Lewis, Matthew Hilton Furniture, SCP, and Vitra. The University prides itself on being the best in the country for producing concept and ideas-led, but functional furniture, which can immediately be taken up by British and European manufacturers. Annual shows and involvement with the Milan Furniture Fair have established its courses at the forefront of this type of success – over 25 designs have been put into production with European manufacturers as a direct result of showing third year and graduate work in Milan. Its courses are continuing to develop with a new foundation degree in Furniture: Development and Industries starting in September, and specifically designed to prepare students for roles in production management, design and retail positions. For further information visit bucks.ac.uk, email [email protected] or call 0800 0565 660. 7

oca showcase nov

10/15/08

11:23 AM

Page 8

OCA Workshops Thanks to the commitment of many of our tutors, OCA has been able to increase the number of workshops it offers throughout the year. OCA workshops are the perfect vehicle for trying new directions, learning new skills and honing old ones. Classes are small and relaxed and offer exceptional quality additional tuition. Students from Scotland to Dorset have been enjoying meeting other students, viewing each other’s work and spending quality learning time with OCA tutors. Tutors Jane Mitchell (Edinburgh) and Carolyne Kardia (Dorset) have been welcoming small groups of students into their studios; combining workshops with the opportunity to view their respective creative environments.

Students on the Basic Framing workshop show off their achievements

In Shropshire, Geoff Taylor has been leading photography students through the beautiful Carding Mill Valley. These multi-day workshops have expanded on Geoff’s highly popular ‘classroom’ based workshops and now include practical field work and review sessions. At our Barnsley HQ a ‘Basic Framing’ workshop took place in September covering all aspects of framing from mount cutting through to stringing the work so it was ready to hang. Student Jean Tarry told us, “This was my first experience of an OCA workshop. I was surprised at what I could produce: tutor, materials, tools, venue etc were all first class and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Stephen Court’s ‘Figuring it out!’ workshop was a massive hit with all the attendees. Angela Mullins said “It was my first OCA workshop experience and I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone considering going to one in the future. I was made to feel very welcome, the atmosphere was highly enthusiastic and I was encouraged to think about and explore new things. The model was fantastic too!” The current workshop programme will continue until August 2009. For more information go to: www.oca-uk.com/events or call Dee on 01226 704364.

Date

Workshop

Location

29/11/08

Growing Art Ideas

Barnsley

06/12/08

Working with Rhyme

Stafford

31/01/09

Still Life: a bold approach

Barnsley

07/02/09

Figuring it out

Barnsley

7-8/03/09

Working in Clay from the Model

07/03/09

Painting with a broad brush: Landscapes in acrylics Barnsley

04/04/09

Monotype + Techniques

05/04/09

Celebration of Colour

18/04/09

Poetry: Visual and Aural

2-3/05/09

Exploring Form with Plaster

02/05/09

Growing Art Ideas

Barnsley

09/05/09

Drawing and Painting a Still Life

Edinburgh

09/05/09

Creating Abstract Compositions from Organic Forms Sheffield

30/05/09

Working in the Landscape

Edinburgh

06/06/09

Sketching in the Landscape

Sheffield

13/06/09

Notes on Touch, Taste and Smell

Stafford

27/06/09

Sketchbook Work in the Landscape

Edinburgh

04/07/09

Creating Abstract Compositions from Natural Forms Barnsley

11/07/09

Drawing at Thorpe Bay and Hadleigh Castle Ruins Leigh-on-Sea

12/07/09

Drawing at Kew Gardens

19/07/09

Looking at Sketchbooks

Broadwindsor, Dorset Barnsley Broadwindsor, Dorset Stafford Broadwindsor, Dorset

Kew Gardens, London V & A, London