Category: Exhibitions

23rd February 2015

Meet the Residents 2: Sorcha Fitzgerald

Hello! Here are some of the things I have been getting up to recently:

Currently I am working on a personal project illustrating The Girl Without Hands, which is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. I am using mono print to make these (this won’t be a surprise for those of you who know I spent pretty much my entire fourth year solely working in this medium and have somehow managed to avoid becoming averse to it). I’ve really enjoyed having the time to experiment a lot more with this process and feel I have discovered various new ways of working in mono print. I also now have a large stack of predominantly dodgy prints that will probably be used to wrap gifts for unlucky family members and friends for years to come!

I have just created a piece of work that will be in a permanent exhibition at Simpson House, a counselling centre in Edinburgh that helps individuals and families who have been affected by drug abuse. I am delighted to be able to donate my work to an organisation that provides such a beneficial service to the community. For no particular reason, I really wanted to make a collage of a jungle scene, which fortunately is well suited to the décor in the children’s therapy room.

I’ve also been keeping my ceramic work ticking over and made some decorations just before Christmas, which you can take a peek at in the photos below if you so wish.

Sorcha

Feb 23, 2015

18th February 2015

The Last Great Voyage of Discovery

One hundred years ago, in 1914 Ernest Shackleton set sail with a team on the last Polar expedition of its kind, his aim to cross Antarctica via the Pole. This was the last great adventure of discovery, exploration today is rooted in scientific endeavor, and it is a story littered with intriguing details of reindeer skin sleeping bags, penguins, tinned food and lots of ice.

First year students from the Illustration Programme at Edinburgh College of Art were asked to respond to the story of the Endurance expedition and create an illustrated map of the journey. In addition to this they were asked to construct an artifact that illustrated an element of the narrative.

Maps come in all shapes and sizes. They are made for a specific purpose and include particular information that informs us, or take us on a journey. Students were asked to draw as many ideas as they could from the maps they studied in the immense collection of the National Library of Scotland – this included colour, textures used to mark terrain, timelines, lettering, borders, contour lines, latitude/longitude grids, references, size, shape….and of course the frying pan shape of Antarctica!

The results are currently exhibited in the National Library of Scotland, giving students the opportunity to share there illustrated discoveries with the public. A huge thank you to the National Library of Scotland for collaborating with us on this adventurous, challenging and greatly rewarding project.

Feb 18, 2015

12th February 2015

Student Exhibition at Simpson House

Simpson House Show

Illustration students from Edinburgh College of Art are collaborating with the Simpson House counseling center to meet their desire to have some fresh, original artwork to permanently fill their center. Twelve illustration students have created work to donate to the center, which will be installed during Innovative Learning Week.

To celebrate these artists contribution and to raise awareness for the wonderful services the Simpson House provides to the community we are holding a showcase evening at the Simpson House. The show will be on Thursday, February 19th from 5:30-7:00 at the Simpson House, which is located at 52 Queen Street. All are welcome to attend, have a cuppa, a chat, and see some lovely illustrations.

The Simpson House center provides counseling and support for individuals affected by alcohol and substance abuse within Edinburgh. To find out more about the center you can visit: http://www.simpson-house.org

If you have any questions regarding the illustration show email: froggatt.sarah@gmail.com

Feb 12, 2015

9th February 2015

February Mini Exhibitions

Happy Monday everyone.

In the ECA Illustration Department we are kicking of the week with two new mini exhibitions. The Illustration studio is now home to ‘Bright and Early’ and ‘Boxes’, both collated from different projects completed by students of the Illustration Department in the past ten years. The Illustration Archive of past work is an excellent resource for research and inspiration, we look forward to finding new and exciting ways of sharing archival with our current students.

Bright and Early

Boxes

Feb 9, 2015

10th December 2014

Nostalgia & Progress: Illustration after the Second World War

The Illustration department couldn’t be more thrilled about the success of Nostalgia and Progress, a new exhibition showcasing the work of major post-war British illustrators, as well as contemporary illustrators inspired by the era. Held in the The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, 12 November 2014 – 28 February 2015.

‘After the Second World War, book illustration needed to adapt and respond to a changing yet vibrant mass market in publishing. Contemporary British illustrators continue to find inspiration in this era, particularly in seeking to emulate the handmade and graphic qualities of post-war artwork. The spirit of ‘make do and mend’ has great resonance today, in an era of austerity. Though some contemporary illustrators continue to use traditional processes, others now re-create these effects using digital technologies. The exhibition will also feature a variety of recent illustrations by artists Emily Sutton, Mark Hearld, Ed Kluz, Louise Lockhart, Angie Lewin, Matthew The Horse, Tom Frost, Alice Pattullo, Jonathan Gibbs, William Goldsmith, and John Broadley.’

Traditional process in a digital age never fails to spark a healthy debate among our students, Nostalgia and Progress highlights and celebrates the relevance of a handmade aesthetic within contemporary illustration.

Not only is it a fantastic showcase of the correlations between past and present illustration, Nostalgia and Progress includes the work of some of ECA’s very own staff and alumni, including Programme Director Jonathon Gibbs.

To find out more:

http://library.leeds.ac.uk/features/409/article/105/nostalgia_and_progress_illustration_after_the_second_world_war

Dec 10, 2014

8th December 2014

Emily Sutton: Town and Country

Congratulations to ECA Illustration Alumni Emily Sutton on her largest solo exhibition to date held at the one and only Yorkshire Sculpture Park from 15/11/14 – 22/02/15.

Town and Country incorporates Emily Sutton’s love of pattern and detail, taking inspiration from her recent travels to Paris and Southern France as well as scenes closer to her native Yorkshire. The exhibition features a delightful display of original and intricate paintings and screen-prints, along with a flock of beautifully embroidered birds.

Having only graduated in 2008 we couldn’t be prouder of Emily’s success!

To find out more:

http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/emily-sutton-town-and-country

To visit Emily’s website:

http://www.emillustrates.com

Dec 8, 2014

7th December 2014

Le Immagini Della Fantasia 32

Today in the Illustration Department we’re very excited to receive the 32nd edition of ‘Le immagini della fantasia’, the catalogue of an Italian exhibition that is currently showcasing the work of many of our talented staff and alumni. Every year Casa Della Fantsia invites illustrators, authors and publishers to represent the international illustration scene in all its amazing variety, and to confirm the value of the illustrated book.

Additionally, this year the exhibition celebrates Tales from Scotland. Triggered by the success of the 29th edition of ‘Le immagini della fantasia’ held in the Edinburgh College of Art Sculpture Court in 2012, Casa Della Fantsia has dedicated an entire section to Scotland, with its traditional fairy tales and contemporary writers. The catalogue includes atmospheric glimpses of Scottish landscapes illustrated by Anine Bösenberg, Anna Forlati, Jonathan Gibbs, Philip Giordano, Kate Leiper, John Manna, Marina Marcolin, Kate McLelland, Domenica More Gordon, Lucie Müllerová, Paschetta Marco, Marco Soma, Emily Sutton, Francesca Zoboli.

Not to mention a wonderful poem written by tutor, Vivian French, following Scotland and its traditions in a thrilling journey throughout the year, each month illustrated by Edinburgh based artists in collaboration with the Edinburgh College of Art, including Anine Bösenberg, Laura Clark, Laura Darling, Hannah Foley, Jonathan Gibbs, Alexander Jackson, Cate James, Amy Johnston, Philip Longson, Kasia Matyjaszek, Kate McLelland, Eilidh Muldoon. (images found below)

Congratulations to all involved. The exhibition is being held at Sàrmede, Casa della fantasia, until January 18th 2015.

http://www.sarmedemostra.it/ita/anteprima-32.html

Dec 7, 2014

24th November 2014

French Film Festival Poster Competition

Earlier this semester our students worked on a fantastic exhibition held in the Filmhouse Cafe Bar. In collaboration with the French Film Institute, each illustrator redesigned a classic french film poster in celebration of the 22nd French Film Festival UK. The chosen films varied in genre, tone, taste and era, leading to a diverse range of beautifully illustrated posters.

Students enjoyed re-imagining the original poster designs, considering composition, typography and of course the all important idea behind their image. Final artworks used portraits, collections of objects and metaphors to represent their chosen film. Students also experimented in medium, resulting in an exciting range of screen printed, digital, hand painted and mixed media posters.

With 25 participating students from First Year to Masters, the project was a great opportunity for different year groups to get to know one another and for younger years to gain knowledge from the older years exhibition experience.

The opening was a huge success, enjoyed by staff, students and the public. The posters were reviewed by a very impressed and impressive judging panel, including Richard Mowe, Ilona Morison and Dove Alarcon from the French Film Institute and Marc Jacobs from the Filmhouse. And in an exciting finale to the project, 4th year student George Douglas was awarded first place and a 6 month pass to the Filmhouse. Sophie Powell-Hall, Sara Ljeskovac and Kristina Karnilaviciute were also given honourable mentions for their thought provoking posters.

Many thanks to the French Film Festival and congratulations to all involved!

Nov 24, 2014

11th March 2014

Portraits of Italian Cinema

Portraits of Italian Cinema – poster by Anine Boesenberg

Ugo Tognazzi my Maria Stoian

Federico Fellini by Molly Soar

Alida Valli by Peony Gent

Lina Wertmuller by Sophie Powell-Hall

Sophia Loren by Sara Ljeskovac

If you find yourself all dressed up and with nowhere to go, why not stop by the Filmhouse Bar on Lothian Road to catch “Portraits of Italian Cinema”, a collaboration between the Italian Institute and ECA’s Illustration course. 22 of our students and 6 Italian artists living in Edinburgh produced a selection of portraits of the greatest stars of Italian cinema, including directors, actors and actresses such as Federico Fellini, Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale and Toto. A winner will be chosen soon and receive a six month pass for the Filmhouse!

The finished posters look fantastic so go and have a look – the exhibition is running until the 22nd of March.

Mar 11, 2014

11th March 2014

Students Display their Work at Morton Fraser Solicitors

clockwise from top left: Peony Gent, Hanna Frelek, Ellie Walker, George Douglas, Drew Walker & Laura Griffin, Stella Phipps, Laura Darling (photo by Drew Walker)

Last week some of our students had the opportunity to display work at an evening event at Morton Fraser Solicitors. Morton Fraser’s offices are located in Edinburgh’s Quartermile, with stunning views across the city. Our students had a great time talking about their work to the guests of the event and we look forward to the possibility of more collaborations of this kind.

Have a look at the work of those who took part: Ailsa Johnson, Celeste Woodham Clark, Drew Walker, Laura Griffin, Mhairi Braden, Ellie Walker, Peony Gent, George Douglas, Hanna Frelek, Laura Darling, and Stella Phipps.

Mar 11, 2014

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