Video about the inspirations of Mark Hearld, designer at 'St Judes'.

Mark Hearld

Born in 1974, Mark studied illustration at Glasgow College of Art and then completed an MA in Natural History Illustration at the Royal College of Art.

Taking his inspiration from the flora and fauna of the British countryside, Mark works across a number of mediums, producing limited edition lithographic and linocut prints, unique paintings, collages and hand-painted ceramics.

We share Mark’s admiration for artist/designers such as Bawden, Piper, Nash – artists well regarded for their forays into the world of commercial design.

Mark has recently completed commissions for Faber & Faber and Tate Museums. A children's book illustrated by a series of Mark's unique collages was published by Walker Books in 2012.

 

'Chart of Inspiration'

In Autumn 2012 Merrell Books published "Mark Hearld's Work Book" - the first book devoted to Mark's work.

We have also prepared a short film about Mark's inspirations and working methods. View the film

In this short film Mark Hearld discusses his inspirations and working methods. Features a selection of his paintings, collages, prints and designed objects

You might also like to view Mark's award winning fabrics and wallpapers for St. Jude's.

Rob Wilson

   

Rob Wilson: Visiting artist (31st January 2013)

   

Our Art & Design students were today inspired & excited by a visit from the highly acclaimed artist Rob Wilson. Working mainly in vibrant mixed media.  Robs inspiration comes from the dramatic architecture and moody landscapes found in and around the Northwest. His mixed media paintings incorporating paint, print, texture & lines of stitching, offer atmospheric interpretations of Peak District landscapes and these are complemented by dramatic paintings of the urban landscape. Heavily influenced by graphic and textile design, typeface and stitching often sit side by side with tradityional media.

 

He gave a demonstration of how he creates a piece of work giving a real insight into the techniques and methods used - showing how he builds up the layers, what media he uses and how he approaches his works resulting in a finished mixed media piece.  

 

Rob studied for his degree at Bradford University in Graphic Design and Illustration. With it’s rich heritage of textiles, Bradford became a large influence in Rob’s work. Rob is now fast building a reputation as one of the most exciting young contemporary artists in the North West.

 

The vibrant cityscapes of Manchester vividly depict the energy and drama of living and working in a metropolis. There’s a sense of immediacy, but links with the past are also evoked by the juxtaposition of Victorian buildings and modern architecture.

Rob Wilson is regularly commissioned; many by architects who recognise his unique ability to capture the very essence of a particular building or place.

 

‘His distinctive work is described as ‘mixed media’ but this belies the complexity of his painting process which combines layers of paint, paper & print with stitching’ - Pure Buxton, Magazine

Follow the link to see a time lapse video of his work being created on his website http://www.robwilsonart.co.uk/: time lapse video - http://vimeo.com/37446930

Below are some photographs showing some of the stages of development of his work. The students were really inspired by seeing him create work in front of them and getting a first hand look of how he builds up one his pieces. Rob uses a range of approaches - drawing, collage, paint and stitch to create his work.

 

 

 

 

Art & design students inspired by visit to Art & Design faculty at University of Derby

Visit to Art & Design faculty: Monday 4th Feb 2013

Foundation Diploma & BED 2 Art & Design students enjoying the lecture theatre at University of Derby

The art & design students spent the morning having a guided tour of the art & design faculty at University of Derby - looking at the studios and student work and getting advice on interview's. There was also a great exhibition of past student work of university of Derby students: 'University of Derby: The Alumni Show'. the show included the work  of Jon Braley, ex Leek College Art & Design student, an Alumnii of University of Derby so it was great for our current students to see the work of one of our ex students.

'The Alumni Exhibition is a selection from recent artwork in various media ranging from painting through to photography, sculpture and video by ex-Derby BA students. The work is by artists who have achieved a degree of success, reknown or noteriety within the contemporary art field since graduating from the University of Derby'.

Running until 22 February 9 - 5 pm Monday to Friday
The exhibition is held at University of Derby, Markeaton Street, Derby DE22 3AW

Jon Braley

      



Jon Braley

  

"The John Moores Painting Prize is the Oscar of the British painting world"

- Sir Norman Rosenthal, curator and former exhibitions secretary at the Royal Academy

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/johnmoores/jm2010/exhibitors/braley.aspx

Defining moment for Jon Braley

A VISIT to Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery proved a defining moment for Jon Braley.

It was back in the mid 1990s, while Jon was a photography student at Leek College, that he first visited the gallery to see artwork on show for the UK’s biggest painting competition – the John Moores Contemporary Painting Prize. Little did he realise at that point that in 2010 his own paitning would be selected to be part of the John Moored exhibiton.

That visit inspired Jon to switch courses – he knew he wanted to become an artist, not a photographer. He switched over to Art and Design and his college art course led on to University in Derby where he studied for a degree in Fine Art going on to complete his Masters in European Fine Art. Now, at the age of 34, he’s exhibiting his own work in that very competition which set him on the road to success after his painting was shortlisted from almost 3,000 entrants.

Jon, who grew up on Leek’s Haregate Estate and is now a successful modern artist living and working in London, is among just 45 artists showing their work at the Walker Art Gallery until January 3 2011. The exhibition is known for spotting rising talent and the winner scoops £25,000 prize money.

Jon said: “It was Leek College that took me to the Walker Gallery and, before I enrolled at college, I never had any thought of becoming a painter. In fact I disliked school and it was only when I started college that I really felt accepted for what I am.

“I loved my days at college because I was treated as an adult and felt free, for the first time in my life, to do what I wanted to do. It never occurred to me though that I could actually make money from painting and now, if I’m having a bad day, I always remind myself that some of my friends have terrible jobs and I’m privileged to be working at something I enjoy.”

http://www.modernartistsgallery.com/artistdetails/9_JonBraley.php

http://www.sesameart.com/exhibitions/jbelements/jbraleytepr.php