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What have blacksmiths and illustrators got in common? - The Open College of the Arts

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What have blacksmiths and illustrators got in common? thumb

What have blacksmiths and illustrators got in common?

Illustration student Sarah Levy tells us a bit about her motivation for studying with us, and where her creative impulses have come from. She begins by telling us about her original studies:
‘I did a degree in 3D Design and specialised in Metal……a long time ago. The course had a broad base and gave me the opportunity to experience several disciplines. I graduated as a designer blacksmith. Blacksmithing is obviously a very physical medium but includes aesthetic and technical aspects that make it an all-encompassing process. While I was a blacksmith I made mostly furniture – always functional pieces – and never considered making sculpture because somehow this seemed too personal a choice for me. For me function was foremost and though I regarded expression as also essential, it was always secondary.’
Then Sarah discovered OCA ‘just at the right time in my life’ and now she is deep into her course reflects on the similarities in process between blacksmithing and illustration:
‘I am finding that in my illustration the more physical processes – printing, collage; are ones that I really enjoy. The dilemma is that I also really enjoy almost every new process or approach that I come across. Illustration’s practical nature is something that appeals to me. Each piece serves a specific purpose. I think this is an essential aspect for me.’

Point of Sale

Sarah joined up at the same time as a friend with the idea that they would study together and says doing a course at the same time as her friend helps a lot with motivation and makes it fun. ‘I am really enjoying the course. I love learning. I can hardly believe the work I have made so far. Totally different to anything I have done before. Each exercise is a challenge and I have learned so much. The most difficult thing for me is not the making, but the showing of my work. At the beginning of the course even showing my smallest sketch book to a friend was a huge thing for me and now here I am on We Are OCA!! Wow. My aspirations at this point are to develop a style and confidence.’
Sarah tells us a bit about some of her images: ‘The Dafodil Affair man is an image I made for an exercise on choosing content. I after using all the ‘tools’ the course had given me at that point – research, brainstorming, creating moodboards, thumbnails and visuals– I ended up with an image that was accidental. I like this. In many of the processes I enjoy there is an element of chance. Perhaps only because of my lack of experience – I cannot predict the exact outcome. I instead start from one point – whether it is a technique, a colour combination, or another and then I see what happens. The Marks image was for an exercise on exploring drawing and painting. We were asked to create images of the same things in lots of media on different papers. My tutor particularly liked the monoprint blue image. Monoprinting is something I enjoy and hope to develop in future. The Point of Sale image was created after seeing a very fresh combination of colours in a magazine. I tried hard to keep these colours and used lino-cuts to keep the image and colours clean.’
Sarah clearly has talent, enthusiasm and motivation, and we are pleased she felt brave enough to allow us to feature her on We Are OCA. Thanks Sarah!


Posted by author: Jane Parry

12 thoughts on “What have blacksmiths and illustrators got in common?

  • Hi Sarah
    It’s difficult for me as a photography student to fully appreciate the work that goes into your art, but I’d like to mention that I really like the blue and white piece above. Some time ago, I was traveling in central China, and passed through the city of Jingdezhen, the origin of china (ceramics), and I saw some unbelievable ceramic work, and the detail, colours and textures of your piece above reminds me of this.
    Congrats on the post!
    Dewald

    • Hi Dewald – thanks for your comments – I guess beauty is in the eye… etc. To travel in China must have been spectacular. I am using a camera now – a lot for my illustration – and can image how wonderful it is to travel as a photographer.
      Thanks for the encouragement
      Sarah

  • Hi sarah, What an interesting background you have. I do like your images. I amon illustration1 and just doing the daffodil affair picture.Your man is so right for the atmosphere of the piece.I have seen two other imaqges of this and both are different and valid intheir own way. Mine will be different again and I hope I can capture the mood.I love your fruit too.Using print is good. I would love to have that skill. I agree that this course teaches so many new and challenging ways of thinking,and using tools and resourses.I love it and am learning a lot. Best wishes for the rest and I will look out for your work. Havent put any OCA work in yet. will do when less busy.Dorothy

    • Hi Dorothy – glad to hear you are also finding the course exciting. Is good of you to take the time to comment. Hearing veiws from peers is great. Perhaps I should use a blog properly – I use my sketch book for a learning log at the mo since it seems to make sense logistically for me. And frankly I am a total coward about getting work out there.
      Thanks
      Sarah

  • Hi Sarah. I also like the blue monoprint very much, and also the daffodil affair image. Interesting to hear your reflections on function and form: I recently went to see ‘The Cult of Beauty’ at the V&A. The role of the aesthetic in everyday life was very much a central theme of the exhibition and it was fascinating to see in one place how the arts and craft movement brought together the fine and decorative arts. Among many other treasures they have a wonderful set of wrought iron gates.

  • Hi Eileen.
    Thank you so much for your very positive observations too. I love the V&A. I have not seen the exhibition you mentioned but in the permanent collection – the jewelry and metal galleries do contain some spectacular peices. If you are interested in blacksmithing – one of my favorites is a large bench made by an Artist Blacksmith called Albert Paley. Gorgeous.
    Thanks again
    Sarah

  • Hey Sarah,
    Some inspirational work and an insightful background!
    “The Dafodil Affair man” is a striking image – is it for sale? 😉
    It takes so much courage and confidence to show artistic work. I often wonder whether it is a fear that holds us back.. of rejection ..or some other fear?
    I’m so pleased you’re sharing your work. Thank you.
    Rob

  • Bizarre! I am an illustrator, once started out studying jewellery and hoping to start the BA in creative arts soon. Lovely coincidence, and great encouragement. Delicious monoprint! Hanna

  • “It takes so much courage and confidence to show artistic work”. I agree wholeheartedly with this, you need to develop a thick skin to be an artist. It also helps to remember that art is subjective.
    Lovely work Sarah, well done.

    • You have to try to disengage your ego from it and not consider it a personal rejection. So it didn’t fly, maybe the next piece will. The main thing is to try to maintain self belief in the value of what you are doing for yourself; the rest is a lottery. ‘ }

  • Hello sarah, Very striking work I,m not usually tempted further into the OCA mails. I’m interested to know which course you are taking as I cant see an illustration one.
    I myself am a stone carver who has been toying withe idea of moving into illustration partly becuase of the physicality of stonecarving and also its so hard to make a living.
    Anyway good luck with your course !

    • Hi Vicky, thanks for writing. The course is called Key Steps in Illustration – It doesn’t show on the home page but you should be able to find in in a search….?

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