Every year around now, all art and design students exhibit their work, which is open to the public - a great way to get inspired, see free art and get a feel for the universities and colleges!
South Nottingham college has always had an amazing reputation for art and design with the students often achieving higher than average distinction rates, with most if not all getting into the Uni of their choice, and comments that student's work is of higher calibre than some three year degree shows! During an intensive year they have a 'play' in all the different areas of art and design to find out where their real talent is and are guided through the UCAS process to apply for a three year degree course in their chosen subject.
Throughout this season Fashionstrand have frequently visited and have always been impressed by the work produced by South Nottingham College Art Foundation, so this year we thought it'd be interesting to interview the students about their perspective of the course.
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project ?Human movement in transitional space. I began studying human movement in train and tube stations and then manipulated this footage into textile pieces.
Why did you choose South Notts to do your foundation course?:It was recommended to me by a friend because of the excellent experience that she had had there.
What is the college site like to be student at?:
It is a very intimate site, you get to know everybody really quickly. It is a very creative environment.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
EXCELLENT! It is a lot of hard work but equally rewarding.
Was financial support made available?
I received a lot of financial support. I find that the college here are very good with helping out all students with financial funding.
Would you recommend this course - are you pleased you have done it?
Yes I am very pleased I have done this course. It has got me started on following a discipline that I love.
Emma Bishop, who has been accepted at Brighten university for fashion design, exclaims "“Just do the course!”.
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| Here's Emma having "a good time" in Berlin. |
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project ?My title was ‘From New York to Southampton’. My starting point was a vintage suitcase which had some amazing features such as Queen Mary labels that had been stuck on it. I used the history and physical characteristics of the suitcase to inspire my garment.
Why did you choose South Notts to do your foundation course?:
I liked the idea of a smaller group -than other courses I had looked at in the area, meaning more tutor contact and the chance to get to know everybody.
What is the college site like to be student at?:
The facilities are a really high standard and very varied, such as the screen print room . All the staff are always friendly and helpful.
What is the area of art and design that you have finally specialised in and what excites you about this area?
Fashion design because i love being able to translate my ideas and inspirations into a physical form that people can wear and appreciate. I am also interested in fashion as an art- not just the commercial side.
Have you been on any college trips and were they valuable?
Residential as well as day trips to London and Berlin were really useful to find new inspirations which are essential, and also to discover a new culture-and also just to have a good time!!
Would you recommend this course-are you pleased you have done it?
Definately, it has benefitted me in so many ways, it has been a vital experience.
Ryan Smith "gained a new outlook on life" through South Nottingham College. The furniture and product design student going on to progress his career at Leeds College of Art.
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project ?"Waste and how to change it into beauty. I took bottle tops and made them into furniture and products like lighting and also made sculptures which i decorated an alley with –that led to my house."
What is the college site like to be student at?:
Really welcoming, you feel it is like a second home and you can talk to anyone.
What is the area of art and design that you have finally specialised in and what excites you about this area?
Furniture and product design and fine art. I like the ‘no limits’ feel of it all and the fact you can do anything you like.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
I have really enjoyed myself and have learnt such a lot in a short period of time. It’s fun and doesn’t really feel like work.
Have you made new friends?
Yes i got on really well with basically everyone as it is such an intimate year A few i would say are friends for life.
Was financial support made available?
I did get help with my final show which was very useful.
Would you recommend this course-are you pleased you have done it?
YES!!! A great new outlook on life and a really productive year.
Michael Dennis has built his way through a 'great learning experience' to Northumbria University to study furniture design.
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| Micheal guarding his door of matchsticks! |
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project? "I investigated all aspects of a pineapple for inspiration for a designs for doorways /doors. It ended up that I built the door full size-made out of matchsticks and perspex!" (see photo above)
Why did you choose South Notts to do your foundation course?:
My school teachers said this was the best and advised i choose this college.
What is the college site like to be student at?:
The materials are good and the workshops have great resources. What is the area of art and design that you have finally specialised in and what excites you about this area?
3D design I am really into shape form function and aesthetics.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
It has been a great learning experience.
Would you recommend this course-are you pleased you have done it?
Yes i would recommend the course and it has helped me progress on my pathway and has also informed me of the design industry.
After a year of studing foundation at South Notts, Isobel Francis, going on to Manchester School of Art, describes the course as "life-changing".
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| Isobel, looking proud of her exhausts! |
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project ?
"Sustainability in design/recycling. I wanted to collect and recycle clothing-I honed in specifically to working with tights and experimented principally with burning them and embroidering into them. I then wanted something 3d to give them form and resolved the idea of car exhausts-which I had to scrub(!) The tights were then pulled over the exhausts... I aimed to make a statement..."
"Sustainability in design/recycling. I wanted to collect and recycle clothing-I honed in specifically to working with tights and experimented principally with burning them and embroidering into them. I then wanted something 3d to give them form and resolved the idea of car exhausts-which I had to scrub(!) The tights were then pulled over the exhausts... I aimed to make a statement..."
Why did you choose South Notts to do your foundation course?
Good sense of community. Friendly tutors. Excellent results.
What is the college site like to be student at?
Relaxed. Intimate.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
Intense yet exciting. Huge learning curve. Life changing.
Have you been on any college trips and were they valuable?
Yes extremely and they offered an insight into a different community and the experience helped inform our work.
Any other comments?
Art foundation has been an amazing year and I would highly recommend the course.
I have progressed both personally and creatively. I would strongly recommend this art foundation as it is a brilliant way to discover artistic strengths in a supportive environment.
Cherry Clarke, who came from NCN fashion, developed her "anti-fashion" approach to fashion through South Nottingham College Art Foundation, which achieved her a place studying menswear at Middlesex University, London.
What was the theme for your eight week end of year project ?
"Regeneration; Reintepretation. It is a repsonce to the current clmate in fashion and a resolution to maintaining individual style."
Why did you choose South Notts to do your foundation course?
Because they have very good teaching, with 4 tutors to 45 students. Also a grat pass rate and great portfolios.
What is the college site like to be student at?
It's safe, friendly and has a family environment.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
Fantastic course, very good teaching and lots of one-to-one time with tutors. Exciting and opens your thinking.
Was financial support made available?
Financial support was great, I couldn't have managed without it.
It's safe, friendly and has a family environment.
What has your overall experience on the course been like?
Fantastic course, very good teaching and lots of one-to-one time with tutors. Exciting and opens your thinking.
Was financial support made available?
Financial support was great, I couldn't have managed without it.
Any other comments?
This course has really ehlped me develop and open my thinking. The facilities and teahcing is brilliant, I am so glad that I have come here, rather than any other foundation courses, in preparation for Uni.
South Notts College's students shows are avaliable to see until Tuesday at 4pm, and even if you are unavaliable on that day, the course leaders have CD's of all the students work.
Any post A-level students who are interested in Art & Design, whether you have done art or not, should contact the foundation team for a friendly chat about the course on 0115 9146482 & speak to Claire, Ellie, Steve or Lesley.
We wish all the Art Foundation Students 2011 all the best in their future careers!
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