We did it! The day rolled around and we somehow managed to pull together an awesome night of music and artwork. There were a few rogue spanners in the works, resulting in some artwork not actually making it to the exhibitoin but despite these issues the evening was a success.
As we arrived at the venue (The Edge of The Wedge) we set up what work we managed to bring over the stage area, this kept the focus on both art and music, neither distracting form the other.
Over by the bar I set up our stall, attempting to make use of footfall to and from the booze! I was lucky enough to have a little helper at the beginning of the evening, she made sure everything was just right.
Other artists featured on the stall were the talented Wargey and Amelia Russel, each of our styles is very different and I loved how much variety covered the table. We had pieces available from stickers for £1 up to gorgeous originals up to £50, allowing people with loads of different budgets to come away with something from the event.
Hallan in action
The music started off with Lucy Bertram, she completely held the stage on her own with gorgeous vocals and guitar, covering a range of songs with her own style. I’m totally obsessed with Lucy, her music and her incredible artwork! Impossible Monsters took to the stage next, featuring our very own Louis Netter on the drums. Seeing our lecturer on stage was definitely the part of the evening we were all looking forward to most, and he did not dissapoint. Finally Hallan came on and blew us all away with a lively, intense set that really capped off the evening. I had no idea Hallan existed but I’m immediately a fan, singer Conor is a fellow Illustration student and his work can be found here.
Definitely too much gin…
All in all such an enjoyable evening, fuelled by a super creative group, the ever inspiring Illustration Lecturers and far too much gin (weeks have passed, I’m still hungover.).
In preparation for our exhibition we were asked to explore the city of Portsmouth, illustrating some of the landmarks or scenes we came across. As someone who leans towards figurative illustration I was initially fairly concerned that I wouldn’t be happy with what I created, and in a way I think it helped to keep my expectations low.
When I found myself some rare baby-free time I set off with just my travel sketchbook, drawing materials and my Spotify playlist. At first I struggled, quickly scribbling in my sketchbook when I saw something that looked interesting but not really feeling excited about anything I was trying to create. I ended that journey at the seafront and happened to sit down at one of Southseas iconic yellow beach shelters. after quickly sketching and taking some reference photos I headed home, finally feeling inspired and excited to get my sketch onto Procreate.
The sunset, woven of soft lights And tender colors, lingers late, As looking back on all day’s dreary plights, Compassionate; — The foolish day of hopes so high, Who counts her hours by blunders now, Yet wears at last this jewel-crown of sky Upon her brow. Out to eternity she goes, Not for her failure scorned, but see! Our poor day flushed with beauty, one more rose On God’s rose-tree.
– Katharine Lee Bates
I had been searching for a theme for my other uni project and had found a poem I wanted to use as inspiration. The poem focuses on the transformative power of the sunset, casting a different light on the day. Having lived in Portsmouth for almost 30 years, the notion of seeing my hometown in a new light really excited me and I’ve based my images on this theme.
Once I had illustrated the beach shelters I decided I wanted to play with some typography, overlaying a font in white to stand out from the deeper pinks and purples in the image. I chose a silhouetted font so that the artwork would not be obscured by it.
From here I began thinking about the parts of Portsmouth that resonate with me, the list is huge and I plan on getting through them all eventually, but for now I have chosen three additional locations as my subjects. These are the Band Stand, the Castle Road Clocktower and The HMS Warrior.
I’m so happy with the work I’ve created, it’s such departure from my usual work but still I feel the colour schemes really tie it into what inspires me and what I try to emulate.
For my other uni project I created a front and a back cover to go alongside the pieces in a concertina zine. I included the poem that provided the inspiration, and actually the ten minute piece I made to serve as the front cover is my favourite piece of all. I think this speaks volumes about overthinking your work.
I’ve really enjoyed this exercise in reportage, and plan to continue the series in between other work. If you like these pieces, they are available for sale. Feel free to contact me at atuckerillustration@yahoo.com or come along to the Love Southsea creative market at Gunwharf Quays on the 17th of April.
If you’ve lived in Portsmouth for some time, chances are you remember the Hotwalls a little differently to how they stand today. Once an interesting landmark, albeit a little neglected and well loved by local rebellious teenagers, the area has been entirely transformed.
The heritage site was given new life in 2014 by Portsmouth City Council, turning the arches once utilised for art sales in the 1950’s into 13 new studios and one very stylish new Café. It’s incredibly exciting to see such a creative haven in my city, especially nestled in old Portsmouth and right on the beach.
On Wednesday we took a walk down to check it out for ourselves, we spoke with some of the resident creatives, who dealt with the influx of curious Illustration students incredibly well.
We managed to arrive a good hour before anything opened, opening times can however be found on Facebook as well as the Hotwalls website. This gave us an opportunity to head into The Canteen, the cafe nestled into the heart of the studios.
The Canteen is beautifully designed, it incorporates the building that it inhabits beautifully with industrial style decor. The stone and brick walls still pockmarked by time are the backdrop to modern metal and wood furniture pieces and trendy Edison bulbs. Alongside this the food and coffee are equally wonderful, it is a perfect spot for an artist to hang out and work. I could quite happily have lingered here all day, but the studios were beginning to open.
I first wandered into the studio currently being used by I Can See The See, where I spoke with artist Lizzie Cornelius.
Lizzie was working on a commission, one of her distinctive pieces with a couple of changes requested by her client. She was able to chat with us a little bit as she worked about how working from the studios has given her opportunities and clients she wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Her bright Portsmouth landscapes can be seen throughout her unit, arranged to be part shop part working studio, which gives anyone who walks in a chance to see the process behind the pieces on the shelves. I’d highly recommend giving Lizzie a visit.
Next we came across the studio of Kim Edith, a textile artist from Portsmouth. (from this point on my phone had died, apologies for the google images!) Kim teaches stitch booking workshops, sells prints of her textile illustrations as well as originals and also created a book. ‘In To The Woods’ is entirely made up of fabric collage and is stunning to look through. After the original gained viral fame the book was developed into a paperback, and as we talked to Kim she let us know she was actually preparing to give a talk on it the following day.
Kim attended Kington University in 2004 and studied Illustration, it was so inspiring to see a working illustrator who had completed a similar course to us. She spoke about the experience of leaving uni and not having your hand held, a valuable lesson in self motivation. Kim’s day isn’t all creating, she let us know that much of it is made up of the other stuff that comes with being self employed, keeping up with social media, putting out content, tutorials and of course looking after the business side of things.
Talking with Kim was invaluable, it really showed me the importance of getting out there to meet and talk to experienced creatives. She spoke to us about having multiple revenue streams, attending fairs and markets, and the ups and downs of an open studio. The rent at the Hotwalls studio is subsidised by Portsmouth City Council, but tenants are required to open for at least 30 hours a week and can only have a 3 year term. The space and location are beautiful and inspiring, the footfall is great for new business, but having people pop in throughout the day as you’re trying to work can slow you down.
All in all it was an incredibly informative day, it is invaluable as a fledgeling illustrator to have an opportunity to learn from working artists, and to discover what creative opportunities lie on our doorstep. I can totally see myself nestled into this beautiful spot working away, is it even possible to get artist block if you can step out of the studio for 30 seconds and look out on the rolling waves and historic architecture of the shoreline?
ALICE TUCKER ILLUSTRATION 