Will Pegna is a Camberwell BA Fine Art Drawing graduate. His practice is split between fine art and design, which has led him to work across a range of different projects, disciplines and mediums.
He is part of the event collective Love Drums, studio and gallery space Honeymoon 226 and breakdance collective Brkn'Nest. We caught up with Will to discuss these and more.
Why did you choose to study Camberwell?
I studied fashion illustration for a year at London College of Fashion, but that direction felt quite constricting for me. It made me realise I was after something broader, something where I could try out a wider range of ideas. I felt that the BA Fine Art Drawing course at Camberwell was exactly that. I like to experiment with loads of approaches, working both formally and conceptually. I think it was this quality, to not have to specify, that attracted me to the course. Camberwell also seemed like a healthy environment to be in whilst studying, a community of artists living and working in south London. It felt like what I was looking for.
Describe your creative practice
My practice is split into 2 strands at the moment. On the one hand I have a more design-based interest that has been ongoing and started long before I got into fine art. In this capacity, I have been working on visual identities for events and companies, using a mixture of analogue and digital techniques. These usually focus on posters and static deliverables.
And on the other hand, I have my fine art practice which is more a reflection of myself and my experiences. This practice could be described as mixed media as the medium I use is ever changing. My latest work was a sculptural installation using wooden beams, rubber stamps, written text, fabric and video. With a background in dance a lot of my work encompasses or reacts to experiences regarding movement.
What is Love Drums?
Love Drums is an event collective from Bristol founded by myself and 5 of my good friends. It came about at a time where we were a bit fed up with the nights we were going to in Bristol. We felt like there was a lack of creativity and sincerity behind these events.
We wanted to channel the gumption and spontaneity of those original parties and raves from the 90’s and early 2000’s.
The idea behind Love Drums was that we never wanted to play in the same place twice. The collective is made up of some very talented individuals so by sticking to that idea we curate every event differently. By working with different venues and artists we aim to maintain an element of mystery. We also make custom made 2-pieces for every new event that hark back to the early UK garage scene.
My involvement in Love Drums falls into the creative half of the team. I’m in charge of logos, posters and visuals at the events themselves. However, as a tight-knit group we all take part in deciding what and where we go next together.
This summer we were approached by Saatchi Gallery to come and do a takeover of the ‘Rave Room’ at their exhibition Sweet Harmony - Rave Today. We were asked to represent Bristol and fly their flag for its’ iconic history in rave culture. I think our DIY attitude and positive ethos caught their attention and began the conversation of a collaboration.
What else have you been up to since graduating?
Since the degree show myself and 6 other graduates have come together to run a gallery and studio space in Peckham. Honeymoon 226 is in its’ very early days, but it is situated at the top of Rye Lane. We all agreed we wanted a place to continue working after graduating and it was a no brainer, to do this in a once designer rug shop front, which could enable us to show our own and other artists work.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working the plans for a film or event that will hopefully take place during summer 2020, which is in partnership with Brkn'Nest.
Find out more about the Camberwell BA Fine Art Drawing course.