Our #LCF19 graduate season kicks off on Friday 5 July, with mode, medium, message, an exhibition of work from the School of Media and Communication held at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf.
LCF chatted to some of the featured students to learn about their projects and inspirations. They also discussed their time at LCF and shared some really good advice for future students.
In this second round of interviews, we hear from the graduates who focused their projects on exploring issues around the environment, sustainability and the future of our planet.
Emily Vincent - BA (Hons) 3D Effects for Performance and Fashion
'Multiverse - Anthropangadillo' is an immersive art installation inspired by the 1992 animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest. In order to raise awareness about the uncertainty surrounding deforestation, I made a creature in the form of a human baby morphed with an armadillo and a pangolin, as these two animals are currently on the brink of extinction.
I liked how this BA lets you express your creativity — the tutors and technicians are always supportive with your creative visions and help you bring your designs to life. We learned such a variety of skills, from sculpting to puppetry, fabrication and much more! You leave the course filled with so much knowledge and confidence to start working in the industry.
The best advice I received during my time at LCF was to never turn down an opportunity, say yes to as much experience and work you possibly can and always talk to different people at LCF, as it's good to collaborate with other artists in the industry.
Poppy Lees - BA (Hons) Costume for Performance
My project 'Eu-topos:Ou-topos' and is an exploration of the varying social, environmental and historical perspectives of Utopias — ' Eutopos' and 'Outopos' mean 'good place' and 'no place'. The etymology of the Greek word triggered my fascination in utopias, as it suggests that perfection is fundamentally flawed and founded in unreality.
I've really enjoyed the combination of historical and theatrical costume construction mixed with theoretical analysis. Creating a costume was always my favorite part of this course, but my final year has really sparked my interest in analysis, design and construction — it allowed me to explore a subject that has given me a lot of personal satisfaction.
My most valuable experiences were working in professional environments outside of the studio. It can take a long time to feel comfortable working outside of your own projects, but if you listen and ask for help when you need it, you'll make some true long-term professional relationships, and even friends.
Mauricia Stone - BA (Hons) 3D Effects for Performance and Fashion
I wanted to use my Final Major Project as an opportunity to create work that draws attention to the severity of climate change. My project is an examination of the type of life that will remain on earth following the sixth mass extinction that is occurring as a result of anthropogenic climate change.
I was particularly inspired by photographer Rachel Sussman’s The Oldest Living Things in the World — the idea that plant life can exist virtually unchanged for thousands of years made me consider what kind of life forms, if any, would survive after a mass extinction event.
The advice I would give to future students is to absolutely make the most of the workshop spaces and facilities available while you can — and ask lots of questions. This is the time to make mistakes and have fun!