Lost and Found Exhibition

In this exhibition Visual Communication students respond to the theme of lost & found, exploring what it is to lose something, only for it to be found at a later time.

In daily life the experience of losing an object routinely used can be annoying and inconvenient; sources from one study revealed that the average adult misplaces up to 3000 items during their lifetime and with tech devices getting smarter there are a number of websites and tracking services promising to make the task of finding lost items easier. Individual exhibit themes include the symbolism and significance of losing and finding individual gloves, the frustration of losing your way whilst driving, real-life experiences for losing belongings only for them to be found years later and loosing connection with family history and re-finding that link through examination of old family photographs.

Lost and Found will also exhibited in expanded form during Artsfest June 2018

Nick Loaring of Double Dagger and The Print Project Inspires Visual Communication Students

Staff and students from Wolverhampton School of Art would like to thank Nick Loaring of Double Dagger and The Print Project for visiting, showcasing his distinctive letterpress designs and giving an insight to the origins of his business and his creative inspiration.

Nick's early influences included skateboarding, zines, punk and vinyl records and resulted in his ‘do it yourself’ attitude which lead to studying graphic design at art college. In the 1990’s Nick became a printer and learned to work with paper at a time of change in printing. In 1997 he bought his first case of wood type and having always had an enjoyment of type, progressed to also buying his own 1 tonne, printing press. Letterpress printing became an obsession and in 2012 he received a major commission from Glastonbury Free Press.

It was Nick's work for Parenthesis, the journal of the Fine Press Book Association that triggered his interest in working with pattern and shape, constructing designs in modular form from 12pt letterpress ornaments cast on a Monotype machine. His limited supply of letterpress stimulated experimentation with laser cutting and laser engraving printing blocks from MDF and finally lemon wood. His success drew him to experimentation with overprinting using a range of bright colours, an approach that has become characteristic of much of Nick’s work.

Nick has produced 2 issues of Double Dagger, a journal about and for the printing community. Its content and unusual tactile qualities have resulted complementary responses, motivating audiences increasingly attracted by exploring ideas through letterpress print and ‘having fun’. The next issue of Double Dagger, out in September 2018 will have national distribution as well as being available to buy online here

Employability and creative workshop experience

Students from Sandwell College came to the School of Art for workshops in Visual Communication, Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art and Photography. Experiencing innovative drawing projects, use of large format cameras, projects to inspire fashion designs and screen printing linked to Pop Art, students returned to Sandwell College with work and new ideas for their portfolios, as well as a first hand experience of life in the Art School. 

"I just wanted to thank you to you and the rest of the Art and Design staff for a very enjoyable and informative day. The students came away saying it was a positive experience." 
said Caroline Dickson of Sandwell College

Their day began with a talk from Lisa Law of the Careers Department on how the University helps with practical support at all stages of career planning and job applications, including investigating student careers options, and developing important skills needed to make career plans and ambitions happen. Lisa also discussed the School of Art 96% employability rate within sixth months of graduation. More information about the Careers Department can be found here

St Thomas More Catholic School visit during careers week

Students from St Thomas More Catholic School have visited Wolverhampton School of Art. Visitors had lots of questions on life at University and graduate teaching assistant Sarah Byrne was on hand to share her experiences of studying at the University of Wolverhampton. There was also much interest in the School of Art 96% employability rate as well as the wide variety of possible employment options within the creative industries. 

Teacher, Christopher Hackett has highlighted the positive impact of this visit

"I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the students and the staff for today, it was great!

All pupils came out of the workshops thrilled and have already started to ask how they can use the techniques within their work."