Art Students Bridge Old and New

Our talented Art and Design students recently took part in a series of workshops led by artist Graham Vasey at Hartlepool Art Gallery. The workshops focused on eco-friendly and raw photography techniques, allowing students to explore the intersection between traditional and digital methods. The workshops were organised by Angela Thomas, curator at Hartlepool Art Gallery, and were inspired by Vasey's exhibition, ‘Folklore and Mythology,’ on display at the gallery until March 29. 

Leah Frater, our Deputy Head of School for Professional and Creative Studies, said: “During the workshops, students learned how to create photographs using handmade cardboard ‘cameras’ with pinhole viewing points. This involved experimenting with exposure times based on weather conditions and the sensitivity of the photo paper. This was only opened once the photo paper was placed in the cardboard camera, and we tested it at different times depending on the weather. This showed the students how they could create raw photography at home and make this process accessible for all.”

Leah added: “This was important to teach the future of the most basic form of photography and make it accessible today in a digital world. It's important for students to meet other artists and collaborate to extend their skills further.”

Geordie Forsyth, a student on our Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design Practice course, said he learned a lot from the workshops and will take that into the next stage of his development. He said: "Working with Graham was an excellent experience as I found the work he was doing was really interesting and I could relate to it as I am a student that focuses towards photography. I am interested in creating a photograph that is original before we had the technology of today. It was an amazing opportunity to work with a local artist, and I would now think about the traditional techniques in the future projects I work on, as it takes you back to when photographing was more about getting the perfect photograph and spending a lot of time getting a result."

The workshops were not without their challenges, as the traditional methods often require patience. However, Leah praised the students for their dedication and perseverance. She said: "We are extremely proud of the students attending four weeks of workshops and showing patience, resilience and determination whilst completing these. Often the most basic forms of activities are the longest processes, and this was one of them. The students showed remarkable resilience and worked with Graham to help overcome barriers and try alternative routes where necessary.”

For further information, check out grahamvasey.wordpress.com