Slovakian Photographer in Staffordshire - Tomas Kotlar

Tomas Kotlar is originally from Slovakia where he is a graduate of Social Work from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra. He is now studying Graphic and Digital Design at Staffordshire University.
“When I was studying in Slovakia, I was interested in photography and graphics. Most of my photos were taken on trips to different places, around Europe. I like to take pictures of monuments, bustling cities, statues and landscape. I am inspired by Czech photographer Jan Saudek and the Slovakian photographer Jakub Klimo. I want my photographs to bring people the kind of feelings that I felt when I was taking them so that they may see things in different ways, as I do. I have been taking photographs for 5 years and although they get better, there is always room to experiment and improve. Whenever I have a camera in my hand it still feels like the first time I have taken a picture.”Tomas is focusing his studies on typography and editorial pieces at Stafford University, but continues with his passion for photography.

Lindsay Monk - Photographer

Lindsay Monk is a recent graduate from Southampton Solent University although her interest in photography started when she was 16 years old. In her own words: “When it comes to photography I am very keen on capturing the natural moment so I tend to stay away from constructed studio work. My main interests are in landscape and architecture. I think this has come from living in Suffolk where I had a variety of interesting environments around me including seascapes, farmland and cityscapes.” Lindsay particularly enjoys working with film but digital is also part of her portfolio.“More recently I have attempted to get out of my comfort zone, focusing on an interior project, called 15.4.10. For this project I worked with a variety of different locations until I found one that I really engaged with. This resulted in working in the home of an elderly woman, who I had not previously met. I identified the kind of person and lifestyle she had by capturing the home in which she lived, digitally capturing various rooms of the house and input her belongings to get a sense of it in its natural state.”

See the results of Lindsay’s piece on www.artgrad.net

Sonnita Soand – Passionate about Colour!!!

Sonnita Soand is a recent graduate from Loughborough University in Multimedia Textiles.

She is inspired by many things in her environment particularly with unusual shapes and textures. However, her main focus in all her work is a vibrant and exciting use of colour.

Sonnita explains: “Themes I have currently been influenced by include Indian food and the structure of bird feathers.

My recent project was based on under water coral; I loved the fine detail and exciting, rich textures of them. My research consisted of photography and fine detailed drawing which I have become passionate about. From here, I developed my research further through a variety of materials and techniques; laser cut acrylic mirror, cut work, hand and machine embroidery, cording along with fabric manipulation. The fabrics I have worked with include silk organza, cotton organdie, hand made paper, acrylic paints, pvc, and many more. I am passionate about creative Textiles and love creating new colourful pieces that catch the eye. The combination of silk organza and acrylic mirror has become a key feature of work I do now and I am constantly thinking of new themes to work with.”
Sonnita’s beautiful work can be seen on www.artgrad.net

She is now available for freelance work and commission that are related to interiors, jewellery or fashion. She is also producing her own range of jewellery using acrylic mirror and regular coloured acrylic sheets which are ideal as a contemporary fashion piece.
“Colour is something I am deeply passionate about; I can never work without it!”

Stunningly Beautiful and Unique Illustrations by Clare Dolan

Clare Dolan recently graduated in Illustration from Loughborough University. Her work is quite simply stunning! She is currently seeking experience in the design industry as well as freelance work and commissions. Snap her up now whilst you still have the chance!

Her chosen subject matter is surreal, psychedelic, fantastic or unusual in some way. Clare excels when she is creating something unique and out of the ordinary, loving to create imagery of the impossible, scenes of dreams and other worlds – exploring her imagination to the full.

Her techniques involve manipulating photographs, using all sorts of materials which are moulded into desired positions. Then the photograph, scan or collage elements are combined together digitally.

“I then spend a lot of the time playing around with the layers' styles and positions until I am happy. I'm always trying new things to find more varied and unusual textures and atmospheric feels. To create more unique work, I plan out lots of layouts in thumbnails to try and capture the most unusual and intriguing angle to appeal to the viewer.”

Clare also creates short animations which see believes help improve her composition and story-telling.

“There is more pressure when creating multiple viewpoints for one scene, and animation also allows for more playfulness”.

Go to http://www.artgrad.net/ to see more of Clare’s work or commission something really unique!

Jessica Middleton – Photographer for the future

Jessica Middleton is studying Photography and Fine Art at Chester University – now in her third year, her passion for photography and fashion continues to develop. Jessica’s first experience of fashion photography was when she was only 12 years old. The shoot at Holborn Studios, London, for a fashion magazine spread started her interest and love of the subject.
“I wanted to indulge in the surreal and fabulous world of fashion but in a way I could create fantasy and dreams to share through the world of photography. I love the way fashion photography gives endless scope to express yourself”.

Her recent work considers the importance of location, contrasting it with fashion.
“In my last project I used a derelict pub for the location shoot; then held an exhibition there complete with champagne and red carpet to greet guests. My images were blown up to a large scale then hung from ceiling, making them seem to float above the event as I didn’t want to cover the location walls. Exhibiting is important -you don’t just see a photograph, you have to 'feel' it too; experience the photographer’s dream.”
See more of Jessica’s work on http://www.artgrad.net/

Bringing a new perspective to the urban landscape - Edward Waite exhibits a contemporary, painterly approach

Recently graduated from the University of Lincoln in Fine Art, Edward’s work draws inspiration from the urban landscape which he captures through constant documentation using drawing, photography and painting.

He defines his role as an artist, by building experiences of places, conveying direct and tangible interpretations of particular landscapes. His work is memory focused as he describes:

“My painting becomes a subsequent response where feeling, reinterpretation and imagination are implicated. A city is unique. Individual interpretation is something that fascinates me and it is this idea that feeds my practice. I choose to work with manmade scenes rather than natural landscapes because I find that the compositions and perspectives are more motivating. The work reflects the city’s visual reality as I perceive it.”

Edward starts the process by drawing. He has entire sketch books filled with continuous marks which enable him to respond to the subject in a quick, direct and portable way, creating a wealth of detailed visual information. The process of walking and drawing creates a relationship between surroundings and self. His desire to repeat this action of documentation aids focus to look again, deeper and harder at surroundings.

Influenced by painters Pollock, Kiefer, Turner and Kline; all exponents of evoking mood through the application of broad gestured, thick paint and surface marks relates to the way in which Edward layers paint to create structure, his self-experience and physicality, as he explains:
“I build up each layer applying the paint direct from the tube, scratching with a palette knife and using broad brushstrokes to create form until I can sense the atmosphere I want.” You can see more of Edward’s work at http://www.artgrad.net/ or you can view his paintings in person at Rogues Gallery in Lincolnshire where he has just started exhibiting. For more information visit their website http://www.roguesgallery.co.uk/.

99.9 – A Graduate Exhibition

Above image by Gemma Jones

Nine recently graduated Fine Artists of De Montfort University, Leicester, are exhibiting 18 – 29th August at the Degree Art Gallery, 12A Vyner Street London, E2 9DG (open daily 12 – 6pm).

Worth a look – or check them out on www.artgrad.net

Those exhibiting include:
Chandni Challa, Charlotte Cleaver, Kathryn Harris, Naomi Hewson, Gemma Jones, Manolis Manarakis, Joe Moran, Tracy Walker and Hanna Whitmore