My clock project – for the workshop induction at Uni. Concept of “shattering” the conventional clock form – with a fragmented, distorted circular shape. Inspired by shattered glass, (and of course the Daniel Eatock shattered glass Big Brother logo). Really love the bold colours, single use of yellow really striking – especially with the reflective material. Should really have planned out the frame first though  – really important to keep it structured, especially for an unconventional, broken up design.

Set up for my animation filming – using Dragon. Really love the simplistic, collaged aesthetic of the animation – using cut-out paper in a really homemade style. Also note the minimalist designs for the cat especially – at times only using the tail to suggest its presence. And made the fixed scale of the animation a lot easier.

Collages with manipulates magazine imagery by me – experimenting with fragmenting images, and different compositions and presentation making use of negative space and symmetry.

Really like the striking colours, and the apparent simplicity of presentation drawing attention to the anbstract, geometric images.

3-dimensional design concept for a suitcase: lift-up leg exercising frame for long-haul plane or car journeys, designed to fit within an upper compartment of a small-suitcase and take up only the space of the metal pole frame – not especially aesthetically developed, but well developed in concept and idea.

Fashion & Textiles project concept sketches by me – creating a body adornment after a world disaster.

These concepts are based on scaffolding, and are prominently for support – really like the scaffolding, metal aesthetic – and how in designing them the concept and function generally takes the lead over aesthetic decisions.

Fine Art experimental work by me – creating art works from limited materials.

Especially like the effects created by the nails on card – using light to “draw” interesting patterns.

Also like the simplicity of the second, collage piece – was originally intended to be shown the other side up, making more use of patterns cut into the red and blue card, but the simplicity of the grey sheet with only the arrow shape showing through was eventually far more striking – through use of negative space.

Renato Alarcão

Stunning sketchbooks from Renato Alarcão – prominently a children’s book illustrator from Brazil. Great inspiration for presenting rough ideas and designs.

See more of his work here: renatoalarcao.com.br

“[Zupi] It’s possible to notice a wide diversity in your illustration and your work, sometimes realistic, sometimes characterized, not to mention your composition methods. The artist should have this range of options to create?

There are all kinds of artists: there are those who remain constant throughout his work, always reinforcing the identification of his style, as well as those who see every job as an opportunity to try something different, something he’s never done before. The first kind ends up creating himself a visual signature. And if it’s good, it may also be copied. Particularly, I create different styles in order to actuate in diverse markets, besides books, magazines, newspapers, products and ads. Today I find opportunities to apply the most diverse styles on each project, like the three ads from Nextel’s campaign, published on Zupi.” – (http://www.zupi.org/index.php/site_zupi_en/view/renato_alarcaeo/)

Simon Birch

Just discovered Simon Birch – a fine artist who uses paint with quite a grungy, graphic feel, prominent, sharp palette knife/ brushstrokes and bold compositions with areas of block colours and cut-out, collage-feel techniques.

“Simon Birch is a young Hong Kong artist who has made an impact with his energy and vision.  Apart from his critically-acclaimed, dramatic paintings, he has also produced large-scale installations.  Birch’s collaboration with leading artists in Asia has resulted in successful exhibitions of which his role has been both as artist and curator.

Born in the UK in 1969, Birch began painting at a very early age with no formal training until his recent Masters in Fine Arts with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.  He has pursued a versatile career, which inc
ludes design, music and martial arts.  Being a well known DJ in Asia, a third Dan Kendo practitioner as well as a graffiti artist, Birch incorporates a vibrant career of young urban culture in Asia. He has been a resident in Hong Kong since 1997.” – (http://www.10chancerylanegallery.com/artists/catalog/Featured%20Artist/SimonBirch/biography/)