In this Saturday’s Q&A we get to know Portsmouth based illustration student…
Who is your favourite artist?
I have so many different favorite artists but one that always has interested me is Henry Darger … check him out if you haven’t already, he was an outsider artist and created a huge illustrated fantasy manuscript using scraps of colouring books, magazines and found materials which he traced and water coloured into.
What about a favourite piece of your own work?
I don’t know what my favourite piece of my own work would be because normally I really like them at the time but then after looking at them for ages, I find things I would want to change, but the large scale prints I’ve done recently I’m really happy with. I combined screen print and collage to create some big A1 pieces that have a lot of detail in. They are based around amulets and show the how the anxieties a person has about their place in the universe can be concentrated into an amulet object.
Worst piece of work you’ve done?
Worst piece of work... I’ve had loads of ideas which I’ve thought “this is gonna work so well” .. and then completely not worked at all so couldn’t really pinpoint one piece haha!
What is the best thing about living in Portsmouth?
I love being in Portsmouth because everything in the city is so close and within walking distance. Being by the seaside is a big bonus in the summer time!
What have you learnt from doing work experience?
I’ve done a bit of work experience with teaching and being a studio assistant ,as well as helping out in art workshops for adults with dementia. I’ve learnt a lot about how art can be used as a form of therapy and would love to one day go on to study art therapy. My summer I spent being a studio assistant taught me a lot about how fast pace the industry is, and it seems to be a lot about who you know and the contacts you make and how they can help you out! It was a much more fine art based environment which was a nice change and a good chance to explore new materials, however I definitely prefer the way working as an illustrator means you tend to work to much more refined briefs, as much as I appreciate fine art, I like to have more of a clear message to my work rather than it being so subjective!
Why do you think it is important for children to get involved in the arts?
I think art is really important for children, it’s a great way of self expression and is a good way for children to develop creative thinking. I’ve run a few art workshops in schools for children from primary and secondary levels and feel that art can be a way to relax and calm children and give them a chance to be completely free with they way they work, which is different from most other subjects.
Favourite snack?
Fave snack ????? literally love all foods but popcorn is up there for me ! salted of course!
Favourite things in your room?
Anyone that knows me knows how jam packed my room is with stuff, I have stacks of books, pictures, old mags for collaging, random bits I’ve collected over the years thinking one day I may find a use for. I would say my fave thing is probably a print of an illustration from the book where the wild things are which I’ve got framed on my wall, and maybe my big antique trunk which is packed with old photos, letters I’ve found and bits and bobs!!!
What is your final major project about?
“Vessels of Hope” is the title of my FMP. It is a celebration of amulets, totems and charms, exploring the reasons why people hold onto objects and the emotion and memory than can be attached to them. I’ve always had a massive interest in this kind of thing so I’ve enjoyed all the research and visits to museums such as the Pitt Rivers, the Wellcom collection and the Horniman. My work is mainly print based, but also combines this with collage and aims to explore the boundaries between art and artifact. It investigates personal narratives behind objects. I have been really interested in the symbolic meanings behind colour, material and shape. I have been looking into organic materials such as bone, hair and feathers.
Have you got any plans yet for after uni?
I haven’t made many plans for after uni yet, but I’m doing a three month artist residency in berlin - which is something I’ve always wanted to do so I’m really excited about that !!!
Find Aggie on Instagram on… @aggiedaviesillustration 🐸
