Yesterday we took a trip from Brighton to Islington to have a wonder around New Designers and give the Brighton University Graduates 2012 some top knotch support.
Check out who we bumped into!
It’s Melissa Remai from Brighton University! We had a lovely little catch up about how the show had gone so far for her. Pictured below is her cork vessel. She explained that because the majority of the vessel is made out of cork – it actually floats. We thought the combination of the cork and red plastic worked really well.
Pictured next to the cork vessel is Melissa’s brilliant “Emergency Cigarette”. The cigarette hangs on a chain – so that a person can wear it as a necklace. It’s “function” as a necklace actually worked really well and looked very stylish when Melissa put it on. Well done Melissa!
Next we chatted to Bryony Penman, another brilliant design graduate from Brighton University. We are a huge fan of her oriental looking ceramic cups and wooden saucers. Picture below are the four colours she offers with Aaron Norman from ContemporaryLab (being a very good hand model)!
And here is Aaron from ContemporayLab – standing next to Lucy MacDonald’s gorgeous wall mounted flower pots!
We also bumped into Edward Fiddes – who we chatted to for a long time about his brilliant sign posts with a difference.
Ed’s sign posts were designed to provide a habitat for birds and insects. The green metal rectangular parts on the posts are bird houses and picture below is Ed’s insect palace! The perfect place for creepy crawleys to live.
Pictured below are more of the Brighton University degree projects. Interesting stuff huh?
After that we went for a little look around the rest of the show and came across some brilliant things! Picture below is an instant postcard machine – the postcard comes out franked so you can instantly write it and then post it! Fantastic!
You have the option to take a photo or choose one from the postcard image bank. Sean and Emma took a photo and below is their instant postcard!
What was so nice to see was an actual “machine type” idea that worked and was not purely a concept. To find out more, contact hannahwildlondon@gmail.com
Then, we saw the “slap it” light – beware – this light pushes the boundaries!
The silicon light turns on and off when you slap or squeeze the buttocks! We had such a chuckle at the idea but were super impressed with the concept.
Joseph Begley, the designer, told us that he likes to push the boundaries when it comes to design. This project focused on actions and materials that are enjoyable to act out and come into contact with i.e. squeezing a silicon bottom!
This year, ContemporaryLab are backing the 3D and WMCP Brighton University Graduates at the New Designers in June.
In full support of their fantastic work, we bustled on down to the University to have a look at their degree show. Here’s some of the fantastic work they have churned out this year.
Interesting stuff huh? Go and see the group at New Designers this June to get a closer look at their interesting work!
So as the Brighton University Graduates Private View is drawing ever nearer, the progress they are making getting their exhibition space ready is very impressive!
Up and Beyond – Faculty of Arts Graduate Show 2012
9th Jun 2012 – 14th Jun 2012
Grand Parade Campus
Exhibits from more than 500 students will transform the University of Brighton Faculty of Arts’ Grand Parade campus into the biggest gallery in the South-East. Displaying over two buildings and three-floors worth of gallery space, an estimated 15,000 visitors will explore and examine the work of the graduating students of 2012.
The students have been involved in all aspects of the show, from creating, hanging and building exhibition spaces, to designing the graphics for the campaign materials, even using fonts designed and donated by alumni Anthony Sheret and Edd Harrington of Brighton design studio The Entente. There will be a range of live performances, literary readings and interactive exhibitions to enjoy, including an outdoor pavilion built by 2nd year architecture students using sustainable materials.
To get a sneak peek or recommend your favourite exhibits the university are inviting students and guests to share their views on twitter, using the artsbrighton twitter hashtag #upandbeyond and upload images from the shows to our Flickr group.
Public opening times – Free Entry (no ticket required)
Saturday 9 June–Thursday 14 June 2012
Saturday 12-6pm (History of Art and Design 12-5pm)
Sunday 12-6pm (History of Art and Design closed)
Monday to Wednesday 10am-8pm (History of Art and Design 10am-4pm)
Thursday 10am-4pm
Catch our countdown to the diamond jubilee blog tomorrow for another interesting read…..11 days to go!
So yesterday, we talked about how the Brighton University Graduates were setting up for their graduate degree show! Here are some snaps of their progress. It’s going to be a long couple of days to get the art and design school looking perfect.
It’s an exciting time, preparing for your first big show! We had the fun of doing it last year at Tent London and also at Made 11 with our sister Vanilla Ink.
TENTH INTERVIEW WITH BRIGHTON GRADUATE: MELISSA REMAI
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a conceptual designer, that uses society as inspiration adding tongue and cheek.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
I would say my discovered design style has very much stemmed from my personality which being as university has helped me bring out, I don’t take things too seriously. Through my work I use satire: I criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
The part of the design process that excited me most, is the testing and experimenting, you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen. So when something does work, I get a real sense of achievement
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
When it comes to ethics such as sustainability in terms of materiality, the way I see it as long as you have it in mind that some materials are better to use than others, and be aware of waste then you are doing a good job. As material value is concerned, value should be reflected through the context of the work. I won’t go and make something out of gold for no reason, it has to be relevant with what I’m trying to depict from my designs.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
Archaeologist, I love History.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
After I graduate I will be taking a number of short courses such as jewellery and millinery whilst also applying for different internships and see what happens!
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
In 2 years I would like to see myself within a job I love and challenging my skills daily. Where or what this job will be is all a part of the fun!
Go and meet Melissa and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Melissa, you can do so using the following links:
To help some of you prepare for a colourful summer, we held a little competition! Below is this month’s lovely advert featured in one of the UK’s magazines.
The first 3 people to spot which magazine our advert is in, had the chance of winning a set of our super trendy and wonderfully colourful Mixed Coasters!
What fun it was! Three people guessed it right, our advert is in VOGUE! Congratulations to those who won. Keep in touch to hear about more of our fun competitions!
Catch our countdown to the diamond jubilee blog tomorrow for another interesting read…..15 days to go!
Summer is probably the best time of the year for design. Designers are inspired by the abundance of colour and natural forms around them.
Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect from the ContemporaryLab team this coming summer!
Stay tuned for the launch of these fabulous goodies – you won’t want to miss it!
In other news…. the Brighton University Graduates are building their degree show space today! It’s going to be a long couple of days for them as they get the art and design school looking ship shape!
TENTH INTERVIEW WITH BRIGHTON GRADUATE: SARAH HIBBERT
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU COULD DRINK FROM A HOUSE?
Sarah Hibbert is a designer graduating from Brighton University. Specialising in plastics and ceramics, Sarah has created a tableware collection inspired by urban environments, her unique approach transforming the shapes, sizes and surfaces into intimate pieces for your dinner table.
Hand built jugs, slip cast bowls and cups, cast vases, trays and serving dishes were created by translating drawings, prints and photographs of the cityscape into three dimensional forms. Quality of line and abstracted form layered with colour and material link the pieces together, creating a distinctive aesthetic.
Using a mix of materials, including red clay, resin and concrete, the collection constructs a diverse landscape of texture. Contrasting surface finishes mirror the aesthetic qualities of urban facades, which are now transformed into domestic objects.
Read our fabulous interview with Sarah below!
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello I’m Sarah.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
My style relies on the quality of line used in my pieces. The forms I use are translated directly from my hand drawn or printed images. Graphite is my favourite.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
Spider diagrams. Anything could happen.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
A. Materials. B. Do a good job.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
A hairdresser.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
I am going to build myself a big desk.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
A group show with some of my Brighton chums would be pretty great. In Milan with some champagne.
Go and meet Sarah and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Sarah, you can do so using the following links:
If you love food and you love food festivals, you are going to LOVE this! London is once again hosting the most prestigious food festival of the year, Taste.
From June 21-24 2012, fine dining will be transported to Regent’s Park with Taste of London for four days of summer eating, drinking and entertainment.
Fourty of the city’s best restaurants will be dishing up their finest in an unbeatable alfresco gourmet feast, while 200 producers provide a bounty of the best food and beverages, ensuring that guests sample and shop for a range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a boutique food market.
Restaurants will fashion special menus of starter sized dishes for the occasion, including signature dishes created by chefs to specially reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients.
Taste of London 2012 will take place in 7 sessions across 4 days – the sessions are:
Thursday 21st June
12pm-4pm
5.30pm-9.30pm
Friday 22nd June
12pm-4pm
5.30pm-9.30pm
Saturday 23rd June
12pm-4pm
5.30pm-9.30pm
Sunday 24th June
12pm-5pm
NINTH INTERVIEW WITH BRIGHTON GRADUATE: ROBERT GRIMSHAW
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a designer interested in how modern manufacturing methods have changed the way in which we engage with 21st century design, often using a mix of historic and modern processes I aim to create products that tell a story of their production.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
I like to keep things simple, simplicity allows for the concept of the work to come through clearly and strongly.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
Initial sketching. It allows you to be as creative as you wish, you don’t have to adhere to any rules of the real world. Also, a sheet of paper and pencil cost very little.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
I value the work of industry and of crafts-people, I enjoy the idiosyncrasies that lie in regional production and believe in working closely with manufacturers to create products that are considered, innovative and well-made.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
Something to do with drawing. Maybe a technical drawer, unfortunately it’s a bit of a dying art these days.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
I’ll be showing my final year work at a number of exhibitions over the summer, interning and getting involved with London Design Festival in September.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I’d like to have set up a UK based design studio with a number of friends.
Go and meet Rob and see his fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Rob, you can do so using the following links:
Today, we thought, that being Monday (and raining here in Brighton) we should try extra hard to make your day as entertaining as possible. So, today, we are treating you to TWO interviews with two very talented design graduates from Brighton University. As always, we guarantee you an interesting read with interesting photographs. Happy Monday, enjoy!
Seventh Interview With A Brighton University Design Graduate: Chloe Meineck
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello I am Chloe Meineck. I am a 3D designer that lives in Brighton.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
I have realised it is all about ideas for me. That’s what I am interested in. Ideas that break boundaries of disciplines, that challenge peoples perceptions of subjects and that are generally interesting and accessible.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
Not surprisingly the initial idea and brainstorming stage. Where everything is up for debate and change. I often find newspaper headlines, listening to other peoples conversations and ‘people watching’ the best ways to get topical thoughts.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
One of the biggest tools that man has is design. The ability to make changes in your surroundings is a great but powerful thing. Therefore I think the work you produce has to communicate something new and beneficial.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
A food critic!
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
I have a school workshop planned to take my carbon emission projects to. This will provide me with lots of vital research that will help me to carry on in this field. Also I have an idea for quite a large graphic design project that I would like to do.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
Hopefully having enough money to study Design Interactions at the RCA.
Go and meet Chloe and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Chloe, you can do so using the following links:
Eighth Interview With A Brighton University Design Graduate: Sam Sharman
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Well firstly: Hello, my name is Sam. Im currently specializing in Metal and Ceramics at University Of Brighton, Graduating in a months time.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
In second year we were encouraged to integrate our two materials together, for me: Metal and Ceramics. At first i struggled with the qualities of the materials, it was a constant technical struggle dealing with shrinkage and the certain irregularity of Ceramics behavior compared to the control available with Metal. I was constantly wary of making objects that appeared too ‘hard’. However, after an intense year i realized i had evolved to finally become bi - materialistic in my conceptualization of ideas, not just with ceramics/metal but with many other mediums such as textiles. From then on my work has had an awareness of material combination, which i think is incredibly evident in body of Graduate work this year.
As a maker its incredibly important to be open minded about the materials you use as it not only helps solve Design problems but also contributes to your personal aesthetic. In terms of my colour palette i also discovered my love of tones at University. Whilst i adore strong colour in the objects i own my personal vision is about detail: tiny differences, pattern and texture. Its a real analytical look at an idea – rather than blinding the viewer with shock colour shades.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
It may seem a little academically traditional but when i have an initial idea its discovering an image in a book or a phrase that hooks me: It stops me dead in my tracks and makes me consider the huge, grand possibilities of one tiny idea. I think thats incredibly important, thinking big and never putting a passing idea to bed, letting it simmer in your subconscious and one day it will just pop back up having evolved into a grand scheme of work. An idea is never finished even when you have produced an outcome.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
Waste is a huge problem, its something that I’ve been brought up to be aware of. I try not to make any mistakes with my work but making is an ongoing learning process and you inevitably make some. With ceramics its emotionally hard too- there being a rogue element of opening a kiln and praying it hasn’t turned off half way through firing just because it felt like it. I always find it hard to not justify a use for an imperfect pot at home or to not keep that tiny scrap of copper, even though it will right itself pointy side up and decide to wake me up by jabbing me when i reach in to my toolbox later that day.
I think that really sums up my values and ethics as a designer: We have to do the best with what we have, its incredibly hard to find materials ethically sourced in the realm of metal and ceramics, we have to find ways around things, be open minded about the uses of objects and materials because at the end of the day its not just about us as makers but how we effect the larger community we exist in.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
Previous to my degree i enrolled on a English literature degree with the intention of writing tomes of fiction for people to escape into. I still see many parallels between the power of words and of Design. They both create a vision from the authors perception of the world, in many ways writers and designers are both idea people, they are the architects of creation.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
I’ve been asked this many times and i always come to the same answer: ‘Get a Job’. What i mean by that is start on the next stage of my learning in practical life. University is a little bubble and having worked before entering higher education and having seen friends graduate and struggle to gain directional employment towards their chosen specialism i am extremely aware that the hardest work hasn’t started yet.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
There’s so many options and roads to choose in Design i hope to have found my specialism within it in two years time. I still feel like i want to learn everything and work as everything, which is amazing but I’m incredibly conscious of spreading myself too thin or specializing too early. Either way, id quite like a cat.
Go and meet Sam and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here!
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARYLAB COMPETITION?
To help some of you prepare for a colourful summer, we have decided to hold a little competition. Below is this month’s lovely advert featured in one of the UK’s magazines.
The first 3 people to spot which magazine our advert is in, wins a set of our super trendy and wonderfully colourful Mixed Coasters! Best of luck! Get flicking!
Catch our countdown to the diamond jubilee blog tomorrow for another interesting read…..18 days to go!
To help some of you prepare for a colourful summer, we have decided to hold a little competition. Below is this month’s lovely advert featured in one of the UK’s magazines.
The first 3 people to spot which magazine our advert is in, wins a set of our super trendy and wonderfully colourful Mixed Coasters! Best of luck! Get flicking!
Sixth Interview With A Brighton University Design Graduate: Craig Barrow
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name’s Craig, I’m 21 years old, I’m a designer from Nottingham, currently based in Brighton. My work is based around exploring and making use of natural and scientific phenomena and the room for design intervention within these. Sometimes at deeper levels, sometimes more passive and light hearted.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
The key thing I’ve noticed about my work during my time at University is I always design in factors of time, chance and change. At first I didn’t even realise I was doing this but then as I looked back over my work at the beginning of my third year, trying to home in on my niche, I discovered that there’s always something crucial about the design that I can’t control. I’m more of a facilitator, relying on an event or phenomena to happen, which in turn shapes my work. However, this can be hindrance; things can not always go the way you thought they would and it’s hard to rely on things. One of my current projects requires the use of a good day’s worth of sunlight, and we’re not getting many of those at the moment.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
The part where all your research starts coming together and your ideas become coherent. That’s the moment you finally lock down what you’re work is doing and what you’re trying to show. And when it all comes together at the end, of course.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
I try not to be too wasteful: I hate the idea of churning out loads of variants of practically the same thing, then choosing the one that you like the best and discarding the others. Obviously testing and modeling is important but there has to be a point where modeling stops and excessive production starts. It’s not that I’m an eco warrior or anything, sustainability and all that is not something that massively interests me, but being a designer in this day and age, it’s not something you can ignore; it always has to be in the back of your mind when making things.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
Astronaut. I’ve always had a great interest in science, particularly physics. I find this comes out in my work, which is mostly about creating embodiments of the science that is in constant occurrence throughout all aspects of our lives.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
Move back home for a little bit, chill out. It will be nice to spend an extended period of time (i.e. more than a few weeks) back in my hometown to get a chance to see what’s going on and what’s changed since I left three years ago. The opening of the Nottingham Contemporary has done big things for the local art scene so it will be nice to get involved with that. We [the Brighton Design lot] have got plans to do something at the London Design Festival, so preparing for that, alongside any odd jobs and opportunities here and there that come up. I plan to be in London by the end of the year, hopefully taking up a job in design studio, as well as doing my own thing.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I’d really like to do a ski season at some point, just to have a little time out. But besides that, still working and living in London, hopefully with a little buzz around myself and getting noticed as a design professonal. I’m thinking about doing a MA somewhere on the continent, maybe around this time, maybe a little later.
Go and meet Craig and see his fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Craig, you can do so through the following links:
So, a little bird told us that this summer it’s going to be about colour, colour and yes, more colour! Check our super colourful, bright and contemporary products! Cleo Necklace
Kaleidoscope Pouffe
Individuale Chairs
Edna 1
Hand Printed Pashmina Scarf
Parande Tote Bags
Oasis Table Lamps
Embroidered Dotty Bird Art Print
A Fine Line Square Glass Wall Hanging
Fifth Interview With A Brighton University Design Graduate: Grace Hancock
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a designer /maker interested in making objects that improve mental well-being.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
Aesthetically, I’m interested in architectural spaces and geometric shapes. Working primarily in plastics I have developed quite a distinct colour palette. My work this year varies from jewellery to lighting but it has all been created in an attempt to comfort the user in some way.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
Starting a piece of work, especially when I feel like I’ve hit on something interesting. Finishing is also quite exciting but it involves endless sanding.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
I am always aware that creating more stuff and putting it out into the world carries a certain amount of responsibility but I am proud to be able to personally create objects that can be seen and handled. 3D things make much more sense to me than virtual replications. My work wouldn’t develop well without the experimentation that making it myself and handling the materials affords me.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
A photographer, I’m never without my camera.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
Once I’ve washed all the resin out of my hair I’m looking forward to continuing my work and exploring other creative outlets.
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
Creating things
Go and meet Grace and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Grace, you can do so through the following links:
Today we received our first ContemporaryLab goody – the gorgeous Savoye Chair. Below you can see a couple of snaps we took next to our little ContemporaryLab mascot – Moomin.
In the new shade of grey, we are over the moon with our lovely chair. Soon to come is also a Carre Coffee Table with an Oak frame to match our sofa legs. Pictured below is the Carre Coffee Table in Ash.
Exciting stuff – stay tuned for more snaps of the ContemporaryLab products in situ!
Fourth Interview With A Brighton University Design Graduate: Jessica Hung
CL: How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Jessica. I am a very ‘hands on’ designer, working across a variety of materials and design projects.
CL: Can you talk a little about your discovered design style from studying at university?
Most of my work is about engaging with other people. Whether its with people using and viewing my product creating a stimulating atmosphere, or bringing people together to use my product collectively.
I would also describe my work as very ‘structured’ and I like working with ‘form’ and ‘construction’ within my design.
CL: What part of the design process excites you the most?
I love discussing new concepts with others, thrashing out ideas and design; creating a buzz around the project.
I also enjoy making things well and I like it when they function efficiently.
CL: What are your values and ethics when it comes to designing?
I believe design is at its best when it involves or benefits people’s lives; this can be within function or aesthetic. When a product is made to use or keep it is a sign of a good design. When a product has a fault or aggravates the user it means there is room for improvement.
CL: If you weren’t a designer what would you have liked to be?
An event planner! And a part time hand model.
CL: What do you plan to do once you graduate?
I will be looking for work within the design industry that engages with other people. Working with function, construction and form. I hope!
CL: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
Well, I hope I have work and build up many making and design skills. Selling my own designs, working in different companies, working in other countries. Who knows!
Go and meet Jessica and see her fantastic work at New Designers in London on 4th – 7th July 2012
For more information on the event and it’s where abouts, click here.
If you would like to contact Jes, you can do so through the following links:
