During the course the artists were all involved in figuring out how computers and digital media could help or enhance their practice from research, through production to presentation.

The artists involved are:

Jacqui Petrie (local art teacher who also holds drawing classes),

Richard Crook (a retired cab driver interested in furthering his digital photography),

John Parke (a paper based illustrator) and

Steven Appleton (illustrator and digital media tutor).

 

Jacqui had often used photography as a drawing tool but actually owning a digital camera and seeing some of the possibilities of the image manipulation software Photoshop (at her school) prompted her to go on the Art Project course. She says, “The cameras ability to record transient moments is invaluable in my busy life with all its different roles. To be able to manipulate then use the photographic image in its own right or as a starting point for further work or even just as promotional material with an exhibition at the end was ideal”.

 

Blue Holly by Jacqui Petrie

Inspired by atmospheric light, repeating patterns and landscapes, Jacqui has worked in these ideas into her current art, and explains how these images came about: “Early one very cold morning during the winter some puddles on my track froze into spirals and amazing patterns. I hurried to take some photos before they melted or were driven over. The resulting images are the stimulus for my current work and are provoking thoughts such as why draw or paint from photographs when the images are already so strong. As there are several I find stunning I am producing a series and that is linking into thoughts of Gestalt (why or is the whole greater than the sum of its parts).”

Frozen Spiral 1 by Jacqui Petrie

 

 

Richard, a retired Norwich cabbie who treated himself to a computer and digital camera, wanted to explore the possibilities that his new gear offered. He explains his approach – “I’ve snapped something I like to create and re-arrange the subject in different shapes and colours.”

Part of an image by Richard Crook

 

 

Technology Sketchnology runs in the Norwich Arts Centre Café Gallery until Wednesday 30th August, and is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm (except August 13th – 20th when NAC will be closed). Admission is free.

 

The Art Project course ran in October, and was specially developed to give artists the unique opportunity to learn valuable new digital skills and collaborate, or work on individual projects, leading to the exhibition of the final artworks at Norwich Arts Centre.