My work from The D&AD New Blood Show featured recently in the Creative Review Blog.

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/crblog/degree-shows-08-dad-new-blood-2/

EcoPETlite :  Innovative & Lightweight Recycled Lighting Solutions

Joanne Riddle and Ondrej Lewis have successfully collaborated on the MA Art & Design course at the University of Teesside.

Together they have devised a unique concept for designing colourful and sculptural lighting installations and have named this concept EcoPETlite.

Joanne, a 1999 graduate of International Textiles & Surface Pattern and Ondrej, a 2007 graduate of Interior Architecture and Design, met on their course last September.  They have combined their contrasting and individual styles to produce an innovative range of work, including their two metre high chandelier 'The Thirteenth Row'.

Joanne says,” We really wanted to make something beautiful from a waste product.  The initial concept was to devise a method of recycling a whole used bottle, regardless of its size.  The concept moved into developing the colouration of the PET material to change its appearance.  It is amazing how the appearance of our chandelier is reminiscent of stained glass.”

Ondrej says, “We have revolutionised the way that PET plastic bottles can be recycled; we like to think of it as sophisticated recycling as the end product bares little resemblance to the original bottle product.  We can recycle any PET material and have used everything from Evian to Lucozade bottles.”

Their concept can also be utilised using the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) milk bottles.  The results are quite different; however the product still makes a fantastic lighting material.  Their aim is to take this collaboration to the next level and to start a business together in September.

Joanne and Ondrej are focusing on colouring and texturing various plastics using Joanne's Patent Pending process.  They are currently planning to take their innovative work to "New Designers" exhibition held in London in July. 

Jayne Mann Ceramic artist and Printed textile designer - University of Cumbria

Designing and creating has always been and remains a compelling and instinctive passion, nurtured by two generations of makers who encouraged Jayne to develop an exacting eye. She has cherished the notion of undertaking a qualification in art and design for a number of years and her formal education began at Glasgow School of Art in 2003.

Drawing is second nature to Jayne, who said: ‘As a visual person it has been an essential tool, helping me to make sense of my world and it is always the starting point and inspiration from which a new body of work evolves. Both quality of line and brush stroke are elements which fascinate and challenge me when attempting to express my ideas.’

Jayne’s current work explores the urban cityscape of Edinburgh with its iconic skyline and fusion of traditional and modern architecture. She finds the time-worn and scarred surfaces of these buildings fascinating as they act as a memory, hinting at the past. Although optimistic in tone, her work contains strong personal meaning and she has chosen to accentuate the presence of colour in the city, which so often appears grey.

Jayne’s ceramic pieces are hand-built, using a blend of porcelain and recycled domestic paper waste and the forms are based on structural elements of the Scottish Parliament building. Her printed textiles are hand silk-screened pieces. The sensitive and interesting marks were created using mixed media, such as wax resist and a variety of hand made tools.

Sandra Owens, Ceramic Artist will be exhibiting at New Designers from the 3^rd to 6th July. New Designers is an exciting and prominent event in the London arts calendar. For more information go to www.newdesigners.com. It is an esteemed event for graduates to showcase their work professionally to creative industries and in Sandra’s case galleries and collectors.

Textile Designer-Maker Kirstie Williams is showcasing her graduate collection 'The Butterfly Effect' 13th-19th June at DeMontfort University and at New Designers, London 3rd-6th July.

 My work from D&AD New Blood was featured on the Creative Review Blog, see it here:

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/crblog/degree-shows-08-dad-new-blood-2/