Category Archives: MA Stuff

Exhibition Identity: Nuno Sousa Vieira at Newlyn Art Gallery

By Dion | Published: April 27, 2010

I’ve just completed an Identity project for an exhibition by Portuguese artist Nuno Sousa Vieira at Newlyn Art Gallery. The show was organised by students from MA Curatorial Practice at UCF & runs until 22nd May. More images to come (when I can find my camera?!), here’s a taster.

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chaomortu

A2 poster, which was also cut down to create 3 different A4 posters & 3 DL invitations.

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nunoDL

Publication.

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Dott Cornwall, RSA Design Directions & Affordable Homes.

By Dion | Published: March 31, 2010

Back before Christmas I was working on a project for Design Directions plus, an RSA competition brief supported by Dott Cornwall. ‘Design for social inclusion; community based design’, The project asks how design could be used to support and empower people who may be excluded in some way, through the process of engagement and co-design. I chose Cornwwall’s housing crisis as a starting point.

I didn’t enter it into the competition in the end for various reasons, but i’d be interested in hearing some feedback on this. Here is the full PDF.

DION_DOTT_pres

Cornwall’s housing crisis.
How can we open up the debate on Cornwall’s housing crisis in a way that provides a voice for the community?
Cornwall has the biggest gap in Britain between the average house price and the average salary, with house prices 12 times average earnings.
Angela Balakrishnan, The Guardian, February 2nd 2008
There are now almost 20000 people on waiting lists for homes in Cornwall & this number is increasing.
Cornwall has a growing population.  The arrival and return of people who are able to pay higher prices for homes than the resident population, has resulted in a housing market that is buoyed far above local wage levels. A large proportion of the local long-term resident population cannot afford to buy on the open market and renting is becoming more and more difficult.
The problem of Cornwall’s unaffordable homes will continue to grow. What is needed are homes that local people can afford, local homes reflecting local wages to rent or buy.
Brief: Create a campaign to raise awareness for  Cornwall’s housing crisis.
• Raise awareness & gather information in order to inform and encourage dialogue.
• Must be provocative yet responsible.
• Must lead to community action.
• Ambitious.
Vehicle: Mock estate agency, 
as a vehicle for co-discovery.
• Using an empty shop to provoke & engage with communities on the housing issue.
• Co-discovery opens dialogue to the highstreet; promoting grants, needs, issues and 3d manifesto for inroads into affordable housing.
• Co-design creates directory for individual members of new housing groups
Cornwall’s housing crisis.
How can we open up the debate on Cornwall’s housing crisis in a way that provides a voice for the community?
“Cornwall has the biggest gap in Britain between the average house price and the average salary, with house prices 12 times average earnings.”
Angela Balakrishnan, The Guardian, February 2nd 2008

There are now almost 20000 people on waiting lists for homes in Cornwall & this number is increasing.

Cornwall has a growing population.  The arrival and return of people who are able to pay higher prices for homes than the resident population, has resulted in a housing market that is buoyed far above local wage levels. A large proportion of the local long-term resident population cannot afford to buy on the open market and renting is becoming more and more difficult. The problem of Cornwall’s unaffordable homes will continue to grow. What is needed are homes that local people can afford, local homes reflecting local wages to rent or buy.
DION_DOTT_pres
Brief: Create a campaign to raise awareness for  Cornwall’s housing crisis.
  • Raise awareness & gather information in order to inform and encourage dialogue.
  • Must be provocative yet responsible.
  • Must lead to community action.
  • Ambitious.
Vehicle: Mock estate agency, 
as a vehicle for co-discovery.
  • Using an empty shop to provoke & engage with communities on the housing issue.
  • Co-discovery opens dialogue to the highstreet; promoting grants, needs, issues and 3d manifesto for inroads into affordable housing.
  • Co-design creates directory for individual members of new housing groups.

DION_DOTT_pres

DION_DOTT_presDION_DOTT_presDION_DOTT_presDION_DOTT_presDION_DOTT_presDION_DOTT_pres

USE ALL MODES OF EXPRESSION

By Dion | Published: February 10, 2010

Manisfest_05

Human Intelligence begins with conception; it is our prime mental activity. A concept is only fixed when it is embodied in a symbol, It is the culmination in some form of symbolic expression that we as designers need to understand and explore. We must learn the various modes of expression ie; language, myth, audible, artistic, mathematical etc. It is in the difference between the concept and the symbol that we find the grey area, this difference is where we find the poetry.

‘The magic of the concept and the charm of the real.’ Jean Baudrillard

THINK COMPREHENSIVELY

By Dion | Published: February 10, 2010

Manifeste_3

We can characterize the way people think using these terms borrowed from evolutionary biology, you are either a lumper or a splitter. Lumpers will tend to look at a problem holistically while splitters try to pick apart the smallest detail. There is no right or wrong way, it is possible to make breakthroughs in our understanding of the world either way. However if you do not know which one you are, it is probably a good idea to work it out. Being a lumper is about joining the dots and thinking comprehensively, this is the type of thinking that exists between the spheres of Art & Science.

‘I refuse to treat diverse subjects as specialized areas of investigation, because it inhibits my ability to think intuitively, independently, and comprehensively.’ Buckminster Fuller

We can characterize the way people think using these terms borrowed from evolutionary biology, you are either a lumper or a splitter. Lumpers will tend to look at a problem holistically while splitters try to pick apart the smallest detail. There is no right or wrong way, it is possible to make breakthroughs in our understanding of the world either way. However if you do not know which one you are, it is probably a good idea to work it out. Being a lumper is about joining the dots and thinking comprehensively, this is the type of thinking that exists between the spheres of Art & Science.
‘I refuse to treat diverse subjects as specialized areas of investigation, because it inhibits my ability to think intuitively, independently, and comprehensively.’ Buckminster Fuller

DEFINE THE PURPOSE

By Dion | Published: February 9, 2010

Manifeste_2

Art’s role is sometimes defined simply as ‘raising a question’, whereas the role of design is seen to be to provide answers. When viewed as just a problem solver, the designer is not in a position to define the purpose. Only by creating new opportunities or initiating projects can a designer reposition themselves away from working in accordance with commission.

‘Practice has shown that the work of true artistic worth can be created only when the artist sets his own objective (the internal social commission).’ El Lizzitzky

BE AN ARTIST, DESIGNER & SCIENTIST

By Dion | Published: February 8, 2010

Manifeste_1

The spheres of Art, Design & Science are all concerned with trying to make sense of the world around us. Design could be described as being halfway between Art & Science.

At the end of the 19th century these spheres were much closer together. It was in the early period of the 20th century, with industrialization and political upheaval, that saw many key representatives of the avant-garde position themselves away from the sphere of art, in favour of various pragmatic forms of design. Over the course of the following hundred years these spheres pulled further apart. We need to pull them back together.

It is human nature to try to understand what is around us. Our curiosity is our primary driver. Art & Science are interrelated because they both have the capacity to improve the world. By bringing them closer together we not only increase our understanding but by allowing them to react with each other we also increase our ability to succeed.

Designers need to be good observers, as Design relies on cultural references, therefore it is vital for designers to open up their horizons. If you only look at one sphere then your output will always result in the very same thing. It is important to continually move your points of reference.

‘Is it Art or is it Design? The thing called creativity cuts right through that argument.’ Gordon Young

The spheres of Art, Design & Science are all concerned with trying to make sense of the world around us. Design could be described as being halfway between Art & Science.
At the end of the 19th century these spheres were much closer together. It was in the early period of the 20th century, with industrialization and political upheaval that many key representatives of the avant-garde position themselves away from the sphere of art, in favour of various pragmatic forms of design. Over the course of the following hundred years these spheres pulled further apart. We need to pull them back together.
It is human nature to try to understand what is around us. Our curiosity is our primary driver. Art & Science are interrelated because they both have the capacity to improve the world. By bringing them closer together we not only increase our understanding but by allowing them to react with each other we also increase our ability to succeed.
Designers need to be good observers, as Design relies on cultural references, therefore if is vital for designers to open up their horizons. If you only look at one sphere then your output will always result in the very same thing. It is important to continually move your points of reference.

CECI N’EST PAS UNE MANIFESTE

By Dion | Published: February 4, 2010

Manisfest_02

Manisfest_03

Manisfest_04

Manisfest_05

A couple of spreads from my latest project: ‘CECI N’EST PAS UNE MANIFESTE’

This is not a Manifesto, it is a statement of intent. It is not about what I have done, it is about what I propose to do. After all, my intentions are far more interesting than my achievements to date. I don’t need a business card for what I’ve already done, but I need one for what I want to do. My Design Direction is motivated by purpose, opposition & self-initiated reform. Comprenhensive & appropriate.

Be an Artist, Designer & Scientist.
Define the purpose.
Think comprehensively.
Use all modes of expression.
  • Be an Artist, Designer & Scientist.
  • Define the purpose.
  • Think comprehensively.
  • Use all modes of expression.

The Future of Farming?

By Dion | Published: November 19, 2009

Plantagon Greenhouse

The ‘vertical farming’ idea has been suggested to bring food closer to cities. This is an interesting idea, It’s estimated that for every indoor acre farmed it would eliminate the need for 10 to 20 outdoor acres. Given Cornwall’s noted farming problems wouldn’t a rural vertical farm make perfect sense? We certainly have the farming skills in Cornwall, but farms struggle because of the massive growth of supermarkets. A vertical farm would give the farmers scope to grow more and varied crops all year round, therefore creating more jobs. It would put an end to agricultural run off (water pollution) and free up some land which can be used to solve the local (affordable) housing needs, or even just return to natural habitat. Plus it would keep tractors off the road!

‘If just 10 per cent of the food purchasing budget within Cornwall could be switched to the local producer, this would make a very significant difference to Cornish farming.’ David Rodda, Cornwall Agricultural Council.

Given the choice, I’d certainly prefer to buy local food from my friendly local giant geo dome farm.

DOTT… new answers to Cornish social and economic issues?

By Dion | Published: November 16, 2009

DottCornwall_350x266

We had an interesting presentation today from Dr Andrea Siodmok, Programme Director of Dott Cornwall. Dott Cornwall is a Partnership established by the Design Council, Cornwall Council and the University College Falmouth to deliver a series of design-led community engagement projects, addressing some of the challenging social and economic issues facing people in Cornwall today.

As a designer I’m very excited about the potential of Dott, and as someone who lives in Cornwall I really hope it can deliver. I am especially keen to know exactly what are ‘…the challenging social and economic issues facing people in Cornwall today…‘ I asked some friends & family members to suggest a few points and did a bit of digging. It’s far from comprehensive, and probably not in the right order, but here is what I managed to collate

1. Lack of affordable housing. Cornwall is a classic example of a two-speed economy, where most locals toil away while a few rich incomers buy up all the half-decent properties, and local services start providing for their tastes and budgets, so the cost of living climbs out of reach of the average working family. Plus second home ownership is destroying communities.

‘Cornwall has the biggest gap in Britain between the average house price and average salary, with house prices 12 times average earnings.’ Angela Balakrishnan – The Guardian, February 2nd 2008

‘Poverty in Cornwall is wildly under-represented, the stats say the average wage here is £317 a week. But we can all say we know loads of people on £150.’ Eden Project founder Tim Smit.

2. Water. Cornish residents pay more for water than anywhere else in the UK yet the quality is poor.

‘3% of the total population have been paying for 30% of the beach clean-up, and in the poorest part of the country no less.’ MP Matthew Taylor, May 30th 2007

3. Lack of infrastructure to encourage new industry. Cornwall’s old industries are in their death throes, and 25% of its economy revolves around tourism.

4. Rural isolation has lead to high levels of depression & anxiety.

5. Improper investment of European aid. After five years of Objective One, Cornwall is still in the lowest GDP of Europe (hence Convergence funding). Cornwall was awarded £700 million in European aid which went to SWRDA in Bristol who took a huge cut as payment for managing the money. Cornish money should be managed by people elected in Cornwall, for Cornwall. This money is being reduced due to the growth of Government quangos. (It will interesting to see if the Dott scheme is perceived to be yet another waste of Cornwall’s money?)

6. Public Transport. Cornwall has the worst public transport infrastructure. Due to high costs and poor service there is no incentive to use public transport. First Great Western, was named in 2008 as the UK’s poorest-performing rail service.

‘The infrastructure is appalling, It takes longer to get from Penzance to Plymouth than it does from London to Lille.’ Richard Clark, Mebyon Kernow.

7. Lack of local health provision. Cornwall’s NHS is underfunded and has to deal with an increase in cases in the summer (visitors). There are moves to centralise services and move some wards to Plymouth making it even worse.

8. Cornwall is getting warmer and wetter. Has there been an impact assessment on the scenario of Cornwall’s tourists going elsewhere due to flooding?

9. Cornwall has an aging population, 22% of Cornwall’s population are now pensioners.

10. Low wages and a reliance on seasonal employment mean that young people have to leave Cornwall for quality careers. There is no real policy to encourage graduates to stay in Cornwall.

Other interesting bits & bobs:

  • Penwith had the lowest male earnings in England in 2004.
  • In the Carrick district, covering Truro, Penryn and Falmouth, 56% of young working households are priced out of the local housing market.
  • Cornwall qualified last year for £500m of Convergence funding because its productivity, measured in GVA, was still below 75% of the European average.

    • Project One – What I Do

    By Dion | Published: November 12, 2009

    The first project flew by, here’s a brief run through. It began with the ‘mood board’ top left of my workspace (more on this later).

    projectone_earlyworkspace

    Deconstruction; Personal Methodology

    “…an analysis and critical review of what you do as a designer; your existing personal design practice…suggest and identify mechanisms that challenge and provoke your personal design perspectives and methodology.”

    After the ‘mood board’ stage I found it difficult to distill ‘what i do’ into just one sound-byte. Everything i do is as a result of the memories and experiences I have collected over the years. I can draw from them when I need to and as I do, it can sometimes bring new meaning to old memories. It was clear that the best vehicle to illustrate my personal methodology was with moving image (after effects). As I have not attempted this before it was certainly a risk, but risk is the name of the game. Whilst I admit this could have resulted in spectacular failure, I was hoping it would show both the drive and ambition in which I tackle my work.

    Firstly, ideas in my notebook…

    scanP1

    Then came a storyboard…

    projectone-early

    First steps into the world of moving image…

    scanP2

    Followed 3 days later by the finished piece. Actually, its far from finished in my opinion – it needs loads more work – but the idea is there.

    Project One – What I Do.
    “…an analysis and critical review of what you do as a designer; your existing personal design practice…suggest and identify mechanisms that challenge and provoke your personal design perspectives and methodology.”
    After the ‘mood board’ stage (more on that later) i found it difficult to distill ‘what i do’ into a sound-byte. Everything i do is as a result of the memories and experiences i have collected over the years. i can draw from them when i need to and as I do it can something bring new meaning to old memories. It was clear that the best vehicle to illustrate my personal methodology was with moving image (after effects). As I have not attempted this before it was certainly a risk, but risk is the name of the game. Whilst I admit this could have resulted in spectacular failure, I was hoping it would show both the drive and ambition in which I tackle my work.
    Firstly the idea existed in my notebook…
    Then came a storyboard…
    First steps into the world of moving image…
    Followed 3 days later by the finished piece. Its far from finished in my opinion but the idea is there. (I will finish this asap)

    Project One – What I Do from Dion Star.