oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM Page 1

Open College of the Arts

SHOWCASE Autumn 2008

H
ave the OCA resorted to
images of young women with
big eyelashes to get your
attention? Possibly, but only to spark a
debate.

This is an image from a fashion shoot.

In an effort to sell clothes the
photographer has deliberately placed
the model in a run down doorway
adjacent to an image of Jesus by the
streetart collective Faile. A set of
conscious choices, designed to make
the image 'work' in particular ways.

What is your response? Have your say

at oca-uk.com

If you are interested in the theories

underlying an understanding of
visual culture then you might like to
look at our new course: Visual
Studies or develop your photographic
practice with the People and Place
course and gain an understanding of
particular challenges of portraying
human subjects and their
environment, or branch out into
Creative Digital Film.

More details of these new courses on

page 3

Inside
Short story competition Meet two of our Workshops programme
Full details of how to enter 4 successful writing Extra support for students up to
students 4 & 5 August 2009 8
oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM Page 2

Showcase Who’s who at the OCA

is published three times a year by the Open
College of the Arts.
The staff at the Open College of the Arts are keen to support you and as a
Open College of the Arts
student you will no doubt talk to many of us at one time or another. Over the next
The Michael Young Arts Centre,
few issues we'll be profiling members of staff, starting with our two newest team
Unit 1B, Redbrook Business Park
members:
Wilthorpe Road, Barnsley S75 1JN
Telephone: 01226 730495
Email: enquiries@oca-uk.com
Moz Khokhar Emma Mason
Moz has a degree in Art and Design Since joining the college at the
Web: www.oca-uk.com
Registered charity no: 327446 from the University of Leeds and a beginning of August Emma has
Company limited by guarantee no: 2125674 PGCE from Huddersfield. He joined breathed new life into the academic
the OCA as an Academic Co-ordinator services team with her vivacious
OCA welcomes contributions to Showcase but
in August; having previously worked personality and sharp wit. Emma
reserves the right to edit materials at its
for the YMCA. Moz is previously worked
discretion. Views and opinions expressed in
a practising potter in for the RSPCA. She
Showcase are not necessarily those of OCA,
both traditional and moved to OCA to
nor does the inclusion of an item, insert or
contemporary styles further her career
advertisement constitute a recommendation.
and regularly exhibits and strengthen
To amend your contact details or just to give in local galleries. He her administration
your feedback – please contact Dee Bean, channels his creativity and clerical skills.
Marketing and Events, on 01226 704364 into his work at OCA Emma is 23 and
or email deebean@oca-uk.com
updating and editing loves the colour
Copy dates for 2009 the images in the pink and animals,
Submit articles by: 10 January course materials. Moz Moz Khokhar though not
Publication date: 1 March enjoys playing cricket, Emma Mason just couldn’t be persuaded to necessarily at the
have her picture taken
Submit articles by: 10 May cycling and running. same time.
Publication date: 1 July

Graduate Celebrations
A year after Bucks New University began
its partnership with the OCA there were
celebrations all round as the first group of
OCA students attended their graduation
ceremony at the Wycombe Swan theatre.

Peter Slater, Executive Dean, Faculty of

Creativity and Culture at Bucks said: “We
are particularly pleased to welcome the
first cohort of graduates from the Open
College of the Arts. This is a nationally
based partnership which has greatly
expanded the range of part-time and
mature students now working with us”.

OCA Chair of Trustees Chris Jelley and

Chief Executive Gareth Dent joined the
students and their families to celebrate
From the left: Marion Symes, Cedric Smith, Gareth Dent (Chief Exec), Marie Kelliher, Kay Bannon, Chris
Jelley (Chair of Trustees). their successes.

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oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM Page 3

Lights, camera, action... reflection?

T
he OCA is pleased to
announce three new
level one courses
which we are adding to
our portfolio this winter. The course has been written by Reuben Irving who will also tutor
the first cohort of students. Interest in the course is expected to
People and Place is an addition to our highly popular
be high but since the course is a new area of study for the OCA
photography courses and will make it possible, for students
student numbers will initially be limited.
seeking to progress towards a degree, to gain all the necessary
credits through specialising in photography. Written by Michael
Visual Studies is probably the most radical new addition to our
Freeman, the course is suitable for anyone with an interest
portfolio. Written by Peter Haveland the course will be relevant to
wishing to develop their photographic practice and gain an
understanding of particular challenges of portraying human anyone with an interest in the theories underlying an
subjects and their environment. understanding of visual culture. As such it will make an exciting
The module will allow students to explore the meanings of and challenging addition to the programme of studies for
portraiture and landscape photography and the nature of genre. students in fine art, photography and history of art.
They will develop their understanding of the relationships The course preferences the practical application of those
between subject, photographer and how their environment theories over a spectatorial approach and will provide a sound
influences these relationships. introduction to the subject in a truly interdisciplinary fashion. To
this end it will provide:
Creative Digital Film is for anyone who has an interest in • an understanding of the parameters of visual studies
exploring the creative techniques used in producing moving • an introduction to the major themes that underpin the
image media. Students will be expected to produce short films, so
discipline
must have the ability to record and edit digital video.
• experience in the application of theory to live projects.
The course is concerned with developing an awareness of creative
Students will be introduced to and guided to a clear
techniques and exploring artistic approaches. It provides a
understanding of the key texts in the study of visual culture. The
structured introduction to a range of visual and narrative devices
used to create mood, atmosphere and an intended meaning course will also trial the use of blogging as a means to creating a
within a moving image sequence. Students will be encouraged to personal learning log.
view media critically, to identify the techniques that are employed
and how they affect the audience and the course will enable To be notified when these courses open for enrolment please
students to employ these techniques effectively in their own work. email enquiries@oca-uk.com

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oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM
Short story
competition
for OCA
students
First Prize: £50 Amazon voucher and
publication in the March 2009 issue
of Showcase.
The competition is free and open to
all students, regardless of country of
residence and course studied. Entries
will be judged by OCA tutor Nina
Milton.
Entry requirements:
A short story on the theme of
‘Kitchen Table’. You can use this
theme in any way that creates
maximum inspiration – by including
it as an object in the story, or by
taking advantage of the atmosphere
and emotions the phrase conjures
up, or simply include the two words
somewhere in your text. You can
have any title for your story.
Word limit: maximum 1000
Your entry must be typed or word-
processed. It can be emailed [include
‘short story’ in subject line] or posted
as hard copy. Please mark for the
attention of Dee Bean.
Please include name, student
number, address, email address,
phone number and story title on a
separate page.
Closing date for entries: 10 January
2009
OCA will not enter into any correspondence
about the competition, including the rules,
selections, formats, receipt of submissions or
results. OCA cannot provide any feedback on
individual entries.
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Page 4
John Haines
a second degree
immature teen?
“I have been amazed by Writing Poetry as
it is extremely accessible but demanding.
The analysis that you do of your own
poetry can’t fail to encourage you to
develop your writing. You look at it in such
depth and breadth. If you are a
developing poet (however many years you
have been writing) then here’s the road
for you.
“Here is a poem I have developed on the
course. My tutor felt quite pleased with it,
so, of course, I fully agree.”
John Haines has been an OCA student
since December 2007. He writes, “I have
just completed OCA’s Writing 1: Poetry as A lonely Pompeii
the first step to a second degree.
“I always thought those who went for As an immature teen
second degrees must be slightly mad. I I was too introverted
had no intention of further academic
to fully appreciate
study after my OU degree. I’m in my
sixties and ‘taking it easy!’ I have written the ruins of Pompeii.
poetry since school days but only in recent
years began to study it. The OU literature Yet, I took in the fallen
courses were obviously thorough in
Columns; their whiteness
introducing me to many poets I didn’t
know and to much literary (often hard and soft in the grass.
conflicting) theory.
“In 2007 I began to think about There was a swift whiteness,
developing my own poetry. I ‘tasted’ always swift then. Time,
workshops, readings, read a couple of
ancient and new, ribboned
books. Then I discovered that the OCA did
practical poetry courses.
in lonely squiffiness.
oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM Page 5

Marianne Lederman
published author
I have always had a love of books and
literature of all kinds, as well as a fervent
imagination. As a child I lived much of the
time in a dream, telling myself stories and
developing imaginary characters who
were more real to me than the people
around me. However, I never wrote these
stories down as I had too little confidence
or belief in my abilities.
It wasn’t until about fifteen years ago,
after a career of thirty years, that for no
reason that I can recall or define I started
to write. It was then that I decided to look
at possible ways to improve my
amateurish efforts and the Open College
of the Arts proved to be ideal. I started
with a course in short story writing, and
then moved on to the Advanced Writers’
course.
For people like myself, working in a busy
job and with a family and limited time to
write, the OCA provides flexibility
combined with high quality one-to-one
tuition. Understanding tutors were
prepared to wait until my home and work
commitments allowed me to complete an
assignment. Formal assessment wasn’t Thanks to the OCA I received my reward.
what I wanted, so I decided to repeat the
I finally won the Greater London prize in
Advanced Writers’ course three times!
the national Undiscovered Authors
With each course I honed my writing skills
competition for 2006/7 under the pen
a little further, benefiting from the
name, Naomi Nielsen, and my novel,
different approach of each tutor.
Euan’s Torch is due to be published in
Elizabeth Ashworth, Elizabeth North and
Spring 2009. (Publishing, I have found, is
especially Linda Acaster, provided me with
a slow process).
encouragement, constructive criticism and
a mature mentoring approach, where I The following extract is from an early
could discuss and explain what I was chapter and shows the tense relationship
attempting to write, and receive in return between the teenage Euan and his
advice and suggestions. parents Evelyn and Douglas.

T
hough his recent enthusiasm for life was
reassuring Evelyn knew it was unwise to be smug
or complacent. She would often remind Douglas
of the dangers of pressurising him. ‘You don’t know
what might happen, Doug. Both our families have had
some knocks. Never mind if he fails exams; we should
be content if he’s healthy.’ And Douglas, who was
usually impatient with her homilies, on this occasion
agreed.
She pressed herself against the kitchen worktop to give
Euan space to finish his sandwich and drink his tea.
While most boys in their teens were still coping with
adolescent growing pains – too fat, too thin or too
spotty – he was maturing with ease. Just to watch him
gave her pleasure. He leaned back to eat, his sweater
rucked up over the waistband of his jeans which were
now too tight for him, and she was suddenly conscious
that his hips and crotch were sexually provocative.
Swallowing hard, she snapped her eyes upwards and
fixed her gaze on his face. He finished his last mouthful
and drained his mug of tea, innocent and oblivious to
her thoughts.
He was maturing and would soon be going out with
girls and maybe even having sex – youngsters of his age
were these days. But she had no wish to pry and in any
case it was his nature to be remote and introverted; she
doubted if he would ever confide in her. ‘Let him live in
a world of his own’, she urged Douglas when he
complained of Euan’s secretiveness. ‘He doesn’t want us
knowing everything he’s thinking and doing.’ His
periodic phases of unhappiness, she hoped – she was
sure – were over, but even so it would be wise not to
interfere. If he felt burdened by intrusive questions he
might withdraw again, lapse into his old moodiness.
The conversation ended. As he said goodnight to her he
ruffled her hair and she felt herself grinning and
blushing like a girl. When he had disappeared she
pushed aside the hair on her forehead. She also pushed
aside the worries that buzzed around her head like
angry mosquitoes.

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Painting with fibres
Tutor Jacqueline Jeynes
Jacqueline Jeynes has been a tutor with
OCA for 20 years, for both the
Understanding Art and Textiles courses.
She writes: “Since I was a little girl
spending all my pocket money on bundles
of fabric to ‘make things’, I have been
fascinated by textiles. There is a long
family tradition of textiles design and
craft including tailoring, dressmaking, fine
art and three-dimensional design and I
am whole-heartedly committed to
learning new skills and trying out new
techniques.
“Painting with fibres is how I see my
current textile work. There is a resurgence
of interest in the traditional craft of felt
making with earliest examples of the
technique dating back to 700BC.
Felt has always been valued for its
durability, warmth and
protective qualities so given
the poor return farmers
now get for their fleece,
it is an ideal way to
use this natural
product.
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“I really love making the individual
seamless jacket designs. Starting from
the basic idea of the shape and size of
the jacket, I make a template that takes
into account shrinkage of the type of
fleece used.
“I need to think about the design features
at this stage – how the collar and revers
will be shaped, what pattern is needed on
the inside of the jacket especially around
the collar and cuffs. Fibres are set out in
two even layers to form the basic
structure, overlapping the edge of the
template to ensure the joins between
front and back are seamless, then adding
a third layer to make the decorative outer
surface.
“I love this part of the process. I just
follow the design as it
develops organically,
seeing how blocks
of colour
interact, – an
instinctive
process
that is difficult to plan in pre-design
drawings. The most exciting aspect of
this part is introducing other fibres or
materials. Sometimes I use fine silk fibres
with a soft sheen when worked, or
exciting man-made fibres in contrasting
colours and with unusual tactile
qualities.
“I have been experimenting with the peg
loom – a traditional craft re-invented
around 20 years ago in this form. It is a
simple loom structure and is an ideal way
to use up all the yarns and fibres collected
over many years. There is scope to vary the
length of lines, fibres used as warp
threads, and to incorporate a wide range
of other materials.
“Future design work includes creating
different types of structures by combining
fleece fibres with paper pulp, using heat-
bonded Angelina fibres, and various fibres
in silk paper. There is still a fascinating
journey to travel in my exploration of
textile art and design, and I cannot ever
see that I shall reach the end of my
travels!”
Jacqueline is a member of International
Feltmakers Association; Ceredigion Craft
Makers; Spinners, Weavers and Dyers
Guild. Her book Painting with fibres –
Felted seamless jackets and wall hangings
is due to be published early 2009.
To contact Jacqueline or learn more about
felt making go to www.oca-uk.com
oca showcase nov 10/15/08 11:23 AM Page 7
From Furniture
to Fine Art
The OCA's accrediting university, Bucks
New University is one of the newest in
the UK, having been granted full
university status in October 2007. The
‘new’ in its name, reflects the University’s
vibrancy and dynamism and its aim to
always be open to new ideas and
thinking.
But, its history dates back to 1893 and
the foundation of the School of Science
and Art in High Wycombe. After the First
World War, the school began to give
special tuition to disabled
ex-soldiers and sailors.
They were trained in a
range of traditional skills
including cabinet making,
carving and polishing, to
help them find work in
local factories. By 1920,
daytime classes in
woodwork had been
introduced – the first in
the country. Following the
defeat of Hitler in 1945,
there was an even greater
need for technical
education for returning
servicemen, and the then
Technical Institute
expanded into a College
of Further Education.
The University now offers
a range of exciting and
innovative awards not
widely available in the
sector, from commercial
pilot training to music
industry management,
textiles and furniture. Its faculties are
aligned to employment markets: creative
and cultural industries; the management
and information management sectors;
and the public sector.
Furniture courses are still an important
feature in the portfolio. Courses are
designed to give students a broad range
of skills associated with the small
specialised furniture-making workshops
which are the mainstay of the British
furniture industry today. The University is
unashamedly teaching-led and business-
facing, and so furniture students, like
those in other disciplines, are given a
sound understanding of professional
practices, and the opportunity to
undertake ‘live’ projects in conjunction
with industry partners, including Ercol,
Homebase, Isokon, John Lewis, Matthew
Hilton Furniture, SCP, and Vitra.
The University prides itself on being the
best in the country for producing concept
and ideas-led, but functional furniture,
which can immediately be
taken up by British and
European manufacturers.
Annual shows and involvement
with the Milan Furniture Fair
have established its courses at
the forefront of this type of
success – over 25 designs have
been put into production with
European manufacturers as a
direct result of showing third
year and graduate work in
Milan.
Its courses are continuing to
develop with a new foundation
degree in Furniture:
Development and Industries
starting in September, and
specifically designed to prepare
students for roles in production
management, design and retail
positions.
For further information visit
bucks.ac.uk, email
creative@bucks.ac.uk or call
0800 0565 660.
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OCA Workshops
Thanks to the commitment of many of our
tutors, OCA has been able to increase the
number of workshops it offers throughout
the year. OCA workshops are the perfect
vehicle for trying new directions, learning
new skills and honing old ones. Classes
are small and relaxed and offer
exceptional quality additional tuition.
Students from Scotland to Dorset have
been enjoying meeting other students,
viewing each other’s work and spending
quality learning time with OCA tutors.
Tutors Jane Mitchell (Edinburgh) and
Carolyne Kardia (Dorset) have been
welcoming small groups of students into
their studios; combining workshops with
the opportunity to view their respective
creative environments.
In Shropshire, Geoff Taylor has been
leading photography students through
the beautiful Carding Mill Valley. These
multi-day workshops have expanded on
Geoff’s highly popular ‘classroom’ based
workshops and now include practical field
work and review sessions.
At our Barnsley HQ a ‘Basic Framing’
workshop took place in September
covering all aspects of framing from
mount cutting through to stringing the
work so it was ready to hang. Student
Jean Tarry told us, “This was my first
experience of an OCA workshop. I was
surprised at what I could produce: tutor,
materials, tools, venue etc were all first
class and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Stephen Court’s ‘Figuring it out!’
workshop was a massive hit with all the
attendees. Angela Mullins said “It was my
first OCA workshop experience and I can
thoroughly recommend it to anyone
considering going to one in the future. I
was made to feel very welcome, the
atmosphere was highly enthusiastic and I
was encouraged to think about and
explore new things. The model was
fantastic too!”
The current workshop programme will
continue until August 2009.
For more information go to:
www.oca-uk.com/events
or call Dee on 01226 704364.

Date Workshop Location

29/11/08 Growing Art Ideas Barnsley
06/12/08 Working with Rhyme Stafford
31/01/09 Still Life: a bold approach Barnsley
07/02/09 Figuring it out Barnsley
7-8/03/09 Working in Clay from the Model Broadwindsor, Dorset
07/03/09 Painting with a broad brush: Landscapes in acrylics Barnsley
04/04/09 Monotype + Techniques Barnsley
05/04/09 Celebration of Colour Broadwindsor, Dorset
18/04/09 Poetry: Visual and Aural Stafford
2-3/05/09 Exploring Form with Plaster Broadwindsor, Dorset
02/05/09 Growing Art Ideas Barnsley
09/05/09 Drawing and Painting a Still Life Edinburgh
09/05/09 Creating Abstract Compositions from Organic Forms Sheffield
30/05/09 Working in the Landscape Edinburgh
06/06/09 Sketching in the Landscape Sheffield
13/06/09 Notes on Touch, Taste and Smell Stafford
27/06/09 Sketchbook Work in the Landscape Edinburgh
04/07/09 Creating Abstract Compositions from Natural Forms Barnsley
11/07/09 Drawing at Thorpe Bay and Hadleigh Castle Ruins Leigh-on-Sea
12/07/09 Drawing at Kew Gardens Kew Gardens, London
Students on the Basic Framing workshop
show off their achievements 19/07/09 Looking at Sketchbooks V & A, London