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Art students exhibit work reflecting on 2020
A selection of work by South Essex College art students is on display at Phox Cleave, Hamlet Court Road, in Westcliff.
The Level 2 Art & Design students, who study at the college’s Southend campus, were set the brief of creating artwork to express themselves and their feelings about the year 2020.
The students created a stunning array of works with six pieces being selected to go on display in the windows of the studio which will be available to view until 9 May.
Throughout lockdown, Phox Cleave’s workshop, which has been running since 2017 to provide creative production for events all over the country, has been transformed into an art space, focusing on local creatives to spread some cheer to passers-by.
The ‘2020, A Year Like No Other’ exhibition contains a variety of photography, painting, digital collage and mixed media by students Joey Hadcroft, Isabelle Mathews, Caitlin Eastgate, Mitchell Keeling, Emily Stephenson, and Chanittha Bunma.
The brief was created by tutor Sandra Brett, who worked with Sarah Cleave from Phox Cleave Studio to set up the exhibition opportunity.
Sandra said 2020 was an incredibly different and difficult year for everyone and was an opportunity for the students to reflect on this and show their feelings through art.
She added: “The students put all of their efforts into the brief and came up with stunning work. It has been a fantastic way for them to express their thoughts and feelings about a very different year and what impact it has had on them.”
One of the students whose work was chosen to be put on display, Isabelle Mathews, said she wanted to covey the amount of chaos that took place in 2020.
She said: “I set out to create a somewhat organized mess, with the way the lines intertwine and twist together and green splotches are by no means neat but I took that in the way nor was the year.
“I took a lot of inspiration from the artist Mick Burton, an artists who focuses mostly on continuous line drawings. Most of his artwork is a tidy mess which is what I wanted for my final piece.”
Sarah Cleave from Phox Cleave Studio said: “I hope the students enjoy seeing their artwork in public after a time of isolation. It’s a brave thing to do, and we can all benefit from the creative outcomes that have helped them communicate some understanding of what a strange year we have all had!”
For more information about courses at the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk
For more information about Phox Cleave, visit www.phoxcleave.com
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.
Sophie Peacock, 17, from Billericay, studied the Level 3 Creative Media (Television and Film) Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her good level of organisation and commitment to every task as well as being a mature, professional and articulate student.
Her tutor said: “Sophie takes advantage of every opportunity available to her both in college and outside, as she understands the value and benefits it will provide her with, in terms of networking, communicating, professionalism and improving her knowledge and skills. She is an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom and I hope she goes on to achieve great success.”
Sophie chose to study at the college because she liked the facilities that were available for her course.
She has loved the amount of creative freedom that the course has offered and being able to create any ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of her tutors.
Sophie was really proud and a little bit overwhelmed about winning the award.
She said: “I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.”
Sophie’s ambition for the future is to become a producer on the set of a live entertainment program.
