Lightworks 2012

   So obviously my opinion and view is going to be biased, and my optimism about the event tainted because I'm all for Lightworks 'and that'. But if you attended you'll more than likely (hopefully) back me on how successful it was. Grimsby tends to be re-known for and negatively stigmatised by it's lack of enthusiasm. Our town thrived back in the day so it's a shame how it has turned out, almost like it has been forgotten about. Lightworks is an annual event which is hosted mid-March, the last Friday before the clocks go forward ready for summer. The event is an astounding opportunity for local contributors to showcase their talent. 

   As a student specialising in Fashion Design here at the Grimsby Institute, I collaborated with a friend; photography student; in putting together an art/fashion film which was entered and shown at Lightworks. Watch my film HERE. The garments I constructed from shirts and alike materials which were styled as appropriate to portray the themes and undertones. The shirts ironically representing authority, or lack thereof. The film is about not knowing yourself which is taken to the extreme of having amnesia, therefore turning to religion for guidance. But religion is just a metaphor, it's not a given thing that you would turn to religion, but where do you turn? This applies to our place in society too, it's a strong representation of fitting in in general, about society, discovery, re-discovery, fashion extremism even? (Fashion can be followed almost religiously, a NEED, magazines replacing bibles almost like for like). But interperet as you will!

   This years event; for the first time; also included a brilliant performance by a talented bunch called 'I' to which I designed and constructed the costumes for. Likewise this piece was about religion vs science, so the use of shirts within the designs was again used, but this time as more of an asylum, institutionalised portrayal. 

Watch the performance HERE.

   Also, many students were given the opportunity to self brand and promote themselves via designing a postcard which were sold in random packs on the evening. This here is the illustrated design I put forward...

   I had an amazing time working under the pressures of contributing to the event and worked with some amazing people. Stay on the look out for the promotion of the next Lightworks and come along it was very interesting!

Lots of love,

Miss E xxx

'...and the logical way to express ourselves is in the clothes we wear.'

   Here in England we are all compartmentalised into what seems a pre-determined, compact class in society. On the surface there are three groups; upper, middle or lower. I say pre-determined because it all comes down to societal tradition but it's us creatives that break out and stand out from the rest. We're the ones that don't really give a damn about social position and how we're 'supposed to behave' because if we did, we would conform to the boring internal and external social expectations of society which expects us to be normal. Normal being inexpressive and as corpse like as possible. Where's the fun in that? We push boundaries, contrary rebellions and whilst we look to the irony of tradition as inspiration, we're much more turned on by being cool than we are classy.

   So just to confuse the uncomplicated system of English classes a bit more I'll elaborate on the 'Art School Class'. Art school is an uncompromisable contribution to a creative England. An invaluable and necessary experience in one's life. Creativity in the majority of schools seems to be almost frowned upon which is absurd because the world thrives on it. And what's more special about it is that money cannot buy talent. So whatever 'class' you were sectioned into, if you're creative you're an individual in your own right, and when it comes to attending art school, you're enticed by like-minded enthusiasts...it's exciting! Oh wait no, class = normal which ultimately = boring clones. Pfft we're not programmed that way. Let's face it, the majority of old school traditions have been binned so you'd think in this day in age we'd have broken away from this insecure hierarchy of 'social class' and just accepted everyone as equals. This is how it works in the 'Art School Class' system. From all walks of life, like-minded creative thinkers come together, they discuss music, art, politics, fashion, film etc, they collaborate and they make the world a much more visually interesting place to live in. Here it's not about where you came from, it's about what drives you, what makes you tick. Art school gives you the absolute freedom to be whoever you want to be and to have the courage to get out there and show the world exactly how much you couldn't care less about society's suffocating 'rules' and 'guidelines'. Which makes it all the more appealing because in such mundane and stressful times, it's our creative thinkers that lighten up the atmosphere!

    Talking of lightening up! Here in Grimsby, our Art School tribe has collaborated on putting together an exciting event which I recommend you attend! A festival which will celebrate our local talent including film, projection, audio and performance. Come and see what Grimsby has to offer! You won't be disappointed.

Lightworks 2012

Date: Friday 16th March

Location: Grimsby Minster

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Lots of Love for now,

(And we hope to see you Friday)

Miss E xxx