UAL Extended Diploma in Photography students Surann Jones and Ben Goodwin have been selected to display their work at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art as part of the gallery’s Youth Open Call exhibition.
The exhibition, which is aimed at showcasing the creativity of local 11–17-year-olds – and is supported by Fenwick – is centred around the word ‘local’, inviting submissions from creative talent across the North East to explore local places, stories and viewpoints. The selections were made by BALTIC’s Young Producers and artist Terox.
One of our exhibitors, Benjamin Goodwin, from Darlington, said he was encouraged by his lecturer, Sarah Christie, to submit his work which “followed the links of nature and photography, using a cyanotype process to create my picture.”
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- Ben with his work at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
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- Surann with her work at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Fellow student Surann also drew inspiration from nature for her work. She said: “I had done research on the conflict between nature and pollution and individuals’ thoughts on the problems that surround us in our local environment, taking interviews to get all the different opinions. I had experimented with portraiture and on-location shoots at North Gare Beach, focusing on nature and pollution. I then used Photoshop to create a double exposure, overlapping the images to create the final piece. Before putting them into Photoshop, I had edited them in Lightroom.”
Reflecting on being selected for the exhibition, Ben said he was initially “surprised at first but definitely pleased! It was amazing to see my work be a part of a vast collection of photographers’, sculptors’ and painters’ work, but I was especially proud to say my work was in the BALTIC.”
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- Work by Ben Goodwin.
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- Work by Surann Jones.
Surann said: “When I found out about being in the exhibition, me and my parent got an email and we were really happy and excited to see it put up in the exhibition for other individuals to see. I wanted to raise awareness of this problem, but also for others to see the skill and hard work that had gone into the images. I was really happy and excited to see my work placed next to other brilliant artists. The night also gave me a chance to talk to other artists and have the chance to relate.”
Work from Alumni Rachel Marsh
Surann at the opening evening for the exhibition.
Speaking of the achievement UAL Photography Diploma Lecturer Sarah Christie said, “The Photography team is incredibly proud to see Surran and Ben’s final Unit 3 work featured in the Baltic Youth Open Submission, in partnership with Fenwick.
When asked about studying on his diploma, Ben said, “Studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography has let me be extremely creative, and the amazing facilities have let me create many works, such as the piece I submitted!”
“Throughout the time that I have been on my course, I have really enjoyed it. I have had the chance to explore and develop skills that I never thought I had, and this college and course have been the right place for me. They have supported me all the way to do my best and be my best.”
When asked what his advice was for students starting the diploma, he replied, “my number one top tip for specifically photography students is to remember an SD card!”
Surann added, “For starting at this college, I would say enjoy yourself. It’s something new – explore, meet new people and make new friends.”
Stay up to date with Ben and Surann’s work on Instagram: @ben_d0es_photography and @photographylens_299.
If you are interested in studying photography at degree-level we offer a dynamic and well established degree programme, find out more about course details and how to apply here.