SCAD University visit DLD’s Art & Design Department
16th October 22
The Art Department at DLD hosted The Savannah College of Art and Design on the afternoon of the 13th October. We welcomed Michael James O Brien, Artist and Head of Photography at SCAD and Olivia Anderson, the co-director of European Admissions. O’Brien has worked with world renowned Photographers like Duane Michals and fashion designers including Rei Kwakubo and Azzedine Alaia.
First, he showed students from Art, Photography, Graphics and Fashion a short introductory film which showcased some of the disciplines available across their three campuses in Savannah, Atlanta and Lacoste.
He went on to give a compelling lecture on self-portraits, showing the students a range of examples made by a diverse range artists and photographers. Michael set the students the task of using their mobile phones to create their own portrait. He encouraged them to think outside of what we traditionally view as a portrait, to use of objects or spaces that are important to each individual student.
On returning to the studio the students examined each other’s interpretations and Michael critiqued their images, giving suggestions on how you could experiment or develop them further, giving them a taste of what studying a creative subject at university level might be like. Being able to ask questions openly to someone who could potentially be reviewing their university applications is an extremely valuable experience. Olivia answered more questions from students about life on campus and entry requirements, including potential scholarships. We hope that this visit facilitated a greater understanding of the future opportunities that exist for them in the next stages of their education and careers.
Overall, we had a very positive experience with Michael and Olivia, and it seems they also had a enjoyed their visit enough to plan another! Michael suggested he will come to DLD again to deliver a portfolio surgery, advising students on how to arrange their work for submission to Art College and University. Before then we hope to see artwork and representatives from SCAD at Photo London at Somerset House in May 2023.
Thank you to Year 13 Photography student, Aemilia C, for the supporting images!
Andy Knight, Photography Tutor
