Selkirk Digital Arts Program's Year-End Show Back in Nelson
By Bob Hall
Cutting edge design, art, illustration and ideas will be on display in Nelson’s downtown starting Friday when the Selkirk College Digital Arts & New Media Program presents its year end student show.
Students in the Tenth Street Campus-based program are getting set to unveil the best they have to offer in a new downtown venue. The show—which has traditionally taken place at Selkirk’s Mary Hall—opens with an eye-popping evening on Friday at the Shanti Yoga Studio (237 Baker Street) and will stay up until the middle of the month.
“There is a little bit of everything… there is print, illustrations, lots of video work, 3D models, photography and animation,” says second year student Chelsea White.
Both first and second year students will have their finest work on display in the downtown studio. In a program that prepares students for a career in the rapidly changing new media industry, there will be a rich mixture of unique offerings.
“Our class is pretty varied with styles and interests,” says second year student Bryan Webb. “You have the gamers, programmers, artists, the students filming extreme skiing… it’s quite a mix.”
In collaboration with his classmates, Webb designed the graphic element used in the posters which have popped up around the community promoting the year end show. Unlike Digital Arts & New Media year end shows of the past where a distinct theme was played upon, the graphic element used in this year’s poster is intended to present a different approach.
“We didn’t want it to be anything specific, it is intended to be non-descript,” says Webb.
With input from his peers, Webb’s image is a 3D model of water splashes which have been twisted and rendered, using all the technology available to create an eye-catching poster.
“The design helps tie in the technology,” says White. “It’s modern and artistic which hits on everything that is in this program.”
Webb and White represent the eclectic make-up of one of Selkirk College’s most popular programs.
Webb grew up in South Africa and immigrated to Canada eight years ago. Drawn by the rich arts and culture scene, Webb and his wife moved to Nelson in 2008. Working as a carpenter, Webb laid down his tools two years ago to pursue an interest he had in creating visual effects for the film industry.
With only weeks left before graduation, the 34-year-old says the past two years have opened up worlds he didn’t imagine when he enrolled four semesters ago.
“I had pretty set goals when I entered the program, I was going to move to Vancouver and work in the film industry,” says Webb. “But now I know I can work remotely and stay in the Kootenays by doing a lot of other work in areas I’ve been introduced to through the program.”
White arrived to Selkirk College from Penticton on advice from a high school teacher who recognized her talents in photography and filmmaking. Like Webb, the 20-year-old has been happily pulled in different directions at the Tenth Street Campus.
“I have learned so much in the last two years, it has exceeded my expectations of the program,” says White. “I came in for video and over the course of two years have changed a little bit because the teachers have helped me explore the other areas I’ve found an interest in.”
Webb, White and their classmates have been working towards Friday’s opening for several weeks. The students are anxious to show off their talents in a show that’s sure to offer something for everyone.
“That’s what Nelson is all about, everyone loves an art show,” says Webb.
All first and second year students will be at the launch Friday night. The evening will include interactive displays and showings of the video demo reel that will run throughout the night. The art will continue to be shown at Shanti Yoga until April 16. The Friday show is free and gets going at 8 p.m.
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