Excellence in Innovation for Art Student Joe

An art and design student has been recognised for excellence in innovation in project based learning by the SERC Enterprise Team, for the research and innovation which went into his final year project work.

Joe Hughes (25), from Ardglass, studied on both the Level 2 and the Level 3 in Art and Design before progressing to the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design which he completed with Distinction at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus in June this year.

Speaking about his journey at SERC Joe said, “I was 18 when I joined the Level 2 Art and Design course at SERC. I was the oldest in the class but that didn’t matter, we were all learning something new and I loved every minute.   I wish I could go back and repeat all the courses I did at college; they were that good.   The resources were amazing, and the lecturers were fantastic – so skilled and inspiring.

“When I started, I initially wanted to go into illustration or concept art, but I changed direction along the way. I think the emergence of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the discipline made me rethink what I wanted to do - so I moved into sculpture.   Everything that I did for my final project using epoxy resin was self-taught.   I did a lot of research and experiments and even rescued an old fridge in the process to help me get the desired results when working with the epoxy resin and the silicone.   All the extra work paid off as I gained a distinction.”

Asked about his next steps Joe said, “I had planned to go to university but have reconsidered it for now, given the cost.   I haven’t ruled it out, but right now I am working in retail, and I am continuing with my sculpturing in my own time. There is always something new to learn - I guess that was instilled in me through the art and design courses at SERC, learning never stops.  The whole environment at the college fostered innovation and expanded my interests in all aspects of art and design.”

Joe is currently receiving mentoring from SERC's Enterprise Team to help him explore developing his work for market.