Students deliver new perspective on poem

DESIGNS ON POETRY: Adding their skills to the presentation of Robin Hyde's Prometheus are, at left, first year students Tim Morrell and Debbie Christophers who specialise in typography and right, honours students Charlie Treefrog and Ryan Molan who are specialising in illustration.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 200813WCBRCSTUD02

How do typography and illustration students interpret a Robin Hyde poem?

The works by Whanganui School of Design students are on show in the UCOL Edith Gallery on Taupo Quay daily from 11am-2pm until Friday.

Senior lecturer typography, Andres Salinas said the students specialising in typography were given a narrow brief to illustrate Hyde's poem Prometheus; one poem, one typeface, one point size. The typeface was minimalist from the 19th century, and an immense challenge for the students, Mr Salinas said.

But first they had to read before they started designing, honouring the context of the content of the text or poetry.

"They surprised themselves using only words for the first time. It was an honest attempt at something that showed in the poetry and showing it visually."

Tim Morrell found the project challenging, especially having never done anything like this before. "I really enjoyed it. I got to look at the words from a different perspective."

Mr Morrell said Prometheus was an interesting poem and he was able to interpret two halves of it, which he used to his advantage.

Debbie Christophers said she had not read poetry much and had to dig deep to understand Prometheus.

She used the topography to design an eagle which ate Prometheus, and getting the shape was the challenge, but fun.

"The first concept turned out well and I get excited."

Illustration honours' students Charlie Treefrog and Ryan Molan both interpreted the Hyde poem in their preferred styles.

Ms Treefrog used wit and humour. She is known for her illustrations of the Space Monster posters.

Mr Molan said he had only just started doing illustrations this year, and saw himself as more a designer than an illustrator.

In the work exhibited he has brought illustration and design together.

"I find craft important from a different perspective," he said.

"I like delicate and well-crafted design."