Creative Reactions Art Exhibition

Steve is a creative practitioner in photography, film making, and comic illustration. Originally from Scotland, he has lived in Nottingham for over 15 years, helping develop and deliver the MSc in Biological Photography & Imaging at the University of Nottingham with David McMahon. Over the years, Steve has worked on various photography and film projects for external clients and personal endeavors. During the COVID lockdowns, he was drawn to his first love - comics. He has been examining the medium as a visual language and means of communication, finding ways to integrate it into teaching and his own visual practice.
Working on autobiographical strips and stories, Steve now explores merging his photographic and comic work into one project. This aims to bring all his imaging passions together, which you can learn more about on his website. For Pint of Science - Creative Reactions, he has partnered with Genevieve Hodgins - Project Manager at the School of Engineering and Biochar Demonstrator - to create a comic that brings the story of Biochar to life.

Louise has been creating art work from Nottingham based studios for many years, since graduating with an MA in fine art from Nottingham University in the mid 80’s. She also worked as an art lecturer for Nottingham College.
Her work consists of wall constructions, and occasionally 3D pieces made from reclaimed wood, mixed media, and deconstructed objects.
The concepts behind the work vary, but ultimately there is an engagement with the philosophical belief in the continuum of life.
Louise enjoys a challenge and the opportunity to work alongside others. Science was not her strong area at school, partly due to the teaching methods in the 70’s consisting of ‘ board and chalk’, and a lack of memory retention for formulas. However, it is an exciting privilege to be able to learn about the creative research that scientists are engaged with today, and she finds the subject area very inspiring!

I trained in medical prosthetics and more recently engineering. I have always used this practical experience in my art, which is also often influenced by it.
I’m passionate about art & music education especially at primary level, using as much recycled material as possible to inspire as well as educate.

I myself am inspired by nature and the natural form; I find wood the most naturally beautiful of materials but create & experiment in all mediums and I love to contrast these elements.
I always try to ensure that the craft and aesthetic of my work will harmonise with the environment in which it is placed.

Painting for me is a meditative experience, where I connect with the process of applying, removing and exploring colour, form and texture on a flat surface. It is wordless and physical and each piece evolves from this process of discovery.

Original imagery / ideas may come from my daily meditation practice as ethereal concepts, seeds of possibilities, which then are made whole by the act of painting itself. Mental health has been of interest to me for many years as I have had my own mental health issues. I have researched yoga and meditation practices to help balance mood and mind over many years and, as well as teaching in hospital mental health day centres and prisons, I trained yoga teachers who wished to develop their understanding of how Yoga & Meditation can be used to help bring about balance in this area. I am very pleased to be linked with research for anxiety in my painting. Each painting is a journey to bring into being that which is unknown into a solid physical experience.

I have had some health issues so some of my work has been exploring these with paint and sometimes ‘mending’ them with gold (Kintsugi). Other works have been about finding balance amidst difficulties, both personal and global. Colour always features strongly in my work and I often use gold leaf and sometimes jewels (imitation). I have exhibited in local and national exhibitions as well as several international online exhibitions since lockdown. I paint in my small studio in Nottingham, UK.

For many decades, David McMahon has been a skilled documentary photographer, dedicating his craft to stories that make a difference. He began his career capturing the gritty reality of life in poverty-stricken areas of London's East End. Later, he explored the entertainment industry, focusing on long-term narratives.

David then ventured into the world of football, documenting the passionate fans and their sometimes unrequited love for their clubs. However, nearly 25 years ago, he changed direction to prioritize family life and share his expertise with others. David helped establish a new MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging at the University of Nottingham's School of Life Sciences.

Although natural history and environmental issues had always piqued David's interest, over time, his focus shifted to increasingly pressing concerns. Water security was not something David initially considered, much like most people. However, a conversation with Simon Gosling, a Professor of Climate Risk & Environmental Modeling at the University of Nottingham, sparked a newfound interest in this vital subject.

I'm originally from Nottingham and after studying Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano in Italy, I came back home to work as an Architect with Leonard Design in the city centre. My projects range from sustainable community spaces to large-scale commercial developments, and I’m always interested in how design can shape the way we live and interact. As someone who works across creative and technical disciplines, I love how Pint of Science brings together science and art in such an accessible and inspiring way.