When we needed an artist-drawn colouring-in page and wordsearch for our Dick Whittington souvenir programme we turned to our friends at AUB. The BA (Hons) Illustration students really threw themselves into the challenge and it was a difficult job to decide whose designs to use.
But after much deliberation, the judges went for the bright and distinctive work of Rebecca Sansores.
Here, she tells a something about herself and her work…
Hello Rebeca, please tell us a little about yourself – where are you from, what are you studying, how long have you been in Bournemouth?
I am from Mexico. I am currently studying Illustration and am in the last year of the course. I have been in Bournemouth for three years now. I moved to the UK for university!
How much do you know about pantomime – did you know the story of Dick Whittington? What are you looking forward to about the show?
I have never heard of pantomime before! In Mexico we have similar things and shows around the holiday season, but they are not as specific as pantomimes. I learned so much about dames, how the show is structured, and the importance of audience participation. It’s so specific to British culture, it was so interesting to be part of it and represent it in my illustration. I’m looking forward to seeing the audience participation and how it can make every show so unique!
Tell us about your artwork – what gave you the idea for the colouring in and the wordsearch? What does it mean for you to feature in the programme?
My idea mainly came from wanting to do a scene that could connect the colouring-in sheet with the wordsearch. I wanted to display how the characters interact with the setting of the pantomime and each other. I feel it makes it seem like it could be a snapshot of the show.
I am very flattered to be featured in the programme. I think being a kid and having these experiences and things to take home feels so special. I wanted to make it feel like a unique keepsake and memory of the pantomime. I really like doing fun and humorous illustrations. I am really excited to work more in children’s media and create more illustrations that feel special and people want to keep. I am really grateful. I think this is a great push for me to embrace humour and create things for kids that they feel excited to interact with and find all the fun details I put around.
Your drawing style is very distinctive, where do your influences come from?
For this illustration, I was really inspired by children’s worksheets in museums. They always feel very tactile and have cute illustrations. I have a small collection of them and looked into them to create something that children would want to keep like I do with mine. Additionally, I am always inspired by printmaking techniques and making very textured work. I think this illustration shows this. I have a lot of appreciation of analogue art, crafts and printmaking, and I try to carry it along in my work. I always keep artists such as Jim Henson, Lucy Cousins, Pendleton Ward and the nostalgic and comforting feelings I get from their work in the back of my mind when creating works like these.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I really want to work in an environment where I just get to illustrate. I love the problem solving aspect of illustration and the fun of idea generation. I want to work on something that showcases these skills. I also would love to continue working with printmaking and maybe even focus on this area. I am really excited for the future and all the different jobs I can fit into with my illustrative skills. If I can continue creating weird and fun works for children, that would be a perfect spot for me.
- To see Rebeca’s work in all its glory… you’ll need to buy a programme. Oh yes, you will!
:: Dick Whittington is sponsored by National Express and Raymond James Poole and can be seen at Lighthouse Poole from Thursday until Sunday 4 January. Tickets available at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dick-whittington/ or on 01202 280000.
(NC)
