Falmouth graduate shortlisted for top illustration award

How did the collaboration with Reclaim The Sea come about?

I pitched my project idea on the Creatives for Climate network and asked for some help to find suitable small non-profits. Reclaim The Sea (RTS) were mentioned and I was immediately drawn to them because of the humanity that runs through their work in such a polarising time politically. 

I reached out to them about immersing myself as a volunteer before creating a piece at the end of it that really brought their work to light.

It was a really great collaborative process and I am delighted that the piece has gone on to various exhibitions. It has helped to start conversations about what RTS do and the variety of issues refugees face because of sea borders.

What did your work on the project teach you?

I learnt so much through this project! It opened up a whole new way of working for me, which I now call a ‘Deep Dive’. This involves working with a non-profit over a length of time, following a framework of immersion and co-creation to create a piece of art that can spur conversations about what they do. 

It’s important for me that projects like these aren’t funded by the participatory organisation so that they can focus fully their amazing work. The self-directed way of working wasn’t a well-trodden one for me, so this project has been very defining as a result.

Is this your first piece of activism? Do you have any other notable projects?

We Are Together is not my first piece of artivism - I’ve been commissioned to create illustrations for environmental and conservation non-profits. Notable past campaigns I worked on are:

• An anti-whaling campaign for Whale and Dolphin Conversation as part of the Rugby World Cup in Japan. I also did a bycatch awareness campaign for them.
• A plastic-free July campaign which raised awareness of the non-recyclability of mini travel products.
• An ocean advocacy mural at The Wave in Bristol with inner city children as part of World Ocean Day.

This project is my first self-directed piece for a cause of my choice. I’ve really been able to really push the boundaries of what illustration can be, so it feels quite different for me.

What skills/experience did you gain from your Illustration MA at Falmouth? Did anything help specifically with this project?

My MA gave me the space and tools to really focus in on my ‘Why’, and find the authenticity in my work again. 

Through the Professional Practice project, I was able to step back and cast a really critical eye over my whole practice. I was able to really utilise my experience and values, understand what I was able to uniquely offer as an artist and develop a really cohesive and memorable brand. 

This project has not only helped me win clients since, but also keeps me focused and aligned in my goals. Another big eye opener was a lecture we had where the tutors talked through other ways of working and showed examples of art residencies and funding and grants they had sought. I found this very inspiring, and I got started with this methodology straight away!

Do you have any future projects coming up?

Aside from my freelance projects, I illustrate regularly for an environmental podcast and I’m creating a large, illustrated infographic for a non-profit that aims to reduce meat and dairy in our food system.
I’m also working on funding for my next Deep Dive project at The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow. I will again immerse myself in their work before making an outward facing piece that can spur conversation.

External links

Website: www.jasminehortop.co.uk 
Instagram: @jasminehortop 
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jasminehortop 
Newsletter: https://jasminehortop.substack.com/ 

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