March's Student of the Month is illustrator and jazz-man, Edward Cheverton

Second year illustration student Edward Cheverton has a keen and developed style, one that pulls enthusiastically from his combined passion for comics and jazz. By merging his drawing with collage work, Edward is constantly trying new things. His working with subject matter that he truly loves results in a stand-out portfolio that actively engages with the nature of its experimental content – jazz.

“I like playing around with the composition and colour combinations, and I often don’t work on a base piece of paper so the collages are free standing, and can grow as large as I like. Collage has been a big part of my work for the past few years, and although I sometimes stray away from it I always come back with new ideas to develop it.”

At the time of making these projects, who or what was your biggest influence?

I was getting really inspired by the jazz scene in the 1960s which I feel is somewhat overshadowed by other musical developments. I found myself constantly listening to Miles Davis’ Columbia records and Coltrane’s late 1960s work. I think the whole idea of this experimental move in jazz was a big influence for me.

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university to date?

It has shown me how important it is to open yourself up to influences outside of art and design which, in my case, is jazz music. These things can really help to push your work further, and take you down interesting routes you would not have otherwise considered.

What would you be doing now if you weren’t at art school?

I like to think I would be attempting a career as a jazz musician. I play trumpet and piano and recently I’ve begun to record my own music.

Where are you creating most of your work?

Mostly in the studio at university. There is a really vibrant and energetic atmosphere that I find really stimulating. I also like to keep a sketchbook with me all the time, so I can draw anywhere and everywhere.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m recording lots of improvised music that will form the basis of a personal project about the relationship between music and image. I got to meet up with some friends today and record us playing around with a didgeridoo, bongo drums and rainsticks! I am using this project as an excuse to branch away from jazz for a while so I can look and listen to other music, as well as experiment with animation.

If you’d like to be April’s Student of the Month, then check here for all details on how to submit.