Brain artwork

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if I wasn’t dyslexic, I can play with shapes and do experiments in my head”

 

Join designer Jim Rokos, and illustrator Kristjana Williams, to discuss how dyslexia has influenced the way they approach the creative process, especially during Kristjana’s work on the V&A’s exhibition ‘Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser’.

 

About Jim Rokos

Photo of Jim Rokos at work

Jim Rokos FRSA is a multi award-winning designer. His patented cat-food bowl won BBC’s Tomorrow’s World’s Best Inventions pilot in 2001. Whilst studying, D&AD included his work ‘in-book’ (2006). His Blindspot series is Design Parade selected (2007). In 2008, he won an RSA Design Directions award and in 2012 the Faces of Design award.

Originally he trained as a model-maker in the film and television industry (working on The Muppet Treasure IslandBand of BrothersTomb RaiderVictoria and Albert). Jim then went on to teach at a special needs school in London before completing a Master’s degree (2006) in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design.

In 2016, Jim curated the exhibition Dyslexic Design, which was designed by Ab Rogers and hosted by designjunction. The show challenged perceptions of dyslexia by accentuating its positive effects and its close association with design. Many now consider Jim’s work to be a symbol of the gifts that dyslexia can bring.

 

 

 

About Kristjana Williams

Portrait of Kristjana S Williams Icelandic born artist Kristjana S Williams studied graphic design and illustration at Central St Martins, and quickly gained critical acclaim as Creative Director of ‘Beyond the Valley’, a position she held for eight years.  In 2011 she began creating fine art pieces as well as illustrating books and designing interior items.  Her designs are inspired by nature, and her technique involves digitally and physically layering nature upon nature to mirror the symmetry that exists in all living things.  Each piece is its own magical universe of exotic botanicals and vibrant animals.

Kristjana’s unique aesthetic, which is both mythical and modern, has been described by the New York Times as part of the ‘new antiquarian movement’. Kristjana’s three dimensional original work, Limited Edition prints and interior products feature Victorian engravings, which the artist has blended with verdant and exotic flora and fauna to stunning effect.  Animals and insects are intertwined with lavish foliage, layered over ancient shipping maps and antique photographs.  Fantastical new creatures are born, and what Kristjana calls ‘wishful forests’.  These alluringly immersive two and three dimensional tableaus have won Kristjana many international awards including the Pentawards, D&D in book, a Clio Award and first prize in the New York Festivals Grand Prix.

 

About these Neurodiversity in Albertopolis sessions

The Neurodiversity in Albertopolis Network supports staff and students across our partners to connect and make positive change. Everyone is welcome, especially staff, students and allies. Come along to explore different perspectives. 

By meeting others and talking about experiences, we can explore the shared challenges we face and how we can work together to make change. There is never pressure to participate, rather there is space to share different perspectives and experiences if you would like to.

When you register for the event, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the event. 

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