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Melissa Thompson - The Open College of the Arts
To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA.

Melissa Thompson

I have been teaching undergraduate Graphic Design since 1997. The universities I have worked for include: University for the Creative Arts (Epsom and Canterbury), Leeds Beckett University, University West of England and

Kingston University (BA Illustration Animation). I have a hybrid practice that uses methods and processes from across art and design and I draw on this knowledge to support students to think through making. I am an advocate of lifelong learning and personal development – I’ve studied Mathematics with The Open University and I’m currently engaged on a citizen science project with Future Learn.

I often collaborate, I’m lucky to have worked with inspiring friends, colleagues, scientists and communities. Often the process becomes the work. Using democratic means of showing this work is interesting to me and may take the form of a; publication, workshop, public event or teaching session. Some of the projects include: Making a tiny one-pound gold coin to show the real value of a pound’s worth of gold on a given day. Planting a field of medicinal weeds for the public to harvest as part of an artist-led project called Phytology. Using art to make art by designing and building a sustainable studio using timber reclaimed from an exhibition at the Barbican, exploring sustainability, use and value by putting two small buildings and a field centre back into use in rural Mid-Wales. I am currently working with microbes and learning how to use a microscope so I can see my fellow non-human collaborators.

Melissa Thompson Profile Picture