UD senior shows artwork nationally

Illustration by Bryan Davis

11:16 a.m., March 24, 2005--When UD senior Bryan Davis began work on an assignment for his illustration class, he was more interested in the overall creative process than in garnering rewards.

Drawing from what he knew and liked in the way of cuisine, the illustration major from Hockessin chose the Wilmington-based Japanese restaurant Utage as the model for his assignment to design a menu cover, and in doing so ultimately won the notice of judges in the prestigious student competition sponsored each year by the Society of Illustrators.

A highly selective student illustration contest that culls only 122 finalists from more than 4,000 entries from across the country, the competition concludes with an exhibit of all the winning entries in the society’s midtown Manhattan gallery and boosts exposure for fledgling illustrators.

This year’s show will run from May 11-18 at the Society of Illustrators Museum on East 63rd Street in New York City, and Davis’ original illustration, a Japanese-themed design that was drawn and painted freehand, will be among the works displayed.

“Getting in the show was a real honor,” Davis said. “When I was told by my instructor, David Brinley, that I’d been selected I was really excited. It’s good exposure for me, and it’s also good for the University of Delaware. We have a strong reputation for our illustration program, and this gives us further recognition.”

Brinley, who teaches illustration at UD as an adjunct instructor and illustrates for Rolling Stone Magazine and other national publications, also was chosen as a finalist for the Society of Illustrators competition when he was a student.

“It’s a very competitive contest,” he said. “The panel consists of 25 to 30 judges who are professional illustrators themselves, and the judging is completely blind. The school of origin isn’t revealed until after the work has been selected. For the University of Delaware to be represented is a rare occurrence.”

Brinley added that Davis’ draftsmanship skills were more than likely taken into consideration in the selection process. “Bryan’s original work was done in oil paint on canvas,” he said. “Judges recognize good drawing and painting talent.”

Article by Becca Hutchinson

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