Samuel Grotzke
Current Projects
DISTANCE OF THE MOON
'Distance of the Moon' is an immersive VR experience based on Italo Calvino's story of the same title. I am working with fine artist Tom Milnes to develop this artwork for Immersive Mobile Konsthall (iM KONSTHALL) as part of Northern Sustainable Futures (NSF). Forming a piece of the touring mobile gallery, attendees will be able to experience the surreal sail towards the moon as it crests the ocean, before stepping up onto the surface itself and finding themselves in a strange lunar landscape.
HYPERION
As part of my Master's studies in illustration, I am examining interdisciplinary art and its ability to confront climate anxiety in both myself and others. My research has thus far led me to explore the sublime, ontology, Aristotelian tragedy, and the poetry of John Keats. As the project has progressed, I have found myself drawn to many new mediums, such as collage, and rediscovered older disciplines of mine, including animation. It is my hope that, by the project's conclusion, I can synthesise the various mediums at my disposal to create catharsis for the anxiety engendered when faced with what appears like the end of the world.
WINSTON OF WIMBLEDON
I'm partway through the illustration of a children's book titled 'Winston of Wimbledon', of which a litter-picking mouse is the hero. It is intended for a small independent publication and the artistic freedom allowed by this has encouraged me to rediscover joy in my illustrative work. It has provided a great opportunity to reconnect with watercolours and, although it is still in the early stages of development, I am very excited to see how the project turns out.
about
Hi! I'm Sam, a graphic designer, game developer, and MA student. I have worked in a range of disciplines including immersive technologies, 3D/2D design and illustration. When I'm not focusing on my studies or producing personal projects, I'm usually found working with fine artists to create digital solutions such as extended reality (XR) content or video games for use in installation art. I'm also an avid researcher currently undertaking a research project for Arts University Plymouth (AUP) into biomaterials, XR and wearables.