In 2024 Beaford commissioned young artist Aaban Aslam to create the first chapter of a graphic novel inspired by heritage and folklore in North Devon. The result is THE WIDENING GYRE - Chapter One:First Impression which introduces the audience to a feisty female lead and sets the scene for an epic adventure…
About AABAN ASLAM
Talented artist and writer Aaban Aslam is a student based in North Devon. Hardworking, passionate, and dedicated, one trait shines through all the others: he simply loves to draw. And all that love and unique perspective of his surroundings has led him into the creative world, and into developing his first public artistic work at just 17 years old.
Aaban is committed to pursuing his dreams of making a mark in the world of animation and graphic novels.
Aaban would like to give special thanks to Lisa Schneidau, everyone at Beaford including fellow work experience students Tom and Sophie, Mrs A Perkins, Mrs M Jones, Mr M Cuthbertson, Mr D Lear, Miss K Phillips, Mrs L Gomez, and all his friends and family.
Background to the project
“At first, I was hesitant to set my story here in North Devon. I figured: ‘this’ll be boring’! However, as I looked through the Beaford Archive, and the photography of Deakins and Ravilious, I began to feel inspired. ”
Aaban Aslam chose Beaford Arts as his year 10 work experience placement in 2023 and during his introduction to the organisation he was asked what he liked about his hometown Barnstaple…his reply, ‘nothing really, it’s just a place where my parents chose to live and that I’ve grown up in.’
As an organisation that seeks to celebrate North Devon’s rich cultural history it quickly became an objective to ensure that Aaban be challenged to find a way to connect with North Devon, and in particular his hometown Barnstaple.
Aaban had brought his sketchbook with him on his first day of the week’s placement and it was instantly clear to the Beaford team that he was an incredibly gifted artist. During his first team meeting he expressed an ambition to work for Marvel…this opened up the idea of a commission to develop the first chapter of his debut graphic novel set in North Devon.
During the research phase of the commission Aaban was introduced to the Beaford Archive, a collection of over 80,000 photographs taken by James Ravilious and Roger Deakins capturing life in North Devon in the 1970s and 80s. Aaban immediately resonated with these black and white images, and he began to set the scene for his novel.
The inspiration he found from the Beaford Archive is clearly reflected throughout the stunning final artwork. He perfectly captures the spirit of James Ravilious and Sir Roger Deakins CBE, adding his own sense of style and adventure as he introduces the audience to his feisty female lead. He didn’t only accept the challenge set to him by Beaford, he surpassed all expectations and in viewing North Devon through a different lens found the perfect scene to set his story in, his own doorstep!
“The simplicity of cottages, farmers, and the country air suddenly felt freeing to contrast against supernatural themes. ”
