We sit down with Visual Arts lecturer Lothar Zhou. He joined BUas almost eight years ago, bringing with him a diverse background in traditional and digital art spanning over 35 years.
Expertise
Stories
Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas?
Lothar: ‘Originating from China, I pursued a bachelor's degree in graphic arts before continuing my education in the UK, getting my master's in creative and design areas. My professional journey includes roles as a 3D artist in the UK gaming industry, Ubisoft in Canada, and IO Interactive in Copenhagen.’
‘While at Crytek in Germany, I travelled a lot, supporting studios using our game engine. Later, it was time to change my career and I began teaching in 2012 at Norwich University of the Arts in the UK. After traversing the globe and returning to China, I found my way to BUas in 2016.’
What aspects of working at BUas and with the CMGT programme do you find most fulfilling?
Lothar: ‘Teaching has always been a passion, influenced by my parents, both educators. The balance and flexibility at BUas allow me to thrive in both teaching and personal growth. Witnessing students evolve, graduate, and embark on their careers is truly gratifying.’
Any notable memories from your time up until now at BUas?
Lothar: ‘In 2019, a few colleagues and I had the privilege of taking a group of 15 students to Beijing for studio visits, university exploration, and cultural immersion. Climbing the Great Wall, indulging in local cuisine, and showcasing our students' games in the grand lecture hall were standout moments.’
Could you provide insights into the projects and courses you've been involved in?
Lothar: 'The course I am teaching is Visual Arts for Games for year 3 and year 4 students. I incorporate two of my own projects into this course.’
‘The first is inspired by Dutch architecture, specifically houses and the Delft city hall. The second project, ECG Mecha, explores shading, materials, and landscapes, representing a fusion of fantasy and realism. Both projects serve as the foundation for my lectures, offering practical insights into lighting, modelling, texturing, and other Unreal Engine-related topics.’
‘For the next course, we might work on adding fog effects to one of the projects in Unreal Engine, offering a live demonstration for my students. My focus is on guiding and helping them grow as artists, emphasising both the technical and artistic aspects of game design.’
