An Edinburgh Napier University photography student whose final year project was inspired by her dad’s music career has celebrated alongside him at her graduation.
23-year-old Hannah Evans created a multimedia exhibition of archive video, images and audio based around her father, Stephen, who performed as electronic artist Bendy Toy at music festivals in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In particular, Hannah focused on Bendy Toy’s appearances at early editions of T in the Park, as well as subsequent shows for BBC Radio 1 and alongside dance icons Faithless, while he balanced having a young family.
Hannah’s graduation with a BA (Hons) Photography degree at the Usher Hall marked a poignant celebration for both of them.
She said: “It has definitely been an emotional journey. It wasn't an easy one.
“I'm so glad that I stuck with it because I've been able to prove to myself that I can create the art I've always dreamed of.
“Growing up he's always talked about music he's done and gigs he's done. In third year I took a real interest in his stage name Bendy Toy and his own photography.
“Originally I wanted to do the project on T in the Park but as I developed through the project I realised it was about the journey of my dad's music and how it has influenced me.
“I'm really glad that I can show it for a different generation as well. I never went to T in the Park, neither did a lot of my peers.
“I think it showed that his music is more than just songs - it's a story.”
For Stephen, Hannah’s studies have proved remarkably nostalgic. He also studied photography and spent time working as a technician at ENU’s Merchiston campus.
Hannah drew on his own photo and video archive to put together her final project – without revealing the extent to which it focused on his musical journey.
Stephen said: “I knew that she had asked for certain assets from me, but I thought it was part of what she was doing about concerts.
“When I turned up at Merchiston to see it, some of her pals were nudging each other and pointing me out, but I still didn't know what was going on.
“I walked in and there were all these pictures and film of me. It was quite emotional.
“After that she asked me to talk a bit about it and used my voice in her final degree show film. I took some pals along to see it. It actually made me cry.
“It was an amazing thing for her to have done. It made me feel old, I have to say!”
Hannah, who is from Dalgety Bay in Fife, graduated alongside fellow students from ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries.
You can follow in Hannah’s footsteps and study photography at Edinburgh Napier University – with places still available through Clearing.