Barnstaple teen creates graphic novel to record north Devon life

13 February 2025

Emma Ruminski

BBC South West arts reporter

BBC Aaban sits at a desk. On the wall is a photograph in black and white taken by the photographer James Ravillious of a woman herding sheep. On the desk he has ink, paper and sketches for his graphic novel, Widening Gyre.

A 17-year-old from Barnstaple has had a graphic novel commissioned by a Devon arts organisation.

Aaban Aslam was doing work experience in Beaford Arts’ photographic archive when staff realised he had a talent for drawing.

Beaford has paid him to create the first chapter of The Widening Gyre as a pilot, and has published it on its website.

The adventure story is inspired by the North Devon landscape and folklore, in addition to the photographic work of James Ravillious and the Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins, whose early works are in Beaford’s collection.

Beaford Arts The cover of the graphic novel is monochrome. It features the main character Elda holding a blade. They have a hat and waistcoat on and stand in front of a huge rock that towers over them. It is night time and the moonlight lights up the scene.

Aaban said: “I was thrilled. As soon as I got home, I started sketching ideas and came up with a story.”

Beaford Arts has a history of commissioning young artists who go on to have successful careers.

Taking photos of rural North Devon life for their archive was how both James Ravillious and Roger Deakins started out.

Ravilious undertook a 17-year project documenting rural life for the organisation.

Photographs in the archive helped Aaban develop the details for his own characters, from their faces and expressions to the clothes they wear.

Beaford Arts The black and white photo shows a woman with fair hair carrying a hessian sack over her shoulder and being supported by a stick. She is walking up a rural lane followed by a flock of sheep as the light pours through the gaps in the trees that line the muddy path.

When asked how he felt about following the same path as his heroes, Aaban said: “I’m honoured, intimidated and slightly terrified all at the same time.

“Roger Deakins is my favourite cinematographer of all time.”

When Aaban started his work experience in Year 10, he was not doing GCSE art.

The education team at Beaford spoke to the art teacher at his college and he submitted his work for the graphic novel as coursework and completed the course in just four months, gaining top marks.

Beaford Arts

Beaford Arts director Mark Wallace said when people came for work experience staff asked them what they wanted to be after school.

Aaban was very clear he wanted to work for Marvel Comics.

After looking at his portfolio, Mr Wallace said: “It’s astonishing work… His sketches really capture North Devon in graphic novel form.

“We realised there was an opportunity there.”

Aaban still needs to finish his A-Levels.

He has been continuing to work on the graphic novel along with his studies.

His father Mohammad Aslam Razzaq said: “We are very proud of him… It’s great he takes inspiration from such giants of the art world.”

Beaford Aaban's notebook with sketches for his graphic novel sits on a desk, along with ink and pens and a cup that he washes paint brushes in.

Staff at Beaford Arts are looking for a publisher to work with them on the book when it is complete.

People can read the first chapter Beaford’s website for free.

The organisation also plans to hold an exhibition of his work next year, once a new cultural hub it is developing with other partners in Barnstaple opens to the public.