Find out more about graduate Amy Woodward who has been awarded this years Gary Pearson (Breaking Boundaries) Award. This award is in memory of Gary Pearson, a student who has explored and pushed boundaries, whether they be personal, technical, visual or conceptual. During his time studying with us Gary was on a personal journey of self-discovery. This award is presented annually to the student who staff feel has explored their own path, been brave, independent, asked questions of their personal practice and broken boundaries in their own journey.

Amy won this award because she “has fully engaged with their studies from day one and has consistently pushed themselves out of their comfort zone. This has been especially apparent during the final year of her studies, in which they have based their final years work on a series of personal, solo adventures around the UK and beyond, always with sketchbook and camera. This student lives and breathes their work, and has broken countless personal boundaries in their three years studying at The Northern School of Art”

We caught up with Amy, from Middlesbrough about her time at the school, read on to find out more:

• Why did you choose to study at The Northern School of Art: a friend recommended the school and its facilities to me having studied here previously and whilst not too far from home living in Hartlepool gave me the opportunity to experience living alone providing the perfect steppingstone for building independence.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time at the School (academically as well as socially!): I have loved taking part in workshops extending my skills and learning techniques which otherwise would not be included in the taught program, something I really enjoyed and benefited from was print club run by Kath Bell between 4 – 6 on a Monday evening. The Berlin trip back in January was also a huge highlight for me. 

• What are you doing next and what are your plans/ambitions for the future? In coming months, I am exhibiting at New Designers trade show in London. Over the summer I plan to expand my skills and portfolio with hopes to start selling my work from home.

• Any advice for future students applying for the same course as you? Just go for it! The course is challenging but the tutors are lovely, if I can do it, anyone can!

Keep up with Amy’s boundary breaking work on her Instagram account: @arw_surfacedesigns. Further information about the BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Deisngn degree at The Northern School of Art’s Hartlepool campus is available HERE