For the past few weeks our Level 5 Textiles and Surface Design students have been hard at work pulling together an exhibition of their work. The exhibition, called ON THE BOX is set to preview on 23^rd March and then to open to the public on the 26^th March and runs until 8^th May. The work featured was a fourteen week project for the students to design, research and build a collection to present to the public. We grabbed a chat with some of the students who are showcasing at the exhibition, they chatted to us about the process of bringing the collection together and their time on their course, Textiles and Surface Design.

ELIZABETH MEDLEY, 23, Thirsk 

– Can you tell me what your collection for ‘On the Box’ is about e.g. any concepts, influences, a full description etc?

The inspiration for my concept developed from a love of abstract patterns and vivid colours
created within nature and investigating how nature changes when combined with a scientific
element i.e magnification. I started by putting different objects found within nature under the microscope and using the patterns created to really inform my work. I will be looking at how objects within nature become distorted and unrepresentative when highly magnified.
The collection was made with fashion in mind for the end result, so throughout the whole module I was constantly being influenced by forward thinking fashion brands that really push maximalism like Versace, Balenciaga and Basso and Brooke. I feel that sometimes, within fashion its hard to find really interesting patterns and colours, but these companies always bring unique and original designs to every collection.
for the production of my collection I used a mixture of hand rendered techniques like hand painting and screen printing along side computer aided designs in Photoshop and using the laser cutter to cut my own large scale sequins. I felt this worked really well for my collection and gave depth and contrast to the designs.

– When did you start the work for this exhibition and when did you finish?

This was the first module of my second year so we started the module on the 25th of  September as soon as we returned to university. We handed in this module on the 17th of January making it a fourteen week project. I think this was a really good length of time as it gave me the chance to immerse myself in my research and design for an extended period of time.

– What has been the most challenging part of this project and the work you have done?

Sometimes I feel my work can be too broad and the pieces don’t feel like they go together. So I think the most challenging part of this project was trying to get my ideas to come together and feel like part of a collection. It was hard for me to focus and select which direction I was going to take the collection. I had so many techniques and experimenting that I wanted to try, but having to decide which techniques would work best and trying to pull them off to a professional standard was something I found difficult.

– What are you looking forward to most about the exhibition itself and the people being able to view your work?

I think the exhibition looks great, the way its set out makes the space really interesting. I also love the fact that it’s there as soon as you enter the building. I’m looking forward to my friends and family seeing what I’ve achieved in this module, I’ve shown them some of my work throughout the module but putting it up in a space like that along side everyones, I think, makes everyones work look amazing.

– Are family and friends coming along to the private viewing?

Yes, my parents are coming a long with a few of my friends. I think they will really enjoy it, I’m always saying to them ‘this person on my course is so good, look at their work’ but now they will be able to see it for themselves.

– What are you most enjoying about the course?

I honestly cannot pick one aspect because I love everything. The facilities are great, the print rooms and dye labs are amazing, our space and desks in the studio is something that not every university is able to give their students, there are so many facilities you can use across the courses probably some that I don’t even know about yet.
But if I had to pick one aspect of the course I enjoy the most it would probably be the staff, our tutors are lovely and they really push you creatively which I think is important. The technicians are fabulous and so helpful, they will try their best to help you create what you want in the print rooms and the sewing room it’s a great environment to study in.

SAMANTHA LOGAN, 19, Middlesbrough

– Can you tell me what your collection for ‘On the Box’ is about?

Hi my collection for the ‘on the box’ exhibition is a children’s and babies range based on my concept of the value of bees and the importance of pollination. I strongly believe bees are essential for the environment and are one of the most vital animals on the planet. I made this collection with the intention of making bees more applying to the consumer as some times people just see bees and a pesky insects when they are so much more than that.

– When did you start the work for this exhibition and when did you finish?

The work lasted from September last year to January 2018.

– What has been the most challenging part of this project and the work you have done?

The most challenging thing I’ve found with this project was learning how to use photoshop to a decent standard since it was my first time using it.

– What are you looking forward to most about the exhibition itself and the people being able to view your work?

I was really pleased we have the opportunity to do a exhibition because it means all the hard work can actually be shown instead of just being marked and then put away i feel like it deserved it be displayed. i really enjoyed setting up my exhibition space and even happier people get to see it.

– Are family and friends coming along to the private viewing?

Yes my friends and family will be coming to the opening show which will be really nice as they never really get to see my work in person.

– What are you most enjoying about the course?

I am really enjoying the course a lot more now that I have found my passion for children’s and babies fashion and interiors and I’ve had a lot of helpful information supporting my chosen field and i’m super excited to see where it takes me.

HANNAH MARSHALL, 21, Loftus

– Can you tell me what your collection for ‘On the Box’ is about?

My concept for interiors is tropical florals, the theme I have chosen is exotic countries using bright exciting colours that I will use in my designs. I was influenced by House of Hackney and inspired by their floral collection.

– When did you start the work for this exhibition and when did you finish?

The exhibition work started in September (planning) and it finished on the 21/03/18.

– What has been the most challenging part of this project and the work you have done?

The most challenging part of the project will be bringing all my best drawings together to make a repeat pattern for my final designs. I enjoy learning the process and changing the composition around of the images to make the repeat work.

– What are you looking forward to most about the exhibition itself and the people being able to view your work?

I will be looking forward to seeing my work all finished and displayed professionally It will also be a good opportunity to talk about my work to other people and gain exhibiting experience.

– Are family and friends coming along to the private viewing?

My parents will be coming to support me and viewing the other students work who are exhibiting on Friday.

– What are you most enjoying about the course?

The most enjoyment I gain from the course is using the wide range of facilities at the university and gaining knowledge and skills from my lecturers.

Details:

Level 5 Textiles Exhibition

Preview: 23^rd March 2018, 2pm-4pm

Public Opening Times: 26^th March – 8^th May 2018, 9:30am – 5pm

Find us at 1 Church St TS247DR

@ccad_onthebox