The Gary Pearson Award For Breaking Boundaries in BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design was awarded to mature student Rachel Creevy. This award is memory of Gary Person, “a student who 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 and the School has chosen to present this award annually to a student who the team feel has explored their own path, been brave, independent, asked questions of their personal practice and broken boundaries in their own journey.

“Rachel was presented the award after returning to education as a mature student and judges commented that she “has somehow managed to juggle family life (with 4 children), serving her community by acting as a councillor within her town, and still excel at degree level, producing an exciting collection of interior surface designs and products. She has developed her practice autonomously and pushed herself in all aspects of the design process. This student works brilliantly independently and also in group scenarios and she has been an absolute delight to work with.”

Rachel, from Hartlepool, finished our Access to HE at our Middlesbrough campus graduating in 2021 before joining us on the textiles degree programme. We found out more about her practice and award, read on to find out more:

Why did you choose to study at our school?

I came to visit and was really impressed by the facilities and the amazing print rooms as well as the lecturer-student ratios.

How did you find your course?

I’ve loved my time at NSA, it’s provided me with the opportunity to work on different techniques and develop and refine my favoured ones.  The student support has been exceptional and I feel ready for the world of work as a textile designer.

Tell us about your FMP:

My FMP project was entitled ‘England’s Heritage’.  It was inspired by a visit to a stately home but I started to explore flora and fauna from now ordinary houses in our area.

Skills used included ink,  watercolours, cyanotype and photographic imagery which I then imported into digital formats and developed into repeat patterns from here.

You are one of our award winners, how did it feel to receive The Gary Pearson Award?

I was delighted to win the Gary Pearson Award this year and it was completely unexpected.  What made it even more special is when, afterwards, other staff who knew him spoke so warmly about him as well.  It was great to receive recognition of my hard work both during this course and in my outside life!

Tell us about your next steps!

My next steps are to further refine my skills while looking for work on a freelance basis as a textile designer.  I’m looking forward to the New Designers graduate exhibition in London where some of us are exhibiting.

What is your favourite thing about Hartlepool?

I live in Hartlepool and have done for 20 years. The best thing about living here is the beaches, and the proximity to countryside as well, and the people… funny, warm and caring, for the most part!

Any advice for future students?

I would suggest you do it and embrace every opportunity you get!

If you are interested in studying textiles at degree level, we offer an exciting and well-established course. Check out our degree page to find out more about the course.