BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design Alumni Ruth O’reilly, from South Shields, is one of six artists featuring in Royal Over-Seas League exhibition “First Look”

This exhibition has been created to celebrate the work of artists that have been waiting to be displayed again after over a year of lockdowns and restrictions which has seen the art community unable to share their work with the public. Launched in 1910 not-for-profit organisation Royal Over-Seas league is a private members organisation focused on connecting international artists across the Common wealth.

We spoke to Ruth about her submission, ROSL and her work since graduating The Northern School of Art last year at the height of the pandemic:

Can you tell us about ROSL London, the exhibition you are showing in and the work you have submitted?

Royal Over Seas League is a not-for-profit private members’ organisation dedicated to championing international friendship and understanding. They help artists and musicians across the Commonwealth connect, collaborate and create. Their Arts Programme supports the careers of emerging talent.  They are based in London but work all over the world curating exhibitions, concerts and events.

The exhibition is called ‘First Look’ and the idea was to show the work of 6 artists that were unable to show their work during the past year or so. The work I have submitted is a selection of hand tufted wall pieces created using a rug tufting gun; 2 large pieces and 4 smaller pieces; I love how they look in the space!

Can Tell us how your work was selected to be part of it?

I received a message on Instagram from their Visual Arts Coordinator, Robin, asking if I’d be interested in participating in a group exhibition they were planning.  There was quite a quick turnaround so work needed to be ready for display.  I sent over a few photos of things I had available and they chose which ones they thought would work best in the space. I’m so grateful to be chosen as one of the artists in such a small exhibition!

What did you study and when?

I’m from South Shields.  I studied Access to HE Art and Design at Sunderland College before studying Textiles and Surface Design at the Northern School of Art, graduating in 2020.

Tell us about what you are doing now in your creative field.

I’m currently working full time for a lighting company in Newcastle.  I make bespoke lamp shades, take photographs and create imagery for social media and the website, and also work in the showroom. Outside of work I continue to work on my small business; Loop and Yarn, which I launched as a way to show my final major project to the world.  I create hand tufted rugs and interior products that are really bold and colourful. I’ve got some fun events coming up later in the year that I’m really excited about!

How was The Northern School of Art special for you?

I absolutely loved my time at The Northern School of Art – I’d do it all again if I could! It was such a supportive atmosphere, the tutors and technicians were amazing and always encouraged you to push the boundaries, I learnt so much.  It was so motivating to work alongside other creatives on a daily basis and to have staff who were so passionate.

Any advice for future creatives?

Don’t compare yourself to other people. Do what you love, it doesn’t have to be what everyone else is doing.  Don’t be afraid to break the rules!

First Look is open until September 5^th 2021 at the ROSL head quarters in London, you can check out their website for more info on residencies and exhibitions. You can see more of Ruths work by visiting her Instagram @loopandyarn or by visitIng her Etsy: LoopandYarnUK.

Textiles offers younger designers the opportunity to explore fabric, print, ceramics, embroidery and much more. We are still accepting applications for our BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface design degree, find out more here.