
Latest News
Fashion Lecturer Ilker Cinarel’s work with St Ives School of Painting
Wednesday, 8 January, 2025 — BA (Hons) Fashion Design Lecturer, Ilker Cinarel, an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose career bridges high fashion and multidisciplinary art, was recently featured in The Guardian for his role at the St Ives School of Painting.
<p dir="ltr">Lecturer Ilker Cinarel, an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose career bridges high fashion and multidisciplinary art, guides students on our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undefined/ba-hons-fashion-design">BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a> degree, but as a practising artist he is also known across the South West for his tutoring at the prestigious St Ives School of Painting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Recently featured in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jan/06/how-i-learned-to-paint-in-st-ives-cornwall">The Guardian</a> for his role at the St Ives School of Painting, Ilker brings an innovative approach to teaching that inspires both confidence and creativity.<br /></p>

Ilker Cinarel
<p dir="ltr">Within his painting workshops, Ilker cheerfully gives participants permission to experiment and take risks, warning that before learning how to create a finished piece: “You will fail and fail and fail.” His words encourage students to embrace experimentation, reminding them that growth comes from the creative process itself—a sentiment that underpins his teaching at Arts University Plymouth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ilker’s professional journey includes working as a Designer Assistant for Vivienne Westwood and Giorgio Armani and coordinating visual merchandising for Giorgio Armani UK stores. Alongside his fashion expertise, Ilker’s multidisciplinary artistic practice spans painting, sculpture, film, performance, and installation. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at Porthmeor Studios, Newlyn Art Gallery, and the 6th Istanbul Biennale, and has earned him prestigious accolades such as the Sandra Blow Award and the Inland Art Festival Award.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This rich blend of creative and industry experience ensures that Ilker’s students receive an education informed by cutting-edge practice and global perspectives.<br /></p>

St Ives - Photo by Klaus Stebani
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Inspiring learning in an iconic setting</strong></h3>
<p dir="ltr">At the St Ives School of Painting, based in the historic Porthmeor Studios, Ilker helps students of all levels unlock their creativity. “It’s about finding your own voice,” he says. His supportive and process-focused teaching approach helps students move past self-doubt and embrace their full potential.<br /></p>
<p>Find out more about Ilker’s professional practice on his <a href="https://www.ilkercinarel.com/">website</a> and follow him on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ilkercinarel/">@ilkercinarel</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-design">BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a> degree empowers students to learn from professionals like Ilker Cinarel, whose careers combine artistic innovation and industry expertise.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ilker's personal practice also incorporates skills that students can develop in our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fine-art">BA (Hons) Fine Art</a> and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-painting-drawing-printmaking">BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking</a> degrees.</p>
<p>Ready to take the next step? <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Find out more about our upcoming Open Day here.</a></p>