<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tell us about your background as an artist and what influences you?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Before setting up my business creating bespoke home furnishings, I created large scale 3D textile pieces as part of site-specific installations. The work utilised natural materials, including raffia and seaweed, because I feel strongly about sustainability and the environment. Perception was a re-occurring theme and the importance of curiosity and the tactile experience.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>How does your passion for creativity translate to your teaching and interacting with young creatives?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Being in a creative environment around creative people never ceases to provide an exciting energy. Supporting others to develop ideas and concepts from themes and to realise garments from the spark of an idea is incredibly rewarding</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What are you most proud of from your time teaching at Arts University Plymouth?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">My former students have progressed into such a wide range of careers within the creative industries, from footwear and underwear designers, to tailors, printed textile designers, fashion photographers and influencers. I am most proud of seeing students develop their individual skills, strengths and confidence across the two-year journey while they study with us.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What is it about fashion and textiles that most inspires you?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">I’m inspired by colour, tactility, the variety of skills needed to work with textiles and the endless possibilities offered by the fashion and textiles industries. The world needs creativity in all its forms for self-expression, curiosity and the mental health benefits of how happy creativity can make everyone feel.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The Fashion &amp; Textiles: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at Arts University Plymouth is a Pre-Degree course for 16 to 19-year olds that is equivalent to three A-levels (or a maximum of 168 UCAS points).</p> <p dir="ltr">From fashion design and promotion to interior styling and costume, this fast-paced and practical pathway will develop a student’s ability to conceptualise and produce ideas for a variety of fashion and textile industries. Offered in our city-centre Palace Court and Sixth Form centre, this course is designed for young people who want to work in the fashion, textiles, costume, fashion promotion or Interiors industry. It provides students with a range of skills and experiences to progress straight into the workplace or go into university.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find out more about the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion &amp; Textiles, visit our next <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-june">Pre-Degree Open Day</a> on Saturday 8 June from 11am until 2pm.<br /></p>