Louise West
The value of my degree has been priceless, it has changed my entire outlook on life and I am now so positive and I love my career and my life.
This is mainly down to the influence of the lecturers and I can never thank them enough. In particular Jackie Williamson and John Angus were fantastic.
”
The contemporary piece, exhibited at Pickford House Museum
Take a look at Louise's website
Louise graduated with a BA (Hons) Textile Design in 2010 and is currently studying the MA ADAPT at Derby.
The origins of her journey
Louise suffered from a spinal injury in 1995 and consequently had a change of perception on life and so decided to take a textiles course at college. She enjoyed the course so much that she came to the University of Derby to talk to the lecturers about taking a degree course in textiles.
Louise said: "The lecturers were so enthusiastic and showed a real passion for the subject. I was steamrolled by their enthusiasm and enrolled 3 hours later!"
Key achievements
- After 3 months of starting the textiles design course at Derby Louise was commissioned by architects from London for the design work of the entire concrete facade of the Nottingham Contemporary.
- Louise was awarded University of Derby mentee of the year nominated by Pickford House Museum in 2010.
- Louise now teaches lace making to adults at Nottingham Community Centre and attends various conferences and groups around the UK as a guest speaker.
Louise said: "Before I went to university I didn't even know how to create a presentation, my degree course has taken me on a journey of personal development and has opened so many doors of opportunity."
Louise exhibited at the Pickford House Museum with her exhibition Vital Statistics of Lace in 2011.
Her new exhibition
Blackthorn Reborn in 'Study, Design and Create' runs from 28 January to 15 April 2012 at Bowes
The contemporary piece
Louise has entered her contemporay piece into the Powerhouse Museum Competition in Australia.
Louise said: "The idea behind the piece lies with inspiration from the lace designers in the 19th century. Their lace work resembles shapes of plants representing the exotic plants which were hunted abroad and brought back to England at that time. These plants had never been seen before and were treated as magical and special".
Louise's contemporary piece is based on three flower shapes, one with 6 petals, one with 4 and one with 3; they all complement each other. The piece resembles the deterioration of the flowers over time, eventually leaving the skeleton.
Louise said: "The different pieces of lace are souvenirs of life and represent memories."
Experience at the University of Derby
Louise said: "The brilliant support from such inspiring lecturers has helped me grow and gain confidence. They fully supported and encouraged my commissioned work whilst I was studying full time."
Louise currently has a studio at Banks Mill where she holds silver jewellery workshops and studies for the MA ADAPT.
Advice to others
Louise said: "If you are passionately interested in a subject then enrol on a course. You get out what you put in and if you put in the effort the rewards of opportunity are priceless. Make sure it is the right course for you and then you will have a fantastic time."
The future
Louise is exhibiting in March 2012 at Harrogate Lace Fair.
