Gray’s School of Art Degree Show
June brings the opportunity to visit Gray’s School of Art for the annual degree show, sponsored by BP. This year, 150 students will show their work, encompassing sculpture, painting, contemporary art, fashion and textiles.
We turn the spotlight on the cream of this year’s 3D Design students, who create a wide variety of interesting designs using both traditional techniques and cutting edge innovation…
As those who have visited the show will know, much of the work is for sale, so it’s worth taking a chequebook when you visit in case something takes your fancy! The show opens on 15 June and runs till the 24 June. Entry is free and opening times are Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm; weekends 10am to 5pm.
01 LAUREN MCKAY
Lauren has taken her interest in woodlands and their mushrooms, lichen and fungi as the starting point for her collection of jewellery. ‘I studied the structure and colour of these natural forms to create jewellery with unique properties that reflect the organic shapes and feel of these species. I’m hoping to pursue a career within the jewellery industry, so I can build on what I’ve learned at Gray’s.’
02 ELLA PORTER
Ella is designing a number of practical pieces designed to meet the needs of multi-generational households, where parents, grandparents and children live together. ‘I’ve designed a lamp and a teapot to be used in the kitchen. Some of the most common causes of accidents in the kitchen are due to lack of light, and the spilling of hot water. My work combines traditional making techniques with CAD technology and I’m hoping for a job or internship with a design company after graduating.’
03 ANNA YOUNIE
Ceramicist Anna found inspiration from the landscapes of Orkney, particularly the texture and erosion of its coast and eye-catching standing stone formations. ‘I’m aiming to emulate this weathered, detailed aesthetic in my ceramic pieces. I’ve been encouraged by the lecturers and workshop technicians to explore large scale vessels this year. When I graduate, I’m returning to Orkney where I hope to set up my own small studio and business producing smaller scale pieces for both the locals and the island’s many visitors.’
04 HANNAH SPICER
Hannah has created a range of tableware based on stones collected from beaches from Aberdeen to Dundee. The collection includes pieces inspired by Stonehaven and Inverbervie. ‘I feel like I have created something natural and organic from each seaside town. They are unique and each hold very different shapes and qualities. After my time at Gray’s, I hope to create new tableware collections inspired by new places.’
05 RUTH SAUNDERS
Fellow jeweller, Ruth Saunders’ collection comes from the architecture of the many castles in the North-east of Scotland. ‘During my time at Gray’s it has been great to try a variety of processes and methods, from fine hand-made jewellery to work that utilises CAD processes and new technologies. My intention is to become an independent maker. I love being in the workshop and would like to see where my ideas take me.’
06 AMBER WATSON
Amber’s inspirations comes from the idea of luxury London living – bringing an aesthetic of bold shapes, colour and line-work to her designs. ‘My project is a cabinet made from plywood sandwiched either side of a layer of Perspex. I’ve learned a lot about my design process this year and I’m hoping to work somewhere I can still create bold pieces
