Costume making and textiles students selected for prizes by Arts Society
Two talented students from BNU’s Art and Design provision were selected as prize-winners at their graduate summer show.
Arthur Winning, an ambassador from the Arts Society (Thames) who kindly sponsored the event, chose work from Celeste Fisher, BA (Hons) Costume Design and Making, and Chloe O’Dell, BA (Hons) Textile Design, for the cash prizes.
Arthur chose Celeste for the first prize, citing her “good range of costumes on show, her original designs and her technical proficiency in producing professional quality outputs.” Celeste was also praised for the fact that she “didn’t spend a penny on her work – all have been made from recycled fabrics and other materials, for example the sleeves on one top were made from donated rubber shoe heels, so a sustainable approach.”
Celeste said: “The summer show is important because it gives us the opportunity to get together, talk about our work and why it’s special.
“To describe my final project in one sentence, I’d say it’s sustainability and haute couture in a magical world.”
Asked about her plans after graduation, Celeste said: “I’m currently working on a youth production at the Wycombe Swan where I am a costume designer. I’m looking forward to building up my portfolio.”
Second prize went to Chloe, whose textile design work used a mixture of Stoll knitting, tufting and printing techniques. Mr Winning selected Chloe for “innovative designs and use of colour in her textiles.” The judge was impressed by the pattern and range of outputs.
Chloe said: “In my work, I explore maximalism to its fullest extent, through the use of colour, pattern and texture.”
Professor Sri-Kartini Leet, Head of School for Art, Design and Performance, said: “The Summer Show represents not just a culmination of all the hard work our students have put into their creative practice (and the unwavering support their tutors have dedicated to them), it is also an amazing celebration of their achievement and well-deserved success.”