Thea's UWTSD Experience
Name: Eva Kingston-Gharaati
Course: BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: Olchfa School Art and Design A Level Llwyn y Bryn Foundation Art and Design
Hometown: Swansea
Eva's BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
There is a wide range of facilities that we have been trained to use independently, giving us free reign over our design work. The lectures are all extremely helpful, and knowledgeable in their respective fields, making it easier for me to come up with unique ideas with their guidance.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I chose UWTSD as it was recommended to me in school, specifically the surface pattern course. After visiting an open evening, I saw how enthusiastic the lecturers were about what they teach, and it made me excited about future opportunities to create new pieces. During my foundation year, I was given the opportunity to work within UWTSD for the surface pattern skills competition, and after experiencing the vast facilities the studio had to offer first-hand, it solidified my decision that this was the right place for me.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
Outside my studies, I have a part - time job in a local family-owned bakery. I’ve had this job since I was 16, and I love the friendly atmosphere and building relationships with my regular customers. I also love furthering my art skills; although it doesn’t fit into my current art course, I’ve always had an interest in portraiture and life drawing, so I plan to experiment more with these skills in my free time.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
While I don’t have an exact plan for post-graduation, after working with different briefs within the surface pattern course I know I would like to work under a brand’s guidance rather than independently. I enjoy opening a brief that has a certain theme set, as I get to experiment with my own style within the theme. I first discovered I enjoyed this when I entered the surface pattern Skills competition, we were given the theme of ‘Culture’, and I was able to add my own style to fit with my ideas.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about the course are the briefs we receive, they’re very broad so we’re free to experiment, but they’re also specific enough where I must research artists and designers, which broadens my knowledge of designers around the world.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I would recommend UWTSD, as it’s an extremely welcoming environment, the lecturers are all knowledgeable about their fields, and there’s a vast range of facilities and studio space that are free to use.
