Celebrating the Creative Journey of Design Crafts Graduates 2024
The BA Design Crafts programme proudly announces the graduate show of its 2024 cohort. A group of talented individuals who have excelled in mastering the creative 3D-making skills essential for working with glass, ceramics, and jewellery.
Through a blend of traditional hand-making techniques and contemporary methods such as laser waterjet cutting and 3D printing, these students have honed their craft and discovered their unique artistic voices. The students are exhibiting at New Designers London 2024 – London’s Most Established Graduate Design Showcase, at the Business Design Centre from June 26-29 on stand JC62.
Anna Lewis, Programme Manager BA Design Crafts said: “We are excited to be showing again at this year’s incredible graduate showcase New Designers in London. This year’s graduates have delved into a broad spectrum of material and process practices, specialising in areas such as ceramics, stained glass, cast glass, jewellery, mixed media, and wearable augmented reality. Their work is a testament to the programme’s emphasis on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries.”
New Designers is a showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Since its inception 39 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates every year to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public. The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in week one and week two, spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more.
Makers of the future from UWTSD Swansea College of Art to look out for are:
Charis Constantinou, whose stained-glass collection is inspired by the Victorian Arts and Crafts movement, reflects on Britain’s cultural transformation.
“My work is a patchwork quilt of the diverse cultures that make up modern Britain,” says Charis. “It’s about how these identities weave together to form our nation.” Charis plans to launch her own stained-glass practice, focusing on bold, modern designs.
Instagram: @charis_c_stainedglass
Dabrowka Kornas explores cultural identity through her project, ‘Biblically Accurate Tea Set.’ “This tea set is a reflection of my Polish heritage and the complexity of personal identity,” she explains. Dabrowka will continue creating thought-provoking surreal ceramic pieces that merge tradition with contemporary expression.
Instagram: @high_tide_studio
Diane Wilson finds inspiration in the Welsh landscape and spiritual wellbeing. Her work combines traditional techniques with modern technology in a range of media to explore our connection to the sea and environmental sustainability. Diane says: “I aim to highlight the beauty and fragility of our environment through my craft.”
Instagram: @attheedgeofthesea.wales
Elwyn Barnes uses canine themed ceramic sculptures to address stereotypes and human emotions. “My work is about sparking understanding and acceptance through art,” says Elwyn. His pieces are influenced by his experiences as a transgender man and his unique outlook as an autistic individual and love for the animal world.
Instagram: @wynpip
Nancy Farrington transforms textile techniques into glass art, exploring themes of femininity and historical fashion. “I love the interplay between soft fabrics and hard glass,” she shares. Nancy’s innovative approach results in sculptural forms that are both delicate and robust playing with sensory responses to colour light and texture.
Instagram: @nancyfarringtonglass
Oliwia Kaczmarek pushes the boundaries of jewellery design using augmented reality in her ‘wearable’ pieces. “I’m fascinated by how technology can expand the possibilities of jewellery,” Oliwia says. Her work questions the future of traditional jewellery in a tech-driven world.
Instagram: @oliwiakaczmarekart
Tazmin Baldwin explores light, colour, and psychology through glass. “Glass is a dynamic medium that allows for endless artistic expression,” she says. Tazmin’s work captivates viewers with its vibrant interplay of light and intricate designs based around memory and personal narrative.
Instagram: @tazminb.glass
Dorothy Chan practices adaptability and explores the invisible vitality of tactile materiality, using materials such as wax, wood, and glass. “My work visualises the ever-changing tendency between destructive fragments and reconstructive wholeness,” Dorothy states. Her monochrome objects capture everyday encounters through detailed repetitions and multi-dimensional forms.
Instagram: @doryeek
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071