By Katie Lau (CKY 2001-2011)

After 10 wonderful years in CKY, I decided to continue my education in the UK after IGCSE in 2011. The reason that I chose to study in London was that it is the renowned central hub of creativity, buzzing with great energy and inspiration everywhere you look. After CKY, I studied A-levels in International School of Creative Arts, a high school specialising in creative subjects, as I have always been determined to pursue a creative pathway.

 

After two years of exploring art and design in a focused education, I found my enthusiasm towards Textiles Design and entered University of the Arts London. At the University; I completed a foundation course in Central Saint Martins, and then further pursued my specialism at Chelsea College of Art and Design, where I am currently completing the final year of my degree. I love every single second of my time in University, being surrounded by talented young artists and designers, inspiring each other every day, and being able to do what I love.

 

Textiles Design is design and construction of textiles material, focused on surface textures, which can be further applied in fashion or the interior context. Textiles Design is split into five pathways to be specialised in: Knit, Weave, Print, Print CAD and Stitch. I specialise in stitch where I focus on surface textile materials manipulations and mix media. Unlike the other disciplines, stitch focuses on inventing new techniques to create innovative textiles for each project to be developed into refined textiles samples, pursuing originality and creativity in a professional setting.

 

In a project for sustainability in my second year, I challenged the idea of value in luxury and couture, developing low value waste plastic bags into yarns to create precious yet durable lace pieces. I explored the promotion of preservation and transformation of states of matters. My main intention was to add value and to make it impossible to distinguish the material from its original form, a plastic bag. My University encourages and pushes students to reach the highest potential of creativity and craftsmanship, where the commercial aspect is regarded as less important. At times it can be very challenging with the high demand of originality, craftsmanship and time, however it is also extremely rewarding to constantly explore new ideas and experiment with materials, refraining from boundaries.

 

The creative industry is extremely competitive, blooming with amazingly talented artists and designers. It is very important to immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere and constantly inspire and to be inspired, and never be constrained to share ideas because of competition.

 

CKY is a big beautiful family that I have had the fortune to be a part of for a decade, I grew up with brilliant friends and wonderful teachers. I had the privilege to develop and prosper as a person in a positive and unique learning environment. CKY has made me who I am today, and I have nothing but utter appreciation for the encouragement I was given to explore art and creativity.