CSAD Summer Show 2024 Highlights: Olivia

Luke McLeod – BA (Hons) Illustration 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied?  

I’m a 22 year old, queer, multi-disciplinary illustrator/ artist from Pembrokeshire. I usually draw from my lived experiences and my surroundings, in an effort to connect with those who encounter my work, finding a commonplace to resonate. A lot of it derives from the coast and the spaces that I inhabit (domestic spaces; bedroom etc) and a big part of that comes from my upbringing and my fantastic Mother.  

I studied illustration at CSAD (part of Cardiff Metropolitan University) and began my first year very confused wondering what kind of illustrator I was, what my work should look like, and if even if I was an illustrator at all! With the guidance from an effervescent encouraging cohort and the brilliant broadness of the course, I know I am an illustrator through and through. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff?  

I'm originally from the coast of West Wales and it felt important to stay attached to my Welsh roots but experience a different side of the country, branching out in some ways by moving to a city but still being close enough to feel comfortable. Cardiff is also very green and there's a lot of natural beauty surrounding the city which was the selling point for me. 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice? 

Moving from the countryside, I have been able to notice the changes in my independence, the maturity and growth as I progress through my 20's. Moving to a city has been very informative of how I value 'home' and those characteristics and themes have come to life in my practice. I often work with themes close to my heart and home and domesticity has been an important one as of late.  

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

My favourite place in Cardiff... it's a toss up between the river banks under the trees on the Taff Trail and Siblings coffee shop in Roath (great atmosphere, amazing coffee and the siblings are very lovely people). 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

Post graduation I hope to keep the wonder incited in me by my brilliant lecturers and peers to keep going and take it with me whatever I do next. I'm hoping to enrol in an MA course in London and will be taking the Welsh wonder with me! 

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

You can find my work on Instagram @lukemcleod.illo or at lukemcleod.co.uk  

Sophie Jo Edwards – BA (Hons) Ceramics 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied? 

I'm Sophie Jo Edwards, a 28-year-old ceramicist from West Wales. I grew up on a rural Welsh farm from age 2 and attended very small Welsh-speaking primary and secondary schools (the primary had just 9 students left when it eventually closed down!). I recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Ceramics. My work focuses on thoughtfully crafted ceramics designed to elevate culinary experiences through both function and engagement. 

I take pleasure in sourcing clay directly from the land and experimenting with shrub and wood ash to enrich my glazes. More recently, I've moved away from throwing to carving and tearing clay, a technique I developed using harder clay to accommodate the challenges posed by my hand eczema. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff? 

I initially pursued a Creative Arts course at Bath Spa University, but I soon realised that I wanted to specialise in ceramics. Although this meant changing university courses, I took a leap of faith to study in Cardiff instead. Excited by its renowned ceramics course, I was welcomed into the second year of the program. Reflecting on that time, it took a lot of courage to move to a new city where I didn't know anyone and start from scratch. However, I look back on that decision and period in my life with a sense of pride in my attitude and approach to this new beginning. 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice?  

Moving to Cardiff was a significant milestone in my life. Before I joined the course, my partner and I managed to scrape together a deposit to buy our first house here, which we used as a creative outlet by decorating and transforming it into our little haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Clifton Street. We started running an Airbnb and soon we were hosting weekly visitors to Cardiff which was a wonderful way to connect with the city. 

My creativity extends beyond the studio; it's a holistic practice centred around the home. The stability and belonging that our home has provided have profoundly influenced my work. As I settled into life in Cardiff, I found my creativity flourishing. By the final term, I was producing some of my best ceramics work to date, which I attribute to Maslow's hierarchy of needs – feeling secure, having a sense of belonging, and being part of a community have been crucial for my creative growth. 

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

My favourite place in Cardiff would be my home! It's a sanctuary reflecting creativity, hard work, and love. Hosting guests through Airbnb has also made it a welcoming space for others to enjoy too which has been hugely rewarding. However, living in Cardiff, we are so blessed with many wonderful, natural places to go on adventures. Outside of my own bubble, I’d say my favourite spot is the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr, the woodland backdrop to Castell Coch. You can pick wild garlic there in spring, admire the bluebells, or enjoy the dappled light through the relaxing walking trails. I also love Bute Park for its special trees and green open spaces. 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

One of my hopes for life post-graduation is to start a pottery studio with my partner George, who is also a potter here in Cardiff. We make a great team—he excels in batch throwing and production, while I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for surface decoration. We're also excited to start a family together; I've always had a strong maternal instinct, and parenthood feels like it's on the horizon for us. I firmly believe in things happening at the right time, so for now, I'm embracing the ebb and flow of this period while aiming to build on the momentum following the successes of my degree show. 

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

While I am in the process of setting up a new studio, the best place to find me is digitally, through my Instagram page @hand_and_land_ceramics. I will post live updates on available pieces for sale and keep followers informed about my latest projects and developments. 

James Pritchard – BA (Hons) Fashion Design 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied?  

I'm James Pritchard, a soon-to-be graduate in fashion design from Cardiff Metropolitan University. During my time at Cardiff Met, I've achieved several milestones that I'm proud of. I had my winning garment displayed in John Lewis, was selected as a winner by the Welsh woollen mill Melin Tregwynt, and chosen for the class of 2024 exhibition at Graduate Fashion Week in London. Additionally, one of my garments will soon be on display at the National Eisteddfod representing my university. Throughout my years of studying, sustainability has always been encouraged, leading to one of my garments being exhibited in the Senedd for the sustainability-based charity SustFashWales, which is pushing the sustainable fashion and textiles agenda with the Welsh government. My family's background in antiques has greatly influenced my design style. I enjoy incorporating traditional techniques and textiles with a touch of wit. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff?  

I initially chose to study in Cardiff because it is so close to where I’m from, but being in Cardiff, I soon felt a great deal of independence and freedom. You definitely get the best of both worlds here; you can be in a part that feels like a busy city, and by traveling 15 minutes out, you can find yourself in the countryside. This mix was really appealing to me, as the idea of being in a larger city could easily become overwhelming 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice?  

Cardiff hasn’t exactly shaped me, but it has given me the freedom to be who I want to be and do what I want to do. Cardiff has such great locations that allow me to think more freely and creatively. It has also helped me to appreciate my home and my family. This is evident in my final collection that was about my Great Aunt. I've been lucky to meet some really interesting and like-minded people. Meeting these people has given me great insight into their lives and cultures, and how this differs from my life. I think Cardiff can give a creative person great comfort, and if you’re open to it, it's a place full of inspiration. 

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff?  

My favourite place in Cardiff has to be Cardiff Bay. So often when I have a free day I think to go to the bay for a walk and it definitely helps to clear your head. But you also can’t beat a quick stop for a pastry and coffee on your way. 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

I am eagerly anticipating life after graduation as I feel prepared now. My goal is to secure a job in design or pattern cutting, whether it's in the fashion industry or costume design, as my primary interest lies in working with garments. While I enjoy hands-on work with garments, I am also interested in working as a digital designer, for example creating tech packs and producing technical drawings, as I find this process very exciting. 

6. Where can we find you and your work?  

You can find my work on Instagram @jamesaportfolio. 

Maddy Bowrey – BA (Hons) Textile Design 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied? 

My name is Maddy and I’m a textile design student at Cardiff Met who will be graduating soon.I’m originally from Wales but now live in Leicestershire. I’m a very bubbly and friendly person which I think translates well in my most recent work, which is about childhood and the feeling of nostalgia. I wanted to create lively, tactile and playful pieces to try and reflect the fun we experience in childhood. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff? 

I have family near Cardiff and would always enjoy visiting the city, so that was a factor, and I also like the fact that there is always something to do like events wise and it’s also near the beach which I love. I also liked how broad the textile design course was, being able to learn a number of new practices and techniques without having to specialise so early on in my degree 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice? 

Living in Cardiff has given me a lot of freedom which I’ve enjoyed, and I think it has reflected in my work too being able to creatively do what I want too.  

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

It would probably be Roath Park, the gardens and lake there are so gorgeous in Spring/Summer. 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

Hopefully get a job in the Textiles/Fashion field but I am planning on travelling around Southeast Asia too, so that is something I’m looking forward to. 

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

I have an Instagram where I have posted pictures of my work @madstextiles  

Grace Griffiths – BA (Hons) Artist Designer: Maker  

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied? 

My name is Grace Griffiths, I am an adaptive surf instructor and social media manager at Surfability UK CIC, a surf school dedicated to individuals with disabilities and additional needs. I studied Artist Designer: 3D Maker at Cardiff Met, focusing on plastic pollution, particularly ocean plastic, reflecting the environment I engage with. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff?  

I chose to study in Cardiff because it was one of the few places offering a comprehensive course that let me explore art, design, and craft practice. Also, I believe green and blue spaces are essential for our well-being, and Cardiff offers both right at its doorstep, which is vital for me. 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice? 

Cardiff has provided a diverse and supportive environment where I could explore my practice. As a student at Cardiff Met, I had access to fantastic resources that enriched my perspective, particularly in addressing environmental issues. 

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

My favourite place in Cardiff would have to be Bute Park or Cardiff Bay! 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation? 

After graduation, I aim to continue my work with Surfability, driven by my passion for adaptive and para surfing. Throughout university, I was researching and developing a product for visually impaired surfers. Now that I've completed my studies, I look forward to dedicating more time to this project.   

6. Where can we find you and your work?  

Find me either in the sea with Surfability UK CIC or on Instagram @gracie_griff  

Lucy Cook – BA (Hons) Fine Art 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied? 

I'm 22 and from Torquay, Devon. My work focuses on the concept of liminality and the essence of absent space as well as discussing temporal ambiguity and how it's created through the representation of form and presence in function functionless places. I studied fine art BA(Hons). 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff? 

I wanted to experience a new type of space and put myself in the deep end by moving far from home. 

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice?  

I think the incredible art community here has really inspired my artistic drive to become part of it.  

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff?  

My favourite place in Cardiff is Splott beach because of the strange industrial structures that sit by it.   

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

Mainly, I would like to spend some time developing my practice and completing some artist residencies, improving my technical painting skills and getting some more experience in the field of art before undertaking a masters somewhere new. 

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

At the moment my work is mainly shown on Instagram @lucy__cook, although I am working on a website.

Perran Jack – BA (Hons) Photography 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied?  

Hailing from Cornwall I have always been very passionate about photography from a young age. Constantly on the lookout for potential images, and never being able to stop thinking about my next picture. Luckily I was given the opportunity to study photography at Cardiff Metropolitan University. In my work I like to explore our relationship with the land we inhabit, finding beauty in the banal and shining a light on the unseen. I have documented issues ranging from the decline of industry in South Wales to the prioritisation of cars in urban planning to my most recent and final project titled “Vacant”. A project in which I documented the death of Britain's high streets, something that is ubiquitous across the country.  

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff? 

I chose to study in Cardiff having visited previously and fallen in love with the city and the people of Wales. With it being somewhere that is a city but at the same time has a local sense of community and spirit. Something I can appreciate coming from Cornwall  

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice? 

 My time in Cardiff has shaped and grown my practice as a photographer dramatically. With the help from my lectures to Constantly be pushing myself and to always be asking questions. More specifically “why” although it is difficult to justify my answers sometimes this reflection on my work is something that I will take forward throughout my personal and professional work into the future.  

4. If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

My favourite part of Cardiff would most likely be the national museum hosting an array of incredible pieces of works from the likes of Monet to Van Gogh. Also, it's ever changing exhibition space with themes that are international as well as being ones that have their identity rooted in Welsh culture and ideas. 

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation? 

My plans for after uni are to further develop my project vacant and to develop new ideas for projects. Building on top of my personal and professional career.  

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

My work can be found via my Instagram at @perranjack 

Leah Tanner – BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Communication 

1. Could you give a quick description of yourself, your work, and the subject that you studied? 

I'm an illustrator and graphic designer with goals to make a positive impact through design by creating purposeful and thought-provoking work. Studying Graphic Design and Communication allowed me to thrive in projects with strong concepts focused on campaign, change, and branding, showcasingmy passion for producing impactful design which expresses my creativity and imagination to the fullest. 

2. Why did you choose to study in Cardiff? 

I made the decision to study and move to Cardiff so that I could embrace the experience of living in a new city. Cardiff was a good distance from home which offered great night life, music festivals, cute cafes ideal for studying, and of course being named one of the top three universities in Wales.

3. How has your time in Cardiff shaped you and informed your practice? 

I definitely think the course has significantly developed and improved my design process. Since studying at Cardiff Met, I have learnt to appreciate the importance of research and experimentation and have understood how to effectively apply these new skills to my work. As a result, my designs now carry deeper significance and takes the approach of problem-solving, rather than just being aesthetically pleasing. Being offered the opportunity to travel to Rajasthan with the university not only enabled me to gain insight into the traditional arts and design culture, but to explore the unique cultural offerings in two cities of Rajasthan. I believe that I have always been independent from a young age but living in Cardiff for the past 3 years has boosted my confidence in making important life decisions. 

4.  If you had to choose, what would be your favourite place in Cardiff? 

I would have to say both Bute Park and the cafes in Cathays. Going on walks through Bute Park where I would pass by ducks and squirrels would always bring a smile to my face.  

5. Do you have any specific hopes for life post-graduation?  

I have high hopes to be very successful in the graphic design industry while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows me to grow both as a person and as a designer. By gaining valuable experiences, I would hope to build confidence in my ability to make a positive impact in the design world. 

6. Where can we find you and your work? 

To keep up to date with my socials and new projects, you can find me at @tanner.dsgn on Instagram or you can find further information about my projects on my website at tannerdsgn.uk