University for the Creative Arts spotlights six design projects

Dezeen School Shows: a skeletal lamp and rings that encapsulate nature feature in Dezeen's latest school show by students studying design at University for the Creative Arts.

Also included is a collection of brooches that take cues from Islamic art and a range of glass tableware that references women's lived experiences.

School: University for the Creative ArtsCourses: Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice, BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass

School statement:

"The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) prides itself on a long and rich history of crafts and design practice. The passion shown by our students is manifested in works of quality and innovation – from glassware through to jewellery collections.

"Our talented community of makers and designers create everything from the practical to the fanciful, utilising UCA's wide range of facilities to combine crafts and design and experiment with both time-honoured techniques and the latest technologies.

"Some of the results from their collaborative practices and thought-provoking works can be seen here, taken from this year's graduation show."

Rings by Michael Loizou

"Specialising in the field of kinaesthetic jewellery, Loizou brings a playfulness to jewellery design by focusing on tactility, form and interactive components.

"Exploring various kinetic mechanisms such as rivets and precision bearings, his work exists as a therapeutic tool attached to the body.

"Fabricated in precious metals, he focuses on soothing textures and visual qualities to engage the user, utilising soft edges and elegant form, calming motion and vivid gemstones, reminiscent of the calming qualities of nature."

Student: Michael LoizouCourse: BA (Hons) Jewellery and SilversmithingInstagram: @michaelmartinjeweller

Noono by Yukari Togawa

"Noono is a brand that has been designed to promote 'tenugui' in Europe – a traditional and versatile Japanese hand towel made from cotton.

"It has a wide range of uses – from packaging, soft furnishings, fashion accessories and kitchen aids. The fabric is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, it can be washed and used again and again.

"It also uses a natural dye called 'Shin Manyo Dye'. Created in Japan, this technique uses only plant-derived materials, and in small amounts, reducing the need for large amounts of water and eradicating any need for chemicals. The hope is for Noono to become an essential part of everyday life."

Student: Yukari TogawaCourse: BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Kos-e-Qaza by Ismail Kamran

"Kamran's Pakistani roots, cultural heritage and interest in modern art are harmoniously entwined through his jewellery making and silversmithing to create unique and innovative designs.

"By combining modern and traditional jewellery making techniques, Kamran creates architecturally and visually complex pieces of jewellery.

"Kos-e-Qaza is a collection of contemporary brooches made from titanium and stainless steel. It is a colourful collision of east and west – traditional Islamic art within a contemporary context."

Student: Ismail KamranCourse: BA (Hons) Jewellery & SilversmithingInstagram: @ikgoldsmith

Lamp by Hannah Wheeler

"Wheeler's practice emphasises anatomical structure through functional objects. Her lamp was inspired by the human skeletal form.

"Made from glazed ceramic, terracotta and aluminium, it has been designed as an accent piece in an idealistic retro or futuristic room, or for a modernistic, contemporary living space."

Student: Hannah WheelerCourse: Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media PracticeInstagram: @hanwheelerartt

Love as a Homesickness by Shannon Ellis Baker

"Ellis Baker's final collection comprises a blown glass goblet, cup and dish. The project is an attempt to physicalise the internal self into the external, encompassing autobiography and personal experience as a young woman.

"The glass has been made by bronze tools cast from her body such as her finger, teeth and an abstract claw cast from the inner self. These are an extension of the self and are used in place of traditional glassmaking tools.

"The objects in the collection are fully functional and reflect the uncanny in domesticity and the everyday. Although uneasy, the objects are all fully functional.

"The work is a comment on the extreme burden of womanhood and its intrinsic link to ideas of the mother, motherhood and unbefitting domesticity, often leading one to feel out of place, or questioning sanity."

Student: Shannon Ellis BakerCourse: BA (Hons) Ceramics and GlassInstagram: @shannonellisbaker

Necklace by Hannah Norris

"Focusing on the socio-political, Norris explores the idea of power structures and societal constraints in jewellery.

"Using a range of materials including graphite and soap, she makes large-scale chains as neckpieces, questioning the notions of class, status and wealth.

"The choice of material is important physically, visually, and symbolically. Often carved, the selected substance is familiar, yet presented in an unfamiliar way.

"The chains are over-sized and challenging to wear owing to their transient nature. But they also ameliorate each other – the current series of neckpieces of graphite, soap and holy wafer represent ideas of sin, repentance and absolution."

Student: Hannah NorrisCourse: BA (Hons) Jewellery & SilversmithingInstagram: @hannahnorris_jewellery

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and UCA. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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