University of Huddersfield   2008/2009

Laura Slater

My residency at Huddersfield University through the AA2A scheme has meant my progression through a variety of different areas of my practice as a Textile Designer/Maker since the completion of my MA in Mixed Media Textiles at The Royal College of Art.

My residency has allowed me to pursue the aesthetic development of my practice specifically the use of the interaction of colour and pattern on cloth, through exploring the use of architectural qualities of line and linear drawing concepts.

Not only has the opportunity through the AA2A scheme allowed me to progress my ideas aesthetically it has also allowed me to focus much more specifically on the use and production of printed textiles. The access and use of specialist textile screen-printing and digital printing equipment has meant the progression of my technical knowledge and expansion of the printed textile element of my multidisciplinary portfolio.

Other aims through the residency were to produce a project that would fulfill my conceptual ideas but would allow me to work within printed textiles production for more accessible and commercial outcomes.

Since producing this body of work through the AA2A Residency, I have expanded my experience through producing a collection of bespoke textile products for the use within interiors, launching my self-employment and business Laura Slater Textiles.

The AA2A scheme has meant my interaction and liaising with students, staff and technical staff alike within the University of Huddersfield, gaining contacts and colleagues and expanding my teaching, exhibition and presentation experience.