Norwich University College of the Arts   2008/2009

Pippa Thurlow

I really appreciated the opportunity to work in the Textile Workshops at NUCA through the winter of 2008 – 9 and to be a part of the student learning experience. They may have wondered at times at my presence but I feel I was a constant, encouraging, supportive and helpful group member, besides developing my own work.

Having graduated in 2007 I knew some of the third year students but worked mainly with the second years, but with contact with all year groups. There were a constant of three second year weavers one of whom has won the annual Bedford Prize, they all continue weaving. There was up and coming enthusiasm among the first years.

It was very helpful to me to have the use of the printing and dying facilities and the focus and discipline of being in an artistic community to concentrate and enjoy creating my work. Toward the end I met up with my fellow aa2a artists at NUCA, we exhibited together in the College and subsequently at Mandell’s Gallery in Norwich. I have learned a lot from these experiences and from the help I received from the technicians, particularly with the photographic presentation of my work.

I have also exhibited through Open Studios Norfolk in May which has given me the opportunity to exhibit at a number of venues. I will be exhibiting with the British Tapestry Group in Stirling, Scotland from 13th September to 8th November 2009.

There were costs in travelling and parking in the City Centre so I really appreciated having the financial allowance to purchase materials to equip myself for then and now, it did make a difference.

Pippa's AA2A story is featured in the publication 'More Artists' Stories'