NEW DESIGNERS

Congratulations to Ying (‘Vicky’) Huang, who received The Clothworkers’ Company Associate Prize for Printed Textile Design at New Designers in June. Vicky attended the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (University of Dundee), and planned to join a textiles master’s programme at the Royal College of Art this autumn. The work she submitted to New Designers, entitled Wandering Down The Garden Path – Joy of Print, celebrates her experience of walking in nature and being inspired by British botanical gardens and wild paths. Her aim was to appreciate the beauty of native flora and the subtle and slower movements of everyday life.

The Clothworkers’ Associate Prize was judged by Emily May (a Clothworker and former New Designers’ prize winner herself) and Cherica Haye (who was admitted to the Freedom this past July). In reviewing Vicky’s work, our judges said, ‘We were really impressed by Vicky’s development of traditional processes, and the way she kept us excited while talking us through every stage of her project, right the way out the other side and into what she wants to achieve in the future. She made us feel involved in her work, not just as spectators, and we know that her talent and enthusiasm are going to push her to do some inspirational things in the textile industry.’

Upon receiving news of her achievement, Vicky wrote, ‘Winning has given me more confidence to step out of my comfort zone and seek more traditional craft opportunities. I will be continuing my traditional craft journey, and I am excited to start my textiles course at Royal College of Art ... Thank you [Clothworkers’] for continuously supporting the next generation of craftsmen for good cause.’

You can read more about Vicky’s work on the New Designers’ website at www.NewDesigners.com.