We’ve already told you about introduction day for our new class of postgraduate students, but what do they think about the start of their new course? Where do they come from? Why did they choose Goldsmiths? We should get to know them better! We begin a series of blog interviews with new MA students with Lorna Boyle, who is on the MA in Design: Critical Practice:
What’s your background?
I was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but have lived most of my life in Dublin, Ireland. Most of my family are from Ireland, though many are now scattered around the globe and I love to visit them when I can. I recently moved to Limehouse in East London where I live with my boyfriend and his brother, and someday soon I hope to add a boxer dog to our little family!
What did you do before coming to Goldsmiths?
I just finished my undergraduate degree in June of this year. I studied Craft Design at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, specialising in Jewellery and Metalwork. I continue to make and sell jewellery here in London where the contemporary jewellery scene in London is really thriving. I currently exhibit at galleries all over the UK and often spend my weekends selling at or attending craft fairs and markets.
Why did you choose Goldsmiths and why this particular course?
I chose Goldsmiths because of its reputation. I had heard good things about its design school and once I attended the open day and talked to some of the tutors I knew it was the place for me. I also had a friend who did his MA at Goldsmiths and he ensured me it would be the best year of my life.
I chose Design Critical Practice because I really want to learn how to be a thoughtful, reflective and well informed designer. Until now I have designed jewellery objects and I have been mainly concerned with aesthetics. I wanted to expand my design ability and portfolio by why we design and how to design before worrying about what to make or how it’s going to look. I want to make meaningful designs and objects and I feel this course is the best place for me.
How are you feeling about your choice now after you’ve started?
I love the course so far. I’ve found some aspects of it very challenging, especially some of the critical theory, but when I look back at how much I’ve learnt over the last few weeks I’m really amazed. Already I feel like my mind is opening up and I am viewing the world in a different way, using areas of my brain that have probably been dormant until now!
I find all the lecturers and tutors great. Their lectures are always interesting, even if sometimes they are a little too philosophical and complex for me at times! They engage us in thought-provoking debates and always make time for students’ questions. I love all the other students also. We are a dynamic bunch and have fascinating and often amusing conversations. Everyone is keen to get involved and there is a constant sharing of ideas in the studios and lectures. I recently had my first ever group project and I absolutely loved it. It was a great way of getting to know some of the other people in the course and for us all to share our expertise and learn from one another.
What are your expectations for what’s to come?
I am excited for the rest of the course. I’m looking forward to more group projects and to getting into the workshop for some serious making! I’ve chosen some interesting electives also so I’m keen to get started on those once I get back after the reading week. I don’t know exactly what to expect but I think it will only get better!
What’s the story of the item you’re holding in the photo from the MA Intro?
It’s a ring from my most recent jewellery collections. It looks like a gold nugget on textured golden ring shank. It resembles some sort of ancient solid gold artefact but in fact it is electroformed tin foil and pyrite (fool’s gold) which has then been gold plated. I like playing around with people’s perceptions of preciousness.
Goldsmiths Design Blog 