Sandra, who is in her ‘forties, admitted she was apprehensive studying Fashion & Design as a mature student. She was a university graduate with teaching experience in her native Colombia so met the course entry requirements but she was still concerned about her artistic ability.
“My mother was a seamstress so I’d grown up watching her working on her sewing machine at home. I knew how to sew, cut and machine, quilt and embroider but I’d never done an art class in my life and I was afraid my work might be too one dimensional.”
“When I saw a post about the Fashion & Design course at the College on Facebook, I thought the heavens had answered my prayers. I was really excited about learning more about Fashion and Textiles but was still worried I wouldn’t be good enough.
Her fears were completely unfounded though and, with support and guidance from Art & Design staff at the College’s Trostan Ave campus, she soon settled into the course.
“My tutors were amazing and taught me so much. When I started the course, my drawings were very childlike but with the help of the professional and patience, I was able to develop my skills.
“They taught me how to be inquisitive and develop my research skills, giving me the confidence and motivation to explore all avenues of fashion, textiles, drawing, painting, from designing through to production. I’m now able to produce the kind of work I’d never even dreamt of doing before.”
Sandra’s current collection, which is inspired by nature, includes recycled and upcycled materials with some of the more unusual items made from wet wipes.
“I use wet wipes to clean paint brushes so rather than dispose of them, I decided to reuse them in my artwork. The flowers that are incorporated into my jewellery and wall hangings are all made from wet wipes.
“When the wipes are dried out, I sandwich between layers of sheer fabric which are stitched together. The individual flowers on the wall hanging and nursery mobiles are attached to cord which is handmade from scrap material and the wood used is driftwood.
She added: “I can honestly say that the course has transformed my life. The College is now like a second home to me. I hope to be here for a while yet as I want to do the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design when I finish this course.”
Sandra is in for a couple of busy months with confirmation that she has been offered an entire window of the Ballymena Business Centre shopfront for the month of June.
“It’s a very big space to fill but it’s a wonderful opportunity to put my work on display and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Course director, Michele Halligan-Smyth, said both staff and students benefited from Sandra’s previous experience in the creative arts.
“Sandra’s very talented and has excelled in every form of Fashion & Textiles. She has shared her expertise in patchwork and embroidery with other students in the class and we’ve all benefited from having her knowledge.
Michele continued: “By exploring the Professional Practice unit with her peers, Sandra produced some really individual and unique items for a ‘Pop-Up shop. This gave her the self-confidence and experience to sell her work directly to the public as well as online.
Northern Regional College is introducing two new Level 3 Art & Design courses from September 2019. The Fashion with Art & Design Diploma and Industrial Art & Design Diplomas are each the equivalent of three A levels upon successful completion of year two. The successful completion of first year equates to a 1.5 A-level equivalent.
Both Diplomas will be offered on a full time bases at the College’s Ballymena campus.