Edward is a puppeteer working in theatre and children's entertainment, currently based in London. He is also a craftsman; making stain glass, building wagons and various other creations. Edward graduated from MA Applied Imagination at Central Saint Martins (CSM) in 2022.
Why did you choose to study MA Applied Imagination at Central Saint Martins?
It had been almost 15 years since I graduated from my bachelor’s degree in theatre and I felt like I had lost my way with my creativity. It no longer brought me joy and I wasn’t sure why I was even doing it at all. My career had been stumbling along for some time without any purposeful direction and I wanted to find something that could bring meaning and satisfaction to my work.
I was searching for creative masters degrees and came across Applied Imagination at CSM, it sounded unlike anything else out there. I was intrigued by its broad scope and attracted to its core value of trying to make the world a better place. I didn’t know exactly where it would take me and that was exciting.
What have you been working on since graduating?
I have been building my own children’s entertainment company. I also taught myself how to make stained glass as part of my course and that is something I have kept up which brings me great satisfaction.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
It would have to be my research project which explored how I could help people look after their mental wellbeing by combining storytelling with sacred space. It took me into some fascinating areas of study and gave me a much broader idea of what I could achieve through my creative practise.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Be ready to explore yourself and figure out what you care about. Independent study is crucial and the course relies on you discovering your passion in order to drive your own research. You don’t need to come with an idea ready to work on, but come with an open mind and use the course to explore it. Find your research topic as soon as you can, the sooner you start your research journey the more you will be able to discover. You might even change the world just a little bit.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
I met some inspiring people doing remarkable things, I enjoyed seeing them every week and exploring each other’s ideas. But if I had to choose one highlight it would be the few moments during my research project where I saw my work really affect people, I was stunned to see the capacity I had to create some small tangible change. It gave me a huge sense of confidence that my creative work could have purpose.
What is the most important thing you learned on the course?
I learnt a new way of using my creativity that has reinvigorated my career and given me a deeper sense of meaning about what I can achieve and why I want to do it. I now feel I have a path and a set of tools that I can use to make my work and my life into what I wish it to be.
Check out Edward's work on his websiteView the MA Applied Imagination course page