Ruth Kent is an Irish textile designer based in London. She studied BA Textile Design at Central Saint Martins. Her practice centres around colour, joy and the creation of new textile worlds - both woven and printed.
Why did you choose to study BA Textile Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I did my Foundation at CSM in Art and Design and later specialised in Fashion and Textiles. Textile Design was something very new for me. I had no previous experience with it but I was drawn to the versatility it could offer me. I loved that it was not one thing and this is what Textile Design at CSM really offers - you can be a printer, a weaver, a knitter, a printer who weaves too! There are so many possibilities to the course at CSM and that was why I chose it. Alongside this, the facilities at CSM are incredible. The school has a reputation for expanding creative visions and this is definitely what I discovered once enrolled.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating I have been doing a lot of freelancing - working mainly for different fashion brands usually within a textile development capacity. I was also incredibly lucky that I was awarded a residency through The King’s Foundation which gave me a free studio space and the opportunity to develop my own practice. I am in the midst of creating a new collection and also about to release my first line of silk scarves. It’s been a busy time, scary too but very fulfilling.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
There were so many incredible projects we were fortunate to work on. I think the project that impacted me the most was 'The Colour Project' in my first year. It completely transformed how I approach colour and seek it out. The ways of seeing colour that I developed from this project are something I carry with me everyday.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Care. Really care about the work you are developing and producing. Care about the students around you. Care about the staff. Your time at CSM is for you to hone your creative language but it is also there for you to build your community, and for me community is what has allowed me to continue creating, making and turning up in my life and creative practice. BA Textile Design at Central Saint Martins offers much, much more than just weave, print and knit - seek out everything it has to offer by working hard and being nice to people.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
The time I spent in the weave studio. I spent a crazy amount of time weaving, really trying to perfect a craft and while I learnt so much about the intricacies of the craft, I also learnt a lot about life. Weaving for me was so meditative. At times it was challenging to be at a loom hours upon end everyday with just my thoughts for company, but it really taught me to free myself because of the constant introspection - so this was definitely a highlight.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
I learnt how to become a well rounded designer - to utilise the wide range of skills the course helped me acquire and develop. This is something that is so important both on an industry level and working for myself.
View Ruth's website to see her workFollow Ruth on InstagramContact Ruth via email: studioruthkent@gmail.com