BA Interior & Spatial Design student Eleanor Wort describes her degree show project and the how the multi-disciplinary nature of Chelsea College of Arts has informed her practice.
Where are you from?
Caterham, Surrey, UK
Describe your experience at Chelsea in 3 words.
Vibrant – Cross-disciplinary – Experimental
Please tell us about your project for the final show
For my final show, I worked on a project proposal of a pop-up installation in Little Venice, London. Working with the Crafts Council to re-imagine an exhibition on craft, I proposed the installation to question what exactly craft is and how it can be exhibited to a wider audience. Inspired by nature, the structure molds to the floor made uneven by tree roots at the site and the hanging drapes of textiles are dyed by the canal and by the weather as time passes; constantly evolving and being crafted by nature itself. I am interested in the definition of craft; is it just something created by humans purposely, or are humans and nature continuously crafting without realising? Using just two parts: timber and a bespoke designed module the installation can slot together into many different forms and can be constructed at many different sites.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in working towards the degree show?
My biggest challenge has been juggling everything to pull together all of the final touches whilst trying to kick-start the next stages of my graduate life. It has been made easier through having print finishing – the digital suite on site meaning I can prepare for the show on campus.
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate, what are your career ambitions?
I hope to work on projects either helping to build communities, or on set design. I like the idea that as a designer I can help craft the world to become a more beautiful, enjoyable place, either by making everyday life more collaborative and positive or creating experiences that are other-worldly and amazing. I enjoy being hands on in my projects so if I am building or making something I am in my element.
What have you enjoyed most about studying at Chelsea?
Chelsea’s range of courses mean that there’s always so much creativity around. I don’t usually work very digitally, however, the work by the students on the BA Graphic Design Communication course inspired me to challenge that part of my practice. Similarly, before my time on the BA Interior Spatial Design I was more of a fine artist and interested in the process and concept of ideas. With Chelsea being an art and design college it meant that I could incorporate both elements into my practice.
What have you most enjoyed about the area around Chelsea? Any tips?
The Millbank and Pimlico areas are pretty beautiful with their tree-lined streets and gardens and the area has a real community feel with all of the markets nearby. Plus, being next to Tate Britain means you’re always close by to some inspiration if you haven’t had enough inside University!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing your course? Any advice?
Take all of the opportunities you can. Chelsea attracts quite a few extra-curricular opportunities which arise as well as amazing workshop facilities. I will miss having all of the resources at my disposal!
You can see more of Eleanor’s work on her personal Instagram and on form.to.flat
Discover more about BA Interior & Spatial Design
Catch up with the Chelsea Summer Shows on our degree show website