It's always a special time, attending the annual ECA Shows.
It’s always a special time, attending the annual ECA shows. You really are immersed in a celebration of the creative talent from Edinburgh College of Art!
Honoured to be part of Edinburgh University Alumni and to once again be included in this special event. I had such a lovely time last week getting to meet the next wave of up-and-coming artists and designers while catching up with my tutor Megan, who to this day still heads up this outstanding department.
It was also fantastic to see Wendy who taught me everything I needed to know when it came to pattern cutting and putting my final designs together for the stage. Between Megan, Wendy, and David we really did learn and test ourselves to the highest standard.
It still feels like yesterday that I was working tirelessly as a young enthusiastic student myself at the Lauriston Place building.
It was wonderful to spend the evening reminiscing and talking about the course with all the latest graduates at the Queens Hall show. I admitted to them that there may be some skills they are taught on the course that make them question why do I need this? However, several years later I find myself using many of those skills and probably more understanding and grateful for the knowledge now than I realised then!
Graduating from the course in 2016 I always feel a little emotional watching the ECA Performance Costume Design show from the wings. If you haven’t been before it really is a 'must-see' and remains very close to my heart.
The live Performance Costume show is on once a year and although now passed, you can secure tickets to the 2024 'Graduate Show' to see the costumes up close. They will be displayed in full later this month and you can secure tickets by signing up on event brite: Graduate Show Tickets.
There is however still an opportunity to see the wonderful ECA Fashion show which will be held in the stunning surroundings of the National Museum of Scotland on Friday 7th June: Tickets.
"Costume students are creative thinkers, inquisitive and open to new ideas, they are thought to be natural problem solvers and good communicators” - always having to think outside the box, adapt, create and plan on the go while working with others to tight deadlines.
“From the start, as a student of Performance Costume, you’ll be immersed in an exciting programme of discovery. You’ll explore the role of art and design in a modern society and, in particular, the role of costume design in the performing arts."
This course opens so much to you creatively…
Encouraging you to attend plays and musicals, elevate your photography skills, from sketch books to journaling, mood boarding to sourcing, dyeing, tailoring, and curating your story. Where your characters, their costumes, the music & bringing it all to life.
There are opportunities to volunteer and collaborate in film and a variety of different departments to meet and work with so many creatives studying alternative courses at ECA.
There is so much more I could write because ECA is a special place to study but for now I will simply say go and see the shows or visit the graduate exhibition if you can - you won’t be disappointed.
Love,
G x
