In conversation with: Caroline Mayers, MA Textile Design

Hi Caroline! Can you tell us about your creative practice?

I describe my practice as being an artist, maker and a mender, and I move between those roles.  

My work always starts with a personal story, or maybe a poem, and then I like to use repurposed materials and techniques, such as dyeing and stitching, to talk to the story that I want to communicate.

But I leave it pretty ambiguous, so it’s up to the viewer what they make of my work. Hopefully it reflects their own life experience, if relevant.

How do you think your practice has developed during your studies?

When I joined Norwich University of the Arts, I wasn’t sure what my practice was. After doing the research project, as well as practical working in the workshops, I’ve really developed what my practice is, in terms of storytelling through textiles and garments, rather than just lots of techniques.

What inspired your final project?

The inspiration for the work I’d have to say came from Tracey Emin and Louise Bourgeois, in terms of the art canon and female artists who have been very brave and honest about their own lived experiences.

I was intrigued about using textiles to convey storytelling, whether it’s the choice of the fabric, something that’s light or fragile. It’s really elevating textiles in fine art.

Do you have any highlights from your time doing an MA?

Many things have been highlights for me, but what I really didn’t expect was the collaborative projects, whether it be with the MA Film students or fine artists – all the different disciplines coming together.

I also worked on a project with the V&A, which was a paid project as part of their performance festival, where a group of us created an installation in response to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

You received the Norwich University of the Arts Sustainability Award at Grad Fest 2025. How was the experience?

Receiving the Sustainability Award was a lovely surprise, because part of my practice has always been to make the most of things that already exist in the world, so using a lot of second-hand materials and trying to tread lightly on the planet, hence my love of physical mending.

It was so lovely to be recognised for that, and it will really inspire me to think about that moving forward.

Have you had any other award success during your studies?

Our teachers are brilliant at showcasing when there are opportunities to raise your profile or to learn from different experiences applying for awards.

So, whilst I thought it was a long shot, I did apply for the Textile Society Postgraduate Award. I was one of the fortunate winners, which meant I went on to exhibit my work in progress in Manchester.

I’d absolutely recommend just going for these things, as you never know what might come of it.

And lastly, do you have any advice for a future postgraduate student?

A piece of advice I would give is to be super open minded. I have completed my MA part time alongside working. I think if you can be organised and understand how to get the most out of workshops, and the wonderful technicians and the tutors, anything’s possible.

I’ve also tried lots of different techniques that I would have never got a chance to do had I not done the postgrad, so be really open to things you wouldn’t normally do.

Photography: Denisa Ilie