In conversation with: Emily-Rose Thompson, BA (Hons) Fine Art

Norwich embodies creativity in every way possible. I really do believe that this is a fine city. Having lived and studied here for three years, I have not only grown as an artist but as an individual and I feel proud to be a part of Norwich University of the Arts. I grew up in Hertfordshire and after a year of living in Norwich, my parents also moved to the area. I am close to my mum and dad so it is nice to be able to see them more often. I also really appreciate not having to take the train back home!

Why did you choose to study at Norwich?

If I could, I would like to thank the ambassador who gave me and my dad a campus tour on our first visit. I had only just finished my A-Levels and I was unsure about going to university. I felt reassured and at home which helped me to choose where I would like to study. My dad and I had no idea what to expect but having spent three years here I have a few Norwich recommendations. Firstly, the Cathedral for its architecture and history, secondly Whitlingham Country Park, where I completed my first triathlon, and of course Café No.33 for its excellent brunch.

Pace yourself, 2023 – an installation incorporating projection, sculpture and painting

What has your university experience been like at Norwich?

To be completely transparent, I felt a lot of doubt and uncertainty in my first year. I think there is so much pressure for young people to know what they want to do with their lives. For various reasons, my time living in halls was a struggle and lots of my classes were held online due to the pandemic. Looking back, it is crazy how much has changed. I am nearly always on campus, and to be surrounded by like-minded creatives is something I really value. When a hint of uncertainty crept in during my first year, I reassured myself that I had pursued Fine Art because I truly wanted to. Regardless of where the future might lead, my intention has always been to follow my creative interests.

Tell us about your creative practice.

Solve me, 2023 – MDF circular maze with a 3D printed ball bearing

My creative practice explores how we move through and inhabit space. I work with both digital and physical processes and aim to shift the viewers’ awareness towards their surrounding environments. My favourite pieces I have made over the three years would be those that are interactive. In my second year, I designed a maze using Adobe Illustrator, taking inspiration from the floor plans of my mum and dad’s new house. Moving house during university was a bit tricky as it took a while to settle in; I felt homesick but couldn’t find a way to solve this.

My artworks almost always begin by extracting shapes from images and other visual representations of my own movement. I translate shapes and numbers from maps, heart rate and step count data. The medals I have collected from different running events and triathlons that I have on display in my room are all memories I will cherish. The shapes from these often appear in my work and are something I look at every day.

Hidden in plain sight, 2024 – acrylic perspex domino rally, engraved with binary code

I have recently finished making a domino rally, with each domino engraved with binary code that spells out the name of my first Olympic distance triathlon event. 56 was my race number and this number has also appeared in some of my other artworks. I am interested in the repetitive sound of dominoes; I think this is because it relates to routine in our everyday lives.

What does day-to-day life look like for you studying Fine Art?

The community I am a part of at Norwich has really shaped me into who I am. I am a ‘studio worker’, a term that I think the Fine Art course has pioneered. Rather than working at home, I like to have a designated space to go to and think through making. A typical week for me includes spending lots of my time in the 3D and print making workshops. I am honestly so grateful for the support from technicians and their open-mindedness towards ideas. You all deserve a medal!

Photos: Norwich University of the Arts Fine Art Instagram

What are some of your highlights from your time at Norwich?

As the current Yoga and Wellbeing officer and the former editor of Storehouse, the largest student-led magazine in the UK, I think it’s so important to encourage young people to engage in every opportunity possible. These are just two of my many highlights during my time studying at Norwich University of the Arts. I also work as Student Ambassador and have been a student representative for my course for three years. I am confident in communicating my ideas as an artist and as part of a team.

Storehouse Magazine team

What do you do outside of university?

Alongside my studies, I work as a swimming instructor at two health clubs. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and seeing members achieve their goals is so rewarding. Looking forward, after graduation, I would like to use the creative flow inherent within me to explore the art of storytelling further, hopefully as a writer and journalist. My advice to future students studying at Norwich would be to embrace the role of the protagonist and relentlessly pursue your dreams.

To see more of Emily-Rose’s work, take a look at her Instagram.

Looking for light, 2024 – screen print ink on

acrylic perspex, laser cut mdf, LED lights