What was the thing or moment that made you want take this
path and to study Textiles and Apparel Design at University?
I was oscillating between a degree in Fine Art and that of Social Work when I first entered
University. Given my strong drive to pursue art from a young age it felt as though my direction was
shaping up for something in that world. However, I felt uneasy at the idea of turning that passion
into a commercial enterprise for my bread and butter. It was youthful idealism and fear, but I
worried I would loose my love for it. I was also working as a volunteer in a children’s shelter at the
time, so social work was on my radar. However, while that experience grew my empathy, I was too
emotionally affected by the very dark side of humanity in those circumstances to see a life-long
career on the inside.
When I discovered the Textiles and Apparel Design program was nestled in the College of Natural
Sciences at UT, I fell in love with the idea that I could pursue a creative career where the
commercial component wasn’t so much of a deterrent for me; and as a bonus, it satisfied the science
geek within. The degree included a lot of study in art history, anthropology and psychology as well as
science. I ended up essentially getting minors in Studio Art and Business Foundations, so the school
satisfied my many aspirations. My horizons expanded in all directions and opened me up to new
possibilities and paths.
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THE CONE - ISSUE #9 - SPRING 2016