Creative Thursday with Laura Spring

This weeks Creative Thursday interview is with Laura Spring an independent designer/maker based in Glasgow; whose current practice draws inspiration from everyday experiences such as the weather. 

SSH: Where do you work?
Laura: I work in a lovely, bright studio in an old victorian house on the Southside of Glasgow called Albert Drive Studios. It's very unique and is something quite special.

SSH: So what got you interested in textiles?
Laura: I've always loved textiles, patterns and sewing. I used to make ballet costumes with my Mum when I was younger and my Grandma is an amazing seamstress, so I think a little of it is in my genes naturally?! I decided to study graphic design at art school, so never got any formal textile or sewing training (that skill developed from a period of 5 years working in costume departments), but that's where I learned to screen print - a medium that I love.

SSH: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Laura: Inspiration comes from many sources.... observing people and the way they are/behave is just one of them which led me onto my collection about the weather. I love how Great Britain is obsessed with the weather, we talk about it all the time - especially this summer! I'm also currently interested in the relationship between the design of a print and the function of the object it adorns, so that's how my weather inspired luggage collection came about. But inspiration comes along all the time I think if you're a creative person, sometimes just going for a walk round the park can be inspiring just as much as a trip to see an exhibition. I recently saw the Bauhaus show at The Barbican and loved it! The typography used in so much of their literature is incredible! Maybe that's my graphic designer training coming out in me!

SSH: What are you working on at the moment?
Laura: There's a few things going on just now, but one of the main things I am focused on is a show I have been invited to do at The Lighthouse in October as part of their show studio series. I'm really excited about making some new work and having the opportunity to show it in Glasgow as it feels like everything I have been doing for the last twelve months has seen me take my work to London. It has been amazing to take my work down there and meet new people, but I think there's something great about showing your work in the town where you make it.

SSH: Tell us about some of your recent projects

Laura: It's not really a project, but recently I was very lucky to get to return to an incredible place called Cove Park on another residency. I was awarded a craft residency there last summer and spent six idyllic weeks in the beautiful countryside with a great bunch of people and all I needed to do was make my work! It was a real turning point for me in my creative practice and has had a huge impact on my work to this day. I just returned from two more weeks there which felt like a real gift as it allowed me some time and space to do things I needed to do that can sometimes be difficult in the studio with all the day to day distractions that surround you.

SSH: What would you like to be doing in 2 years time?
Laura: In 2 years time....I'd love to be have continued to develop my business into a successful, exciting company that hopefully represents good design and great products made here in the UK. And maybe get another whippet that sleeps under the print table?

SSH: What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry
Laura: Talent is important, but so is tenacity. I'm sure everyone knows it can be tough trying to start your own business and many unexpected hurdles will appear on the way, so you have to love what you do. But I think building up good relationships is vital to success in this and probably any industry? I feel incredibly lucky to be in an industry that is very supportive of each other, the textile community in Scotland is brilliant. Textiles Scotland, The Cultural Enterprise and other designers such as Jennie lööf, Bespoke Atelier, Mhari McMullan and Hilary Grant are an amazing source of advice, support, inspiration and encouragement. Something I think we all need.

SSH: Tell us about your work with Artlink?And how does this experience impact on your work?
Laura: I work with Artlink on a freelance basis delivering a variety of workshops to various people. Sometimes these can be skills based and are often print/sewing related which is lovely to be able to pass on and share these skills with others, sometimes it's more abstract and involves more sensory based work. One of the great things about the workshops is the other artists you work with on the projects. It can be really great to be out your studio a day a week and do something where the focus is not on your own work. I think it makes me work harder and be more focused when I'm in my studio.

SSH: What is important to you?
Laura: The most important thing to me is to be happy and to wake up everyday and to look forward to the day ahead - whatever that might entail....working, seeing family or friends or hanging out with my lovely dog.

SSH: If you could change one thing about the Southside what would it be?
Laura: I really love living and working on the southside, it's a great place but sometimes the mess on the streets is too much. It's not hard to not drop litter and it makes such a difference to the community we all live in. I guess that problem isn't strictly southside though...

SSH: What is your favourite Place in the Southside
Laura: I don't think you can beat Pollok Park. It's like being out in the country in a city. But if we're talking food, then I'd have to say Cookie, I think that place serves fantastic food by fantastic people.

Laura's Exhibition at the Lighthouse opens today and runs until the 3rd December 2012. You can find out more about Laura's work and her up coming screen printing workshops on her website  and also in her lovely online shop .