Recognising talent in Manchester School of Art

By combining our outstanding education and influential research with your financial support and dedication to diversity and inclusion, we empower creative students to excel in their chosen fields and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Shelley McNulty, Head of Design at Manchester School of Art

“A treasured experience”

Jessica was first drawn to clay during a slip casting workshop in high school while growing up in Hong Kong. She quickly became captivated by its meditative qualities, describing that “it teaches me how to take my time”. Some years later, Jessica decided “to move to Manchester to study ceramics. After doing a lot of research to decide which university and course I wanted to study, eventually, I chose the BA (Hons) Craft at Manchester Met. I really liked of the combination of graduate outcomes it offered and how the course was designed to provide its students with opportunities to explore contemporary design and work with different materials, like metal, glass and wood.”

“I would definitely recommend studying Manchester Met. I found the BA (Hons) Craft really creative and freeing; I learned about making processes, how to research and write essays, which I surprisingly fell in love with. At Manchester Met, you’re surrounded by many students and creatives to collaborate with as well as amazing workshops equipped with skilled technicians ready to help. The tutors and academics here are brilliant too, they are excellent guides for creating contemporary artwork and working in the professional field. They regularly share opportunities and create links for you with the creative community in the city which is really a treasured experience to have whilst in university.

“The support I’ve received here has led to some wonderful and unexpected opportunities. Later this year I look forward to exhibiting in the prestigious Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and I’ve been approached to collaborate with other artists too which is exciting.”

‘In-Between’, 2024

Jessica’s artwork is predominantly influenced by her experience of moving to the UK from Hong Kong. Through her work she metaphorically links her physical and cultural transition to the flux and change found in the materials she uses. Exploring diverse glazes, their chemical properties and melting points has been a crucial part of her innovative process. This has led Jessica to challenge traditional ceramic conventions by elevating glaze, a material typically used for decoration or function, to the role of sculptural material. “I am excited to continue using ceramics and glaze to artistically explore themes of belonging, inclusive society, and the relationships between landscape, people, and material.”

Jessica expressed how she loves “making direct contact with clay, as a material it has endless possibility for creativity. It feels like revealing what lies beneath the ground, and I have discovered the secret of alchemy. I have been expanding my practice through writing, I find writing really helps my artistic practice, it brings me new perspectives. I was so surprised that I enjoyed writing so much because I used to hate it. I think that’s why I didn’t expect to be presented the highly commended award of the Manchester Met Design Contexts category. I am really proud to be acknowledged by such a great institution for my work, it’s given me more confidence in myself. This recognition will really benefit my future when applying for future opportunities, helping me stand out in a competitive sector.”