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Securing a spot as an Artist in Residence at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Leicester (ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥), is giving a valuable opportunity to develop her skills as a designer-maker.

The Design Crafts BA (Hons) alumna applied for ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥’s yearlong programme because it provides successful graduates with a studio space and access to its cutting-edge facilities, enabling them to hone their craft ahead of embarking on their career.

“It’s the greatest opportunity after graduating,” said the 22-year-old from India. “Entering the creative industries during a pandemic is particularly challenging, so having this extra time to experiment, research, design and make is so helpful.”

“I have my own studio and access to all of the workshops for free, so I only have the cost of my materials to pay.

“Another big benefit is that I’ll also get to work closely with Design Crafts module leaders, to draw up and plan sessions, so I’ll get to give back to and support current students on my degree.”

After exploring a wide range of disciplines during the first two years of her degree, Parneet decided to pursue ceramics and is passionate about creating functional objects that people can interact with in their homes.

Working with slip casting and glazing, Parneet is busy developing a tableware collection including plates, bowls and sharing platters.

She said: “Coronavirus showed me how important it is for families to be present in each other’s lives, so my collection is about togetherness. It’s tactile and playful so that kids will look forward to meal times, chatting and making memories.

“I use soft pastel colours as I don’t want to take away from the food, and I incorporate textures inspired by nature.

“Every piece has a different texture hidden on the bottom, which feels nice to touch. My research shows that textured objects can help boost wellbeing, which is something we all need more than ever.”

The pandemic also gave Parneet time to branch out into other projects, such as making jewellery with reclaimed clay.

“Ceramics is not always a very sustainable craft, so I’m trying to reclaim what I can, as I’d like my practice to be as green as possible. This is why I’m taking time to do lots of research during my residency, in the hopes that I can expand into making cutlery and lighting too.”

With less physical opportunities to showcase her work at the height of Covid-19, Parneet is hoping that over the next year she can gain exposure by attending exhibitions and entering competitions.

She has also applied to work with an artist through Graduate Champions, a ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ scheme enabling businesses to recruit graduates onto internships funded by the university.

Parneet said: “I’m saying ‘yes’ to everything and taking advantage of every opportunity I can. I’m already learning so many skills which are opening many options for me as a designer-maker.”

Before embarking on her degree, Parneet enrolled onto ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥’s International Year Zero (IYZ) in Art and Design, which introduced her to the subject at the same time as developing her skills in English language, communication and IT.

“Even though I’ve been around many crafts from a young age, I didn’t have a portfolio of work to apply to the Design Crafts degree with, but the IYZ gave me that and more. It eased my transition into university and I loved every bit of it,” she said.

“I just love ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ as a whole and that’s why I didn’t want to leave. All of the technicians and tutors have been fantastic, giving me lots of one-to-ones to make sure I settled in. I’ve built relationships with them that I will cherish for years to come.

“Leicester in itself is a very multicultural and diverse city, so I’ve never really felt like I’m away from home. Moving here seemed like a small transition to me, helped by the support I had from ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ every step of the way.”