In a recent conversation with esteemed educator and designer, Professor Chris Rose (University of Brighton UK & Rhode Island School of Design, USA), he offered these insightful words about the essence of creative work: “Make it to understand it”.

It is indeed the action of creating work that provides artists the opportunity to explore ideas and concepts in multiple dimensions. The process of creating work gives the artist an understanding of material, space, composition, structure, and ways of knowing that can only be discovered through creating form, whatever shape that takes. 

To make, is to bring something into existence. 

To give ideas form is akin to giving thoughts words. 

Whether it be transforming ideas through materials, sounds, imagery or context, the connection that develops between the hand and brain during this process often provides surprising outcomes, revealing a myriad of ways to think and see. It shows us that the “making” of art is critical to how we observe, understand, and communicate with the world around us. 

This group of graduates demonstrate a hunger for pushing their practice into new areas and for questioning their motives, along with a healthy willingness to learn by doing. 
Paint, photography, sensors, words, paper, fabric, glass, sound, ceramics, video, food, and hubcaps all have meaning, and presence in the hands of these artists. Over the past two years, ideas and skills have evolved to allow multiple forms of expression that support and expand their explorations. The artworks on display document these investigations, and at the same time provide the foundations for the next body of work each of these graduates will produce. It has been inspiring to witness the commitment and critical insights that underpin each project.

On behalf of the Master of Design and Graduate Diploma of Design programs, I would like to offer a sincere congratulations for the thoughtful work exhibited, as well as for all the preceding explorations undertaken. Thank-you for the engaging contribution you have made to the program over the course of your studies. We all look forward to watching you “make it” in the future.

Peter Walker
Program Director
Master of Design (Contemporary Art)