Student art at Jigsaw

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Student art in the spotlight at Jigsaw shop in Bath

Three Bath Spa University students have been selected by Jigsaw Foundation to have their artwork exhibited, and on sale, in the luxury fashion brand’s Bath store.

Bath Spa University collaborated with Jigsaw Foundation to develop an opportunity to professionally showcase student art. The project focused on work inspired by the theme of ‘identity’, aligning with artist Lubaina Himid’s current exhibition ‘Lost Threads’ at the Holbourne Museum, sponsored by the Jigsaw Foundation.

Searching for three artists

After an open call to students studying in the subject area of Art, project applications were whittled down by Jigsaw Foundation and the Holbourne Museum curatorial team. The three successful candidates were:

• Tim Southall, MA Fine Art
• Lillie Ruffels, BA (Hons) Creative Arts Practice
• Amelia Kerr, BA (Hons) Fine Art

Celebrating remarkable artwork

Jigsaw hosted a celebratory launch in-store. Invited guests enjoyed a glass of fizz, immersing themselves in the exhibition showcasing the remarkable student art that’s now available for everyone to enjoy. The artists joined the festivities, sharing insights into the inspiration behind their work.

Lillie presents a collection of sculpture, ceramic, and acrylic and oil pastel prints in the exhibition. Lillie said:

“These pieces are heavily inspired by the outdoors, and the childhood I had growing up in it, so it’s especially nice to have these artworks selected because they have such wholesome beginnings.”

Tim presents a brass sculpture titled 'Open to Truth’. Tim said:

"As a Quaker, I created Open to Truth after learning the uncomfortable truths about how Bristol Quakers and others in the 18th-century benefitted from the inhumane trafficking of enslaved people from West Africa. I want Open to Truth to provoke conversations about the need for repair, renewal, and reparations for the descendants of these enslaved people."

Amelia presents a collection of mixed media and oil paint on canvas pieces titled 'Chaos in the Deep', 'View from Wheal Owles' and ‘Celtic abundance'. Amelia is encapsulated by the megalithic aquatic movements and has created an extensive body of work inspired by the Celtic Sea, communicating a passion for the place Amelia calls home.

Creating new experiences for everyone

The project opened up the opportunity for the student artists to experience having their work exhibited professionally, to discuss their work at a launch, and to have their art on display to the public.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Tim said:

"I am excited that Open to Truth has been selected (…) as I am keen to show my artwork to as wide an audience as possible.”

Lillie added:

”Having my art displayed in this environment is very new and exciting to me. (…) The more people that see my artwork the better, because more perspectives can be drawn from it.”

Speaking about the project, subject leader for Art, Dr Natasha Kidd, said:

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Jigsaw Foundation in creating new learning experiences and opportunities for students to showcase their work professionally. We're really excited by the potential this collaboration has going forward."

Lillie, Tim and Amelia’s art is on display for the next month during shop opening hours at Jigsaw in Bath.