Freya Richards

BA (Hons) Artist Designer Maker


Our movement through the world is one of weave; in which a material body moves through the world as part of the environment it inhabits. Its intermittent impartation no more or less relevant than its fellow counterparts. As a designer maker, I feel, there is great value to be found in working intimately with a material; considering the finer details and delivering the required graft. Throughout one must adhere to the nature of the material at hand, remaining keenly aware of its sensibilities and allowing its restrictions to be accepted then embraced. An ebb and flow exists between maker and matter: a dance of creation wherein each agent plays their part, gently coaxing out hidden potential, rather than impressing will through force and contortion. My practice explores hybridity to create form. Copper is employed for its density and ability to hold its shape while leather offers a flexible but strong agent binding all together. Neither one is an effective form alone, but when united a tensile structure is created. In demonstration of this mechanisms promise for varied utilisation, I have created a collection of objects for different purposes, displaying various methods of construction. These forms range from the decorative observed to those with intended functionality. Throughout, I strive to find a delicate balance between two seemingly opposing materials: dense and supple coming together to create a harmonious, beautiful object.


Mae ein symud drwy’r byd yn un o wehyddu; lle bydd corff materol yn symud drwy’r byd yn rhan o’r amgylchedd mae’n trigo ynddo. A’i gyfraniad ysbeidiol yn ddim mwy na llai perthnasol na’i gyd-ymdeithwyr. A minnau’n ddylunydd-wneuthurwr, teimlaf fod gwerth mawr i’w gael drwy weithio’n agos gyda deunydd; gan ystyried y mân fanylion a rhoi’r gwaith llafur angenrheidiol i mewn. Er bydd rhaid glynu wrth natur y deunydd sydd wrth law, gan aros yn ymwybodol iawn o’i synwyrusrwydd a chaniatau i’w gyfyngiadau gael eu derbyn ac wedyn eu cofleidio. Mae llanw a thrai yn bodolirhwng gwneuthurwr a mater: dawns y greadigaeth lle bydd pob un â’i rhan, yn hudo allan yn dyner y potensial cudd yn hytrach na’i orfodi a’i ymgordeddu. Mae fy ymarfer yn archwilio natur hybrid i greu ffurf. Defnyddir copr am ei ddwysedd a’i allu i gadw ei siâp ac mae lledr yn hyblyg ond yn gryf sy’n clymu popeth wrth ei gilydd. Nid oes un yn ffurf effeithiol ar ei phen ei hun ond, wedi’u cyfuno, caiff darn tynnol ei greu. I ddangos addewid y mecanweithiau hyn ar gyfer gwahanol ddefnyddiau amrywiol, rwyf wedi creu casgliad o wrthrychau at ddibenion gwahanol sydd wedi’u llunio drwy wahanol ddulliau. Drwy hyn i gyd rwy’n ceisio cael hyd i gydbwysedd ysgafn rhwng dau ddefnydd sydd i bob pwrpas yn groes i’w gilydd: y dwys a’r hyblyg yn dod at ei gilydd i greu gwrthrych hardd cytun.

Other Exhibitors:

Kelly Sorcha Handy

Kelly Sorcha Handy

I am a craftsperson and textile artist, from Eryri. My work is very process-led and I specialise in felting, surface pattern design, and weaving. The main themes of my work are home, identity, and ecology. This project has been an exploration of coping with grief and...

Ella Taylor

Ella Taylor

I am a maker that works with wood and ceramics. For this collection I have created pendant lights and table lamps. These products are presented as exclusive decorative pieces but are also entirely functional. I show the natural beauty of wood by enhancing its grain...

Miranda Vaughan Kett

Miranda Vaughan Kett

‘Like Salmon’ is a contemporary sculpture collection on the theme of nostalgia and longing. The pieces are displayed in the format of a Wunderkammer – making a museum of my own memories. The contents of each vitrine refer to a particular memory from my family’s...

Carla Prinsloo

Carla Prinsloo

We have recently witnessed a steep rise in discussions about mental health, but this is not matched by levels of support provided, I design and make objects that aim to support mental wellness. These objects use light as well as visual patterns and textures designed...

Mary-Morgan Griffiths

Mary-Morgan Griffiths

My art is a manifestation of my special interests and a way to honour and nourish my inner child whilst addressing topics of neurodivergence and mental illness. Inspired by natural phenomena, patterns and textures, my work often has visual and tactile elements to...

Millie Rose Belding

Millie Rose Belding

I am a Welsh artist and designer specialising in Ceramics and Textiles. My work focuses on promoting sustainability in the design and production of a series of decorative homewares. This design series is inspired by traditional Welsh blanket design, it seeks to...