Over the coming months, we are shining a spotlight on RSN Degree Alumni to hear where the BA (Hons) in Hand Embroidery has led them. The first question that all potential students want to know the answer to is, “What career opportunities are there following my RSN Degree studies?” 

This month, you can read about Livia Papiernik who graduated in 2018.

Following her graduation, Livia Papiernik, immediately headed to New Delhi, India, for three months where she interned for Manish Arora.  Arora is regarded by many as ‘the John Galliano of India’ and known for his psychedelic colour palette and kitsch motifs in garments that combine traditional Indian crafts like embroidery, Appliqué and beading with Western silhouettes. Livia was also thrilled to work for the brand during their show at Paris Fashion Week.

On her return from India, Livia exhibited her graduate collection at Première Vision Paris, ‘the global event for fashion professionals’, as part of the TexSelect team of young designers. Following the international trade show, she then established herself as a Freelancer worked on some teaching jobs in both the UK and abroad, as well as working as an Embroiderer for fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou, Zandra Rhodes and Ralph & Russo.

Livia says: “I am currently studying an MA at the Royal College of Arts (RCA) on the textile mixed media course, going into my final year this September. Since being on my MA, my practice has taken a little bit of a turn, moving away from fashion for now and into more large scale multi-media artworks, which vary from print and stitch to digital artworks. As always, however, my work remains rooted in the depictions of personal stories that comment on our world’s current social and ecological situations. Once I graduate, I am looking to sell my own work as well as working on large community and space-based commissions.

My most recent project, ’10 Years in Lockdown’, was one I developed during quarantine and was inspired by the building I live in and the anxiety of feeling trapped whilst simultaneously trying to see the beauty in the every day. There isn’t much embroidery on this collection as I was working mostly through digital mediums which could translate easier to people on social media.

I have also started a podcast during lockdown called ‘Artists in Pyjamas’, with an artist and a friend of mine from the RCA. The podcast is about being art students and entering the art world, with the aim of sharing advice, support, and building a community of young creatives that support one another. It’s available on Spotify, Cast and Apple.”

Livia’s most recent multi-media artwork, ‘Underwonder’, has the aim of opening up the world of embroidery to everyone. In this film, Livia talks us through ‘Underwonder’, and her inspiration and ideas behind this wonderful project, which is bound to ignite something in the viewer.  Watch the video here.

You can follow Livia on her Instagram page.