Pauline Oliver Textiles/School of sewing

Pauline Oliver
I was born and raised in Belfast, settling in Bangor, Co. Down. My mother was born in the Faroe Islands and while growing up she was taught the traditional crafts of knitting and dressmaking by her mother. These traditions were handed down to me at a very young age. While attending Glencairn Secondary school, Belfast, I was inspired by my teacher, Mrs Martin, to continue down the road of dressmaking.
In 1971 I won third place in the Singer European Stylemaker competition then went on to gain
first prize in The Spinningmill Competition.
In 1993 I completed City & Guilds Fashion Part One, 7802 at North Down and Ards Institute of further & higher education, and then went on to complete part two, this training taught me preparing working designs, hand craft production, extended fashion skills, and encouraged many explorations of materials and processes.
In 1997 I began part time teaching in Fashion. Through this career I developed my interest in Art and Textiles.
In 2004 I completed my PGCFHE and became an Associate Lecturer in Fashion & Textiles

In 2009 I completed a level 3 BTEC Foundation in Art & Design Course (Distinction) at South Eastern Regional College, Bangor, then went on to gain a BA Hons Fine & Applied Art , Textile Art, at University of Ulster, Belfast.

I am from a fashion background, having trained in pattern cutting and design; working with various types of fine fabrics. Recent exploration into textiles has added a new aspect to my work. Focusing on a different direction through the manipulation of natural and synthetic fibres, my work explores the process of ageing. My inspiration comes from my own body whose changes inspire me and encourage me to develop my own creative perception of them incorporating them into my own designs.