In a season of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays and finding that must-have festive gift for your loved one, we can sometimes overlook our local businesses and talented entrepreneurs.
Leeds Arts Union and the Conscious Creative Society are encouraging shoppers to support a pool of multi- talented artists that we have with us right here on campus. Delivering ideas to those looking for something unique, independent and completely original this Christmas through The Art Aisle.
The Conscious Creatives Society was born to encourage responsible and sustainable activity from students. Their sole aim is to educate, promote and celebrate sustainable and social responsibility throughout the University. Guy Parsons is a final year BA (Hons) Illustration student and also Co-president of the society.
Guy told us: "We tend to bring students together through workshops, action days and collaborative projects.
"In our recent conscious festive activity week, we held two workshops. One for sustainable decoration making, and another making gift boxes for Simon on the Streets. From crafting paper garments that can be reused and recycled to participating in an origami tutorial - everyone was free to take home what they made knowing it was a completely sustainable end product. In the gift box workshop, we created and decorated card boxes that were low waste, and donated them to the RAG society food campaign for Simon on the Streets.
These workshops were great fun, and the collaboration was great for meeting new people interested in similar subjects. We will certainly hold more workshops in the near future!"
The society also ran a campaign promoting local and conscious makers in our very own University, as well as around the city of Leeds.
So, if you’re looking for something to decorate your new bedroom or house? Maybe you’re looking for a gift for a friend or loved one? Look no further than Leeds Art Union’s online student marketplace, The Art Aisle!
Choose from an array of student and alumni websites, Etsy shops and Instagram shops, gathered together under one roof.
Lorna Robey is a Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design alumni now working in the field with stunning prints, illustrations and one offs to buy straight out of her studio In Leeds.
Image: Lorna Robey, Textile Design 2019, Website
Or check out Koheenor Kamal, a recent BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate, who is now a multidisciplinary practitioner. Koheenor’s work highlights inclusion and accessibility using bright and bold colour palettes which utilise minimalist structured designs. She is as much influenced by traditional design concepts as she is by other forms of media such as cinema, photography and illustrative movements.
Image: Koheenor Kamal Website
Shop local, shop small, shop LAU this Christmas.