Joy
Buttress

Research Project: Capturing space and unravelling beauty: The materiality and value of lace in contemporary art

"The aim of my research is to investigate and analyse the significance of the changing use of lace patterns and structures in contemporary art and design. I am using the Nottingham Trent University Lace Archive as a historical resource to study and explore new ideas in my own art practice that will lead to a new body of work.

"My PhD has deeply enriched my creative practice as an artist, increasing methods for self-reflection and critical analysis.

"I would like to use some of the skills I have gained to teach part-time in a university setting.

"NTU has given me a strong theoretical framework of knowledge that has built my confidence and developed my skills as a researcher. I have also been given the opportunity to build links with leading lace specialists and national museums that have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the subject."