06/12/2022
With all the changes recently, I've been reflecting on the people that have been part of the Textile & Design Lab - the students, researchers, industry partners, clients, staff, and the many others that support and keep the lab going. Among these are four people to whom I personally owe a debt of gratitude. I've also been reminded of the community around the lab, and that it exists only because of them.
As the Textile & Design Lab closes this week, we recognise the foresight of Frances Joseph and Mandy Smith, who 17 years ago saw the potential of the lab and sought the funding to establish the TDL as a part of AUT University. And alongside them, Peter Heslop and Gordon Fraser who ran the lab with professionalism, generosity, and a fair helping of patience, sharing their knowledge with openness to all.
There have been so many stories shared in recent weeks - We’re in awe at the vision of it all; at the community of students and researchers you fostered, the relationships you built in Aotearoa and far wider around the globe, and the people that you helped to grow into a myriad of practices and careers – people that have taken that knowledge and experience out into the world and are achieving great things. We are a tight knit community, from a small corner of the world. Yet we know we can make a difference. You have convinced us of this. We trust your belief in us and our ideas.
I’m privileged to have you all in my journey, as a student and now as a colleague. I know there are many others who feel the same way. Technologies are nothing without people. Frances, Mandy, Peter, Gordon - thank you for your tireless energy in growing a thriving and passionate textiles community, creating a welcoming place for us, and a respectful and inspiring space for our ideas.
Ngā mihi maioha,
Jyoti
