Matt Russell is a student at Gray's School of Art at the Robert Gordon University. He specialises in textiles and surface design.

In his first blog for STV Local Aberdeen City, he writes about winning a City Guild of Aberdeen award…

“Last month the City Guild of Aberdeen hosted an intimate awards ceremony where I presented my research and development which led to my winning weaving samples and weavers’ guild award.

I gave a presentation exploring my work, thought process and development leading onto how beneficial the cash sum the guild presented me with contributed to my research and studying in Nanjing in China last March. When I was there I researched textiles of the east as well as Chinese culture and language.

I was delighted to receive the award from the guild and it was a wonderful privilege to be given a dedicated night to my work.

There was a private tour of the guild property where there were hundreds of magnificent paintings and priceless chairs and artefacts dating back to the 12th century. I was given an insight into historical pieces the public are unable to normally witness. It was such an inspiration.

My research for pattern, colour and tone began at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens where they have a fantastic array of exotic plants and flowers.

I also researched traditional weaving methods at the Edinburgh weaving mill as well as an in-depth visit to Lanark Weaving Mill museum where I learned the traditional methods and principles of Scottish weaving.

I took the colour texture and tone research from the botanic gardens and combined it with the traditional methods of Scottish weaving. I created these designs which explored both the exotic as well as the local.

I used some innovative materials such as the coloured branches - which are seen in a range of warm and earthy colours giving a contrast to the soft and versatile wools and chenille.

I would like to thank the Weavers’ Guild of Aberdeen for contributing to my trip to China which was incredibly beneficial. It was also an incredible privilege to be invited to the City Guild and be given such a warm welcome at the ceremony along with a wonderful insight into Aberdeen’s past and future."

You can read more about Matt’s trip to China and his other projects at www.artnthat.blogspot.com.

Click here to view some of Matt's designs.