Creative Work
PATSY FRASER
The process of creating is more than just a physical action; it’s the deliberate choices made at every stage of the creative journey that shape the unique personality of a final piece. When designing for performance, my focus is on selecting the medium and technique that best convey the atmosphere and emotional essence of a production. My passion for experimentation results in a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques within my work.
Qualifications and Experience
After completing a foundation course at Epson School of Art and Design, I pursued a Theatre Design degree at Birmingham City University, where I graduated with a First-Class BA (Hons). During my studies, I developed a particular passion for designing for ballet and opera, which led me to undertake a postgraduate course at The Slade School of Art, UCL. Later, I completed a PGCE, specializing in education for students aged 14–19. My extensive teaching experience spans over twenty years and all ages and abilities, including young people with SEN and SEMH. My forte lies in breaking through learning barriers and uncovering extraordinary abilities that were once hidden.
Showcase and Classes
On my Showcase page, you'll find a collection of videos and podcasts showcasing the diverse techniques and media I love to explore. Included is a time-lapse video featuring my work on life-sized figures—originally intended as costume designs for Electra and later incorporated into the set dressing. Theatre design takes many forms, and this piece highlights the expressive depth and versatility of emotive artwork.
On my Classes page, I offer live Zoom or Google Meet sessions for individual tutorials and small groups. Subjects include English Language and English Literature, as well as a range of Art and Design classes suitable for all levels of experience.
For more information, please email patsy@patsyfraser.com.
Research
History of Fashion and style around the world forms the foundation of my ongoing investigations. When researching and gathering ideas for a period production, I explore the multiple layers of information embedded not only in fabrics and materials, but also in the choices of styling that reflect the atmosphere and attitudes of a given era. This principle applies to all manmade creations, including architecture, furniture, textiles, fashion, and jewellery.
Fashion and textiles, typically the most rapidly evolving elements of design, offer a detailed snapshot of a specific moment in time. However, due to the perishable nature of fabrics, many garments are lost to history, surviving only through depictions in painting and sculpture.
