Alumnae spotlight: Daisy Collingridge

Daisy Collingridge, Class of 2009

After leaving Croydon High, Daisy went on to Loughborough University for an Art Foundation Diploma; she then took a BA diploma in fashion design womenswear at Central St Martins.

Daisy is an artist whose multi-disciplinary work investigates the human form as the central theme. Her ‘flesh suits’ or Squishies investigate the human form and are an exploration of fabric, form and flesh, straddling sculpture, theatre and art. Her exaggerated bodily forms provoke questions about the body and its potential; each piece has its own personality. Their colour exaggerates the warmth and softness of flesh, elements which signify a living thing. There is a desire to touch. Fabric offers skin-like qualities that traditional sculpting materials do not have. Unlike marble or ceramic, they will not last forever, just like skin. The medium is more approachable and laced with meaning, given that we all encounter fabric on a daily basis. At the core of the work is a celebration of the human form, this complex body that we all exist in for a time.

Daisy says, “I like the idea of bringing something to life; there is magic in animation. The transition of the suits from fleshy bodies on the floor to being worn and full of life is my favourite part of the whole process. There is something comforting and liberating about wearing the suits; on the one hand, your own identity is masked, so there is this freedom to take on another identity, and you are also wearing a hug.”

Daisy has exhibited at numerous exhibitions and residences since 2018, and most recently, her first solo exhibition, ‘Splanchnic’, at TJ Boulting in London, which our Head of Art & 3D Design and Director of Teaching & Learning, Mrs Smith, was delighted to view. She told us this about the exhibition: “I loved being able to see these beautiful textile/sculptures close up; they are so tactile from the huge scale pieces to the intricate human forms, and being able to climb inside the large head enabled you to view the exhibition from a whole new angle. Everything was handmade, from the dying of the fabrics to the wall textiles and sculptures; it was a really fantastic immersive experience.”

We caught up with Daisy recently for a Q&A session:

What aspects of Croydon High School did you enjoy and find most rewarding?

The art department at Croydon High was amazing. We were given formal art history knowledge and practical skills, but crucially, we received encouragement to be free and explore. The art department was so well kitted out (better than some universities), and it was all there ready for us to use. I still adopt the techniques I learned in the extracurricular Life Drawing classes Croydon High provided. Studying art (at AS and A-level) is one of the best ways to prepare for university education, as art relies a lot more on self-motivated work than any other subject at that level (in my opinion). I guess I found the freedom to direct my own learning the most rewarding.

What did you aspire to whilst at school?

I think I aspired to be an athlete for most of my school years. But generally, I am a pretty ambitious and driven person, so I guess I aspired to be the best that I could be.

How did Croydon High School empower you for your future?

I enjoyed school; I know that’s not everyone’s experience, especially for many people who now work in the arts. The breadth of opportunities outside the classroom (sports, drama, singing and Duke of Edinburgh) gave me a variety of skills and experiences that shaped me as a person and gave me the tools to be adaptable in a career which requires a variety of skill sets. The education at Croydon High gave me a strong work ethic. I always had faith that working hard would pay off. On reflection, that may be a little flawed as a mantra for life, but I still believe a good work ethic is a valuable trait to have.

What has been your proudest moment?

My recent solo exhibition in London has been a long-term goal of mine, so I am pretty proud to have made that a reality. It’s been a culmination of many years of work, so it feels amazing to finally reach that milestone.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope I can stay healthy so that I can continue being a full-time artist and expand my practice into more public-facing sculpture. This would mean learning some structural engineering and fabrication techniques, which sounds fun. I would also like to rescue another cat (or two).

What would you say to your 15-year-old self?

Relish being at school where the opportunity for learning is everywhere; it is amazing how quickly you miss learning new things. Believe in chasing dreams. Know and understand that it is difficult sometimes and do your best to ignore people when they say you should get a proper job. If money is your goal, follow another dream!

Thank you, Daisy, we look forward to following your exciting career and wish you all the very best.

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager