Digswell Arts ceramicist Ruta Bartkeviciute, based at the Fenners studios in Letchworth, has reached the final in Liberty of London’s #LibertyOpenCall 2018.

Liberty, the world-famous London department to store, is “on a mission to find the UK’s best untapped interior design talent” and last week announced the 12 finalists on their website: http://www.libertylondon.com/uk/instore-pages/liberty-open-call.html

In January 2018 Liberty invited designers, craftsmen and women, and makers to upload a photo of their product to Instagram using the hashtag #LibertyOpenCall or the chance to be stocked in Liberty’s renowned home department, which showcases diverse artisans and products from across the globe.
Over 9,500 entries were received and products ranging from offbeat colourful ceramics, vibrant paintings and handmade furniture to knitted wool toys, jewellery and stationary sets were uploaded to Instagram, tagged with the hashtag #LiberyOpenCall.

The buying team at Liberty have painstakingly narrowed down to a shortlist of 12 and Digswell Art’s Ruta is one of the talented finalists. Liberty is now asking the public to help them by taking part in an interest vote to decide on a winner. The public voting closes on the 25th February 2018.
After the deadline the store panel will then make the final decision and work with the winner to make their product available for the big reveal during London Craft Week in May. Liberty says that the legendary department store “strives to seek out, nurture and promote emerging design talent”.

To view Ruta’s entry please visit: http://www.libertylondon.com/uk/instore-pages/liberty-open-call.html

Ruta Bartkeviciute studied at Vilnius Academy of Art and gained a Master’s degree in 2013. Ruta’s work is inspired by ancient Baltic symbols, particularly the tree of life and imagery found within nature. Her illustrative surface patterns are given a contemporary feel owing to a joyful mix of a distinctive colour palette and style, inspired by subtle references in Lithuanian folk art. Each ceramic piece explores themes ranging from nature, harmony, love and happiness. When viewed, Ruta’s ceramic work creates a permanent feeling of spring and optimism.

The Digswell Arts Trust has a long and celebrated history with ceramics, having once granted the internationally renowned potter Hans Coper a studio in the 1960s and whose work is now part of the permanent collections of the V&A in London and housed in art gallery and museum collections around the world.

Over the weekend of 23rd, 24th and 25th of March, Digswell Arts will be hosting a Hey Clay! event, a national celebration of clay organised by the Crafts Council and part of the BBC’s ‘Get Creative’ Festival. Ruta will be taking part, as will other ceramicist’s based at Digswell Arts. For more information on the Hey Clay! event please visit: http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/listings/hey-clay-at-digswell-arts-trust/

To see other examples of Ruta’s ceramics please visit: http://www.rutabceramics.com