Laura Blight
Lecturer, Commercial Photography BA(Hons)
Laura Blight is a visual practitioner and educator, with a background in commercial stills production. Originally from Essex, Laura lived and worked in London for 10 years before joining Falmouth University as a full-time Lecturer on the BA Commercial Photography course in September 2021. Laura also teaches across two modules on the BA Photography course. Prior to this in 2018, Laura received a Distinction in MA Photography at University of the Arts : London College of Communication and also worked at Norwich University of the Arts, whilst completing a PGCert in Creative Education at University for the Arts in 2021.
Laura recently gave a presentation titled ‘Invisible Worlds: The Interplay of Photography, Death, and Commemoration’ at the Death X Design X Culture conference hosted by the Graphic Design department at Falmouth University. Traces left by human activity are recurring themes throughout Laura’s work and her collection of dust works, including images and text are published in the book chapter titled ‘Transitional Objects - Collecting, Recollecting and Reconning in’ in the publication ‘Locating the Self, Welcoming the Other’ by Valérie Morisson in 2022. Laura has exhibited internationally including, the Arles International Festival of Photography in France and Pingyao Photography Festival in China.
Laura brings 10 years of production and art-buying experience to Falmouth, from commissioning small editorial shoots to large advertising campaigns. She has worked for advertising agencies in London and Sydney including Saatchi & Saatchi. Laura has also worked as a freelance stills-producer with photography agencies across London including Making Pictures and Concrete Represents.
External Links
Qualifications
Qualifications
| Year | Qualification | Awarding body |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | PGCert - Creative Education (Advance HE Fellowship) | University for the Arts |
| 2018 | Masters in Photography | London College of Communication |
| 2010 | Photography BA(Hons) | Middlesex University |
| 2024 | NOCN Level 1 Award in Trade Unions Today |
Research Interests
Research interests and expertise
My interdisciplinary research based practice draws on the familiar and unknown in domestic environments to explore themes of materiality, absence and loss. I use photography as a tool to explore transitional objects and spaces, working with organic materials such as domestic dust. Grotesque material, such as domestic dirt, contextualises my photographic artworks in the realm of abject art. The dust I collect and use in my practice represents the physical manifestation of human presence and acts as a multilayered symbol of embodied memory and cultural repression.
Research topics
- Domestic environments
- Materiality + organic materials
- Transitional objects + spaces
- Absence
- Loss + grief
- Abjection
- Embodied memory
Research Outputs
Publications and research outputs
Externally funded research grants information
| Collaborators | Currency | Funder | HESA Category | Project title | Value | Year ending | Year starting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding awarded by the 'Arts Health early Career Research Network' team from UCL and University of Toronto to support the ECR career development of those working at the intersection of the arts, humanities and health. |
Arts Health early Career Research Network | 2023 |
Professional Engagement
Independent professional practice
During September 2024, Laura gave a presentation titled 'Invisible Worlds: The Interplay of Photography, Death, and Commemoration' at the Death X Design X Culture conference titled 'Radical Re-imaginings for the end of life'. The conference was hosted by the Department of Graphic Design, Falmouth University (UK), and the Death and Culture Network, University of York (UK); in partnership with the Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan (USA), and the Glasgow End of Life Studies Group, University of Glasgow (UK).
In May 2024, Laura was invited to participate in a group exhibition titled 'UK Women: British Women Photography between Social Criticism and Identity' featuring 28 female photographers whose collective works show how the medium of photography has developed since the 1970s. The group exhibition included strong themes of social critique, migration, gender identity, community, loss, role stereotypes and diversity. The exhibition was a collaboration between IKS PHOTO and the Ludwiggalerie Schloss in Oberhausen, Germany between May - September 2024.
Social, community and cultural engagement
- During the Summer of 2023, I was the academic lead for the Go Abroad: Cultural Immersion Programme, leading a group of students from cross-disciplinary courses to Malaysia. The overseas programme was a collaboration between Falmouth & Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur. The programme also partners with staff and students from Lancaster and Birmingham Universities. During the four-week programme, I was able to foster my own connections with other students and academics at Sunway and more specifically with The School of Art. I was invited to speak about my research-based practice and industry experience to staff and students from TSOA. I also arranged visits for UK and Sunway based students to visit artists and creative spaces outside of the programme, including The Zhongshan Building; an arts and research hub in Kuala Lumpur.
- During Feb-March (2022) Laura was a creative lead for Springboard Studios at Falmouth University. An institution-wide wellbeing and employability research funded programme, Laura ran a series of photographic led workshops focusing on playful, mindful and tactile activities to encourage students to reconnect with themselves and creativity in a non-assessed, process led way.
- Arts Lab - 2024 - Arts Lab is a creative wellbeing programme by and for young people in Cornwall, delivered by HeadStart Kernow, FEAST and Arts Well.
- The aim of this programme is to address the mental and emotional health needs of young people, with particular attention to the impact of the pandemic, and to connect them to their local communities, giving them visibility and an outlet for self-expression. We are using the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a foundation for the creative projects.
- External funding awarded.
Engagement with professional associations and societies
In 2023, I was selected by Falmouth University to take part in the 22/23 Aurora programme; an Advance HE leadership development initiative for women, demonstrating my commitment to developing and enhancing my leadership skills. My leadership aspirations for the future are to be a positive role model for emerging photographic practitioners and to help create equal opportunities between genders entering the creative industries.
In September 2024, Laura hosted a Menopause webinar for members from the South West Equality Network through the University and College Union with guest speakers.
