A PAISLEY jewellery designer who left school at 16 because she could not do art in sixth year is one of hundreds of talented students taking part in the prestigious Glasgow School of Art degree shows this week.

Sarah McQuarrie had always planned to study art, but when her school did not offer an Advanced Higher course, she left.

Glasgow Times: Glasgow School of Art degree show at the Stow building. Pictured is Sarah Louise McQuarrie, Silversmithing & Jewellery graduating student. She is pictured holding a brooch...Photograph by Colin Mearns.31 May 2022.For Glasgow Times, see story by Ann

“I joined a Saturday class in jewellery-making at City of Glasgow College as a hobby, and fell in love with it,” smiles Sarah.

“I’d never seen jewellery from an art perspective before, and I was fascinated. I completed an HND then applied to Glasgow School of Art.

"It was one of the proudest days of my life when I was accepted.”

Glasgow Times: Glasgow School of Art degree show at the Stow building. Pictured is Sarah Louise McQuarrie, Silversmithing & Jewellery graduating student. She is pictured wearing some of her creations...Photograph by Colin Mearns.31 May 2022.For Glasgow Times, see

She adds: “I grew up with the history and reputation of this world-renowned art school on my doorstep.

"It has been the most rewarding experience becoming part of the GSA community, meeting lifelong friends and having the support and opportunities provided by the silversmithing and jewellery department.”

Defined By Light, Sarah’s stunning collection for the degree show - which runs until June 19, was inspired by memories of people and places she focussed on during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Glasgow artist's first exhibition is inside city's Woodside flats

“I have so many cherished memories of watching sunsets and sunrises, of camping and watching the night sky, the lights across a busy cityscape, fireworks, and celebrations,” she says.

“All things I had no access to during lockdown. Light became a reminder of these moments and I wanted to channel that into my work, to create wearable mementos.

“For me, jewellery-making is a calming, meditative process that allows me to turn daydreaming into productivity.”

Glasgow Times: Glasgow School of Art degree show at the Stow building. Pictured is graduating textiles student Aya Fetah with a prayer mat...Photograph by Colin Mearns.31 May 2022.For Glasgow Times, see story by Ann Fotheringham.

Talented textile graduate Aya Fetah grew up in Townhead.

“I used to walk by Glasgow School of Art every day, and had school trips there each year,” she explains.

“I always found the building and atmosphere to be mesmerising.”

Aya wanted to use her love of textiles and art to showcase her culture and religion.

“As both a Muslim and Kurd, I found I could use art to educate my audience on the things my culture is based on,” she explains.

Her collection includes calligraphy art, woven baskets and specially designed prayer mats.