Photography & Print graduate Verity Waterfield has celebrated an exciting milestone in their creative career, being selected for a Pride exhibition at Bristol Folk House.
Running over the summer break, the exhibition celebrated queer identity and creativity, providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ artists to share their work.
Reflecting on studying Photography & Print at Boomsatsuma, Verity credits the course with helping to build confidence, develop new skills and discover belonging within the creative industry.
“Boomsatsuma gave me so much confidence and perspective in what I can achieve. It had so many opportunities that I would not have got anywhere else, I am super grateful to have been part of it.”
After responding to an open call for submissions, Verity was delighted to be selected.
“For it to be a Pride exhibition as well meant so much to me! As a queer person myself, it makes me feel really proud to bring something of mine to my community and help create a safe space,” Verity said.
The work selected for the exhibition was part of Enigma, a larger project Verity developed at Boomsatsuma.
The exhibited image tells the story of a transgender woman and what her identity means to her.
For Verity, the most important part of the project was ensuring that the people photographed had control over how their stories were represented.
“My inspiration came from the people involved themselves – I wanted the project to be fully about them and how they want to be portrayed.”
This people-centred approach has become a defining part of Verity’s creative practice, combining photography with a passion for helping others explore and express their identities.
“I was super excited to be selected for this exhibition as this was the first time I had ever been chosen for an exterior exhibit!”
Verity Waterfield – BA (Hons) Photography and Print graduate
Alongside developing photography and print skills, Verity particularly valued the opportunity to experiment with different creative formats, including bookmaking, magazine design and creating physical presentation boxes.
“I love that as well as developing your photographic work, you also learn how to make and create books, magazines and boxes. It really helped me to find my place in the creative industry.”
Verity is also currently training to become a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant, hoping to encourage young people to express themselves creatively and pursue their interests.
For current and future Photography & Print students hoping to exhibit their work or pursue a creative career, Verity has one simple message: take every opportunity and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
“Be creative and make mistakes because you never know where it could lead.”
“If you want to get your work out there, start doing it! You are likely to get selected for something if you keep trying and are passionate in what you do.”
Congratulations to Verity on this fantastic achievement!
Interested in following in Verity’s footsteps? Discover our Photography & Print degree and explore how you could develop your creative skills, find your voice and turn your passion into future opportunities.
Book onto an Open Day here: https://www.boomsatsuma.com/open-days/
