Being an artist is not what I do, it's who I am. As such I perceive the world around me as a visual feast to be explored, the beauty, the ugliness - and sometimes the emotional experiences both painful and joyful - inspire a creative response in me.
Until last year I had not had the opportunity, or facilities, to learn about the ways in which I might do this 3 dimensionally, despite always having a strong desire to do so. I reached a point in my life where if I didn't just go for it and follow the dream I would never have that opportunity. I decided to take a course. Initially I intended to apply to do a Masters degree, but I was aware my portfolio was not up to date and needed some work. I requested a few prospectuses and decided to do a few short courses in order to be able to apply a year later. I also spoke with some artist friends and talked about various options. I showed my portfolio to a friend of mine and he mentioned Heatherley's - I remember him getting a little excited, along the lines of - 'Omigod - you would love it there - it's just your kind of thing, you have to call them right now, term starts next week'. I did call, and that very afternoon I took my portfolio down to Lots Road, met a very charming man called Tony, who had a quick look through my stuff, and a chat about art and the like...not so long short story; I signed up for the Continuing Studies course as soon as we had shaken hands and he had pointed me in the direction of the lovely Mary in the office. Three days into my course I had my first experience of sculpture with Veronica Ricks, the head of the sculpture department. After a chat about my desire to do sculpture she mentioned that someone had dropped out of the sculpture diploma course and a place was now available - I thought for about a second - actually I don't think it even took that long - and said 'yes please', but if I remember correctly, I think my words were a little more effusive, and perhaps even 'colourful'.
I had some saving put aside; as an investment in my future, what better use could I put them to than to a course designed to teach me to apply my abilities to a future career doing something I love. After all, that to me seems to be the ultimate - to do a job you love, and be able to support yourself while doing so.
I fell in love with Heatherley's - pretty much at first sight. I have this sense of coming home every time I walk onto the grounds. Within it's walls I find endless inspiration - from my tutors, my surroundings, my fellow students......I have this theory that something emanates from the very walls. Something ephemeral and intrinsic that speaks to my soul. The last year at Heatherley's has been one of the happiest and creatively inspiring of my life. Taking this course may prove to be the best decision I ever made.
The hardest thing about this course is that the holidays between the terms are too long, and the days on it go far too quickly, and that those days only number 3 out of a possible 7.
Jess Brass
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