BACHELORETTE OF ART

Currently in the ‘third year’ of my Bachelorette of Art. This is my own version of a Fine Art Bachelor of Arts. I received a place at Newcastle University to study on their BA starting in September 2023. However, I couldn’t get there for a real concoction of reasons around childcare, access, time, degree cost and all the costs associated with going back to uni again. I decided to create my own structure to run alongside my care responsibilities and work.

I’ve mostly muddled through and made sense of some stuff after it has happened but below is a general idea of what I’ve been doing:

Year 1 (23/24) - worked within Lenka Clayton’s Artist Residency in Motherhood (ARIM) framework.

Year 2 (24/25) - The Collective Studio at The Newbridge Project.

Year 3 (25/26) - “placement year” - working as an Incidental Artist/Person on The Collective Studio alongside a shift in pace and focus. Rather than push, I’ve tried to work with the idea ‘Let what comes happen’. This has created a gentler flow. Lastly, I have mostly explored sculpture this year, which is something I had not considered before (Shock-Absorbers, Wired and Rewired).

Year 4 (26/27) - TBC

I have tried to recreate what I might have done if I had gone back to uni by:

• Studying Art History (and making work in response)

• Taking on a studio

• Applying to open calls - have had work in both group shows and a solo show

• Seeing as many shows/exhibitions as I can

• Learning new skills (screen printing/dark room developing and printing/painting)

• Exploring new materials (lego/concrete/natural dying)