First year student Liv Breckon gives us a sneak peek into life as a BA (Hons) Fine Art student in her first year at our school. Sharing snaps of her days in the studio you can see through workshops, studio time and hard work that her practice has expanded. Experimenting and learning skills in things like casting, photography and etching. Seeing the in-between bits of studying a fine art degree gives better insight into the everyday of a student, before hand-in’s and in the studio. Scroll to see some images and to read about what it’s been like to take the leap from our Foundation Diploma to degree:

You are in your first year of university studying fine art – how has that experience been? 

I have loved my first year experience. I was definitely a little overwhelmed at first due to the number of modules on the go at the same time, as well as the whole social aspect, however, the way that the weeks are structured definitely help with organisational skills and to keep you motivated, and everybody is so friendly and easy to talk to.

Being situated in the studio means that you’re constantly stimulated with creativity as everybody is always getting on with new things and exploring new media and processes which is exciting to see develop throughout each module. It also means that you can see everyone’s individual style and interests become more refined as we head into second year.

What new skills have you learnt? 

I have learnt so many new skills through workshops, such as carving/casting sculpture, welding, working in the textiles print rooms, photography/film, how to use oil paints etc. I have found all of the workshops very useful in helping me figure out what direction I want my personal practice to go. I am someone who loves working with lots of different media, so having the opportunities to explore so many different avenues is something that I will incorporate into all of my work in the future.

You studied Foundation in Middlesbrough, how do you feel that course prepared you for your degree?

I feel that the foundation course prepared me so much for my degree, I definitely wouldn’t feel as confident in my writing abilities, as well as figuring out new processes and media, if I hadn’t have done foundation. My foundation year was amazing and I couldn’t speak more highly of my experience there, it prepared me very well in beginning my degree at Hartlepool.

Tell us about your practice, has it changed since your time on foundation?

I am only just beginning to figure out my personal practice. I think that my foundation year exhibition was the best thing that I have produced as of yet, I loved working with textiles, photography and painting etc. This is something that I would like to bring forward into my current explorations. Workshops on my degree have definitely helped me to refine this though and made me certain that I am on the right path in developing my personal practice.

What is your favourite thing about the course?

I love the communal spirit in the studios, as well as the constant motivation and inspiration that we are surrounded by. We have complete creative freedom which the lecturers fully support and we are always pushed to better our ideas.

I also really enjoy art history sessions on a Friday. They are extremely informative and having some background and context on the movements and artists that have come before us which inspires everything we do.

Do you live on campus or at home?

I live at home, which is around a 20 minute bus journey away. I am someone who is very comfortable at home and I couldn’t picture myself living in halls. I like the fact that I can do my work throughout the day and go home to a space where I am able to switch off if needed, whereas, I feel that if I was living here I wouldn’t have that separation.

How do you find the campus and spaces, where do you socialize?

I think that’s the campus layout is very easy to navigate, and I enjoy the different locations where the library is and other courses. It helps to make the space feel less overwhelming and you always cross paths with people from other courses anyway. Due to previously coming from the Middlesbrough campus, I also recognise a lot of familiar faces etc which has massively helped with socialising, as this is something that I would usually be quite nervous about.

Do you get in involved with SU activities?

I don’t really get involved in SU activities. There are lots of interesting societies to join which explore a variety of different activities. I was going to sign up for life drawing but because I don’t live in halls and the time that it takes place it would be difficult for me to attend.

What advice would you have for fine art students looking to study a degree here?

Don’t worry about not having everything figured out yet, everything will gradually slot into place and come naturally throughout your time here 🙂

Finally, could you sum up your first year so far in three words?

Fun, enthusiastic and educational!

If you are interested in studying a degree in Fine Art find out more about our degree programme here. You can also book yourself on an open day to get a better idea of the campus, meet lecturers and speak to our current students. Our next Higher Education open day in Hartlepool is June 1st book on this open day to tour the campus, meet staff and fellow students.