Name: Jess Brass    
Course: Sculpture Diploma
Institution: The Heatherley School of Fine Art

Going on a course can be fun and informative – but it also has the potential to have a hugely positive effect on your life, and maybe even change it forever. Here, Jess Brass tells us about her course experience.

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, ugliness and emotional experiences inspire a creative response in me. Until last year, I hadn’t had the opportunity to learn about the ways in which I might do this three-dimensionally but 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.

Initially I intended to apply to do a master’s 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 some short courses in order to be able to apply a year later.
 
Getting started
I took my portfolio down to Heatherley’s at Lots Road and signed up for the continuing studies course. Three days into it, the head of the sculpture department mentioned that someone had dropped out of the sculpture diploma course and a place was available.

Labour of love
I had some savings put aside so what better use could I put them to than 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 enjoy and be able to support yourself at the same time.
I fell in love with Heatherley’s pretty much at first sight. I find endless inspiration there – from my tutors, my surroundings and my fellow students.

The last year at Heatherley’s has been one of the happiest and creative years of my life. Taking this course may prove to be the best decision I’ve ever made. The course is motivating, fun, informative, and supported by tutors with enthusiasm, dedication, knowledge and talent – all required in spades to cope with the tribulations that ensue when ‘mature students’ attempt to follow their dreams.

I just want to do everything, learn as much as I can, explore all the possibilities and try to step outside of my comfort zone. The course allows me to see possibilities instead of brick walls and experiment with ways of thinking and methods that may take my creative ideas to a whole new level. I have the tools at my disposal now. If any of you are thinking of taking a course I would say – just do it. Don’t even think twice.