Tate
Young Tate
Helen Moore

Not Giving Up

Helen Moore
Hometown: Woking
Education:
BTEC National Diploma, Fine Art
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Year 3 BA (Hons) Contemporary Craft
University College Falmouth

Images of Helen Moore's work:

Video Interview:

What was your background before your degree?

When I got my GCSE results I was devastated because I only got 2 GCSE’s. I went to College to redo my English GCSE and then went on to do a 2 year National Diploma in Fine Art. I absolutely loved it – there was lots of freedom, it was a bit like University. I definitely improved my drawing skills.

What did you do next?

I went on to do a Foundation year but failed that. I realised that I didn’t really need the qualification though – I could have gone on to degree straight away. I had applied to Brighton and didn’t get in so I did the Foundation.

How did you come to study at Falmouth?

I went through clearing and got a place at University College Falmouth to study Contemporary Craft. I wanted to use clay and different materials. I was very surprised at how different the course was – it was very craft oriented. The course is quite technical; we used wood, metal, plastic, glass etc. and I got into carving.

What kind of support did you receive?

I am dyslexic and had absolutely brilliant support. Everyone gets screened at the beginning of the course and people who have dyslexia get given a computer, printer, scanner and a Dictaphone which was really useful in lectures. You can always meet with a tutor who helps you to write your essays too.

What’s a typical day for you?

I start the day off by sorting what I need to do into sections. You have to be very prepared with craft because the different processes take a long time to complete. You have to be good with time management.

Were there any study abroad opportunities that you took advantage of?

I went on an Erasmus scheme for 3 months in Belgium during my second year. I sat in on sculpture, did video art and installation.

What advice would you give to young people thinking about pursuing Art and Design?

Talk to other students at the College. I didn’t visit any Universities because I didn’t have time but I’d advise people to do that. For interview, make sure that you’re prepared. When I went to Brighton I didn’t prepare what I was going to say and I really messed up. When I went to the interview at Falmouth I got my boyfriend at the time to go through possible questions with me which really helped.

Where are you thinking of going after you finish your degree?

A lot of people say all the opportunities are in London and I do definitely want to go there. I’d love to get into restoration or archaeology and perhaps move back to Cornwall. Other people want to set up their own studio or go into teaching.