Eastleigh College School of Visual Arts and Media was pleased to welcome Professor Alice Kettle recently as part of its ‘visiting artist’ programme. Alice was invited to discuss her extensive experience as a contemporary fine artist and researcher with the pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media students in order to provide an insight into studying at University and working as a creative practitioner in industry and research. Alice is an artist of international standing, having studied at the world-renowned Goldsmiths, University of London. She is now a visiting Professor at Centre For Real World Learning, University of Winchester and a Senior Research Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Alice provided an inspiring talk on her career and the relationship between research and practise. She also provided some examples of her outstanding projects including an enormous stitched piece titled ‘Looking forwards to the past’ which hangs at the Winchester Discovery Centre, and three works titled ‘The Garden of England’ which exhibited at Queens House, Royal Museums, Greenwich.

Alice said “I’m keen to champion art in the local area so was delighted to be invited to come along to Eastleigh College. I’m really impressed with the Foundation course the College offers, the scale of it brings something really unique. I’ve noticed a real sense of enquiry in the students’ projects, there is some great work being produced.”

Pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media student Rebecca Gourlay said “The talk has inspired me to be creative and encouraged me to explore more with my own artwork.”

Eastleigh College offers a range of full-time Art, Design and Media courses covering various topics including fashion, photography, graphic design and creative media. All courses offer progression routes leading to further study, university or employment.