Alex Wood, a recent graduate of Fine Art (BA/Hons) at the Tonbridge Campus, has been offered a postgraduate place at the highly regarded Chelsea College of Art and Design. Alex, who first began on a Foundation Art and Design Course before progressing onto a HND and eventually an Honours Degree, tells us of his time and experience studying at K College and his plans for the future.

I completed my A-Levels at the Hayesbrook School in Art, Photography, English Literature and Film Studies. I thoroughly enjoyed film studies as it fitted well with my interests in art and design that I was pursuing. K College seemed close, friendly and more relaxed than other colleges and this attracted me. I chose the foundation course in art and design first as it covered so many aspects of creativity. I wanted to explore all areas of art and this course fulfilled that. The art foundation course gave me the opportunity to experiment with many things in art and design and boosted my confidence

From my enjoyment of the foundation course, and the amount of tutor time with staff, I decided to stay at K College and study for my BA (Hons) Fine Art. I liked the association and connection I would have to Greenwich University, and yet at the same time my course was very local to me. It left me ultimately with more time to create art.

During my undergraduate studies, I really enjoyed the artist lectures which featured many important practicing artists from London. Meeting the artists was a big attraction to the course as their visits were very frequent and they offered tremendous amounts of knowledge and information on the areas that I hope to eventually work in. I was able to speak with them first hand about my own artwork through tutorials.



The quality of teaching at the College was of a very high level, with help continually given. The tutors at K College I found to be very approachable and helpful. They were willing to teach new techniques and helped me immensely with my own art practice.

On my foundation course one highlight was being able to paint on a grand scale, a triptych around 8ft high, which hung in Hawthorn building for a few years. Painting this triptych was thoroughly enjoyable and something that I wouldn't have been able to do normally. Also preparing for the end of year art and design shows, deciding what work to exhibit is something I have enjoyed at K College. I have learnt how to push exhibitions further, by organising a group London show, ‘Beneath the Surface’, with my fellow students. This is a definite highlight and something I will always remember.

I was delighted to learn that I have achieved a place for postgraduate study at Chelsea College of Art and Design. I am extremely pleased to be able to develop my art practice further, especially at such a prestigious art institution, like Chelsea. This wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of my tutors at K College, and I am really looking forward to my time there. I hope to eventually lecture at higher education level with my postgraduate qualifications.

For more information on Alex and to see some examples of his work, visit www.alexjwood.co.uk and www.re-title.com/artists/alex-wood.asp