The Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford University 

Q. Describe your experience at Art College -what are your opportunities, what are you learning, where are your struggles?

I am currently in my final year at The Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford University. It is an absolutely excellent course, I've learned so much so far, and continue to do so. The most valuable thing i've learnt is about the interaction of my faith and my art. At first I was making "ridiculously Christian art" (described by my tutors as "Foie Gras" i.e. force-feeding people.) My work was torn to shreds in terms of it being bad art, it had an adverse affect, it lined up with people's preconceptions about the christian faith and switched them off, in short it was cheesy! I soon learned not to worry about cramming my faith into my art, and focused instead on making the best artwork that I could.

Q. What made you choose the course?

At first, I have to admit, I was drawn to it out of curiosity, with it being at Oxford. When reading through the course handbook, it seemed to be a small, intimate school, which although in Oxford, seemed to embrace art at it's cutting edge, which I liked. I applied completely expecting to be rejected. When I arrived at the school for interview, it was exactly like the book had said, it was small, and appeared to be a very friendly, open place, so I was delighted to get a place.

Q. Describe the kind of work that you are making. What do you enjoy about it?

My studio is a complete tip, it is full to the brim of all the things I like to work with: children's toys, maps, printouts of Coronation Street characters, wood, metal, washing machines, and a doll's house. I like to make work that is completely over the top, absolutley bizarre, and full of detail, so you see something new in it everytime you look at it. The last piece I made was a model city inside a washing machine, with a model airport resting on top, with a wooden carved giant five headed Lego man. I want my work to be full of energy too, and exciting. I have progressively become more 3-D, my work has (quite literally) erupted from the canvas. I am slightly obsessed with travel too and the way cities work. I make mad utopias and like to use references from a huge spectrum, almost like a post-modern pick and mix. I like the fact that my studio is such a mess, it's impossible to tell where the mess ends and the art begins, I live and breath the work!

Q. What do your course mates and friends think about your Christian faith?

They see it as something which I'm totally obsessed by, something which keeps me going. However, they fail to see how it is totally relevant to them also. They are so quick to dismiss it, and pass it by. They see it as just another religion on the shelf, and something which is 'nice'. I don't get any stick from them about it, I think they see it as something which should be respected.

Q. How are God's values incorporated into your studies?

My work is as honest as possible, everything you see is straight from my head. My work strives to give off good-vibes, I think of my works as little happy worlds, where everyone and everything is happy, a bit like looking forward to heaven, where there will be no more crying etc. I want my work to be a celebration of God's amazing creativity.

Q. What keeps you going as an Artist?

We can worship God in an infinite number of ways, our lives are acts of worship, just as making artwork is. Making art is the most fun I can imagine having, and for me, it is the best way of worshipping God, which after all, should be fun, and not a chore.

Q. Who are your role models?

Oooo, good question! I suppose I should say primarily Jesus! There's a great bit in the film "The Passion" where we see Jesus carving a table, the film really captures his attention to detail and the love poured into his handiwork. My friends are super role models, as are my family, my youth worker and his wife at church, and Doug Horley, children's songwriter, whose songs are outrageously wacky!

Q. Are you part of any support networks for Christians in Art?

I try to pop down to the Interface meetings, once a month in London. It is both fantastic and a priviledge to meet with other Christains in "the same boat" and really encouraging! Other than that, In Oxford I am part of my college C.U. where I am the only artist, but, it is great to meet up with friends doing different subjects, who face different pressures. Apart from that I am very lucky to be in a prayer triplet with 2 geographers!

Q. What advice or encouragement would you give to other Christian students at Art College?

I would urge them not to be afraid, doing art is really exciting, and fulfilling. I would tell them not to give up, to enjoy what they do, to be the best that they can be, to make the best artwork that they can and not to worry about forcing their faith into their work, that will happen naturally.