✹ West Dean - Reflection
12th July 2021
Coming back from West Dean University, I have reflected on what have I got from the program, apart from the well lay out subjects, I think one of the greatest thing in the residency was that I got to socialise with other students and professors. It’s really refreshing in the way that we shared our creative process, talk about the possibility in fan making and brainstorming the ideas. As I have mentioned before, lockdown has drained out my energy so much so coming to West Dean and have actual workshop interaction was really good for my creativity. The workshops that have such an amazing technician, I think it’s really good to teach us some basic method of working with each material then let us explore another possibility by ourselves with our classmate. In the campus it’s more of learning individually, sometimes seeing other people’s experiment can helps you to develop yours as well.
Also, the accommodation within the college is something that makes West Dean a good choice to go to, it’s one of a few place that still open during pandemic because people didn’t go anywhere. I also have this habit of working and living near the studio so then I can work as late as I want and can come to the studio whenever I want to. At West Dean, I think it’s really convenient to stay near to the studio.
Moreover, the landscape of the place is breath taking, it must be refreshing to take a break and then walk around during the day. Garden and ponds can be inspiring sometimes and fresh air does help in working process. I also really love the interior of the building, felt like I was living in Hogwards from Harry Potter. The art collections were also extraordinary.
I’ve heard that West Dean has artist residency program that open to apply, experiencing such a wonderful time there I’m getting interested. Another great thing that I found so helpful is that the college has many different practices in one place, I would have been really interesting to see each department working together or doing a collaboration. I’m looking forward to go back again one day soon. Maybe next summer? For a week? Or maybe…For a year?