Liz Moffat (68) from Menstrie is studying for a BA Art and Design after she was inspired by attending an evening class at Forth Valley College.
She was delighted recently to be asked to show off some of her artwork at the Gallery at the Gallery exhibition at the FVC Gallery Training Restaurant at the Stirling Campus.
Liz said: “Forth Valley College offered an Art and Design course I was interested in. I had been attending evening classes, while I was still working and I really enjoyed these under the tutor and artist Lesley Anne Derks. I was looking for a daytime course for my retirement and Forth Valley College seemed a friendly and well-equipped college to study at.
“All the lecturers are fantastic and motivational, showing me new techniques and pushing me to develop my creative side more. The facilities in the art departments are excellent, from the workrooms to the print room and facilities. The Art Technicians are so knowledgeable and always happy to help.
“Stirling is such a good campus to be in. Everyone is friendly, from lecturers in all departments to technicians, library staff, restaurant staff and cleaners. It has improved my artistic skills, my textile artwork and techniques and my outlook for the future. In my working life I was always around people and communities and this course has helped me keep up my social skills. I’ve also met lots of new friends from teenagers to my own age group.
“Part of the BA qualification has a Personal Development Plan module, and this has really helped me focus on what I want to do next. Coming into the course all I wanted was to be able to draw and paint really well. The course has opened my mind to new artists and practitioners and through advice from lecturers, has given me a framework for life after study.
“It is a worthwhile course with knowledgeable and skilled lecturers. I would recommend it as it offers a variety of media, so it expands your creativity in ways you wouldn’t imagine you had. The facilities are excellent with a well-equipped textile studio, art studio and print facilities. I have tried and loved all kinds of printmaking techniques and developed creative textile techniques.
“The best bit for me has been learning so many new skills in a relaxed and very scenic facility. I have also learned about artists and designers I had never heard of through research and art history. After a lifetime of work to keep a family, I now get the chance to do something I really should have pursued when I left school.
“My advice to potential new students would be to ake the opportunity to learn as much as you can, while you are still young and get as many qualifications as you can. Learning in college is so much more relaxed than learning in school, although it is still hard work. To fellow mature people like myself, I would say ‘go for it!’ It is wonderful; to meet so many inspirational people working towards the same goal.
“What I loved the most of my College experience has been the people - fellow students, lecturers, library staff, technicians and all other staff who make the College the safe and clean environment it is.”