Oksana Durytska

BA Art & Design student Oksana Durytska (45) who lives in Stirling, has enjoyed the creative community and the great support she has received at Forth Valley College.

She, said: “I was looking for a place that offers a strong creative community and great technical support. Forth Valley College has a reputation for helping students find their own unique voice and as an international student, I felt it was the right environment to start my artistic journey in Scotland.

“The facilities are fantastic. For my final project, I needed to do everything: woodwork, screen printing and even complex rigging. I found everything I needed in the workshops. The lecturers are very supportive and professional. They really push you to think critically about your work while giving you the freedom to experiment.

“The College has given me a huge boost in confidence. I’ve learned how to translate my personal experiences and my Ukrainian heritage into a professional art practice. Moving from 2D graphic design to creating a large-scale 3D installation was a big step, and the College helped me make that transition smoothly.

“Studying at Forth Valley College helped me build a professional portfolio I am truly proud of. I feel that the close-knit and supportive team of lecturers and technicians was key to my success, they really helped me push my boundaries and refine my ideas. Thanks to the Degree Show, I’ve already had people interested in my work and even received proposals to run my own workshops! The College has provided me with the skills and connections I need to start my journey as an artist.

“I would recommend Forth Valley College if you want a course that combines practical hands-on skills with deep conceptual thinking, then this is it. You aren’t just ‘making things’, you are learning how to be a professional designer and researcher. The environment is very inspiring.

“The best bit for me was the incredible support from my lecturers during the most challenging moments of my project. There were times when things didn't go to plan, materials broke or technical problems felt overwhelming. In those 'make or break' moments, their encouragement and belief in my vision helped me push through. It turned every failure into a valuable lesson and gave me the resilience I need for my future career.

“I would say to potential students to choose College because it’s a place where your ideas are taken seriously. You get access to great equipment and mentors who truly care about your progress.

“I loved the entire journey and the wonderful sense of community. Beyond the studio, I want to highlight the 'unseen' work of the library staff, the canteen team, the advisors and everyone in the support departments. Their hard work often goes unnoticed, but they create the comfortable and friendly environment that allowed me to focus on my creativity. I truly enjoyed being part of a College where everyone, in every department, works together to support student success.”