Student Spotlight - Daisy Taylor

We caught up with Creative Industries student, Daisy Taylor, to find out a bit more about her - and to see how she is getting on in lockdown.

Tell us about yourself?

Hi, I’m Daisy Taylor. I was born, and live, in Perth - and I have just finished my BA(Hons) in Contemporary Art and Contextualised Practice.

What were you doing before college?

Before college, I was at Perth Grammar School.

Why did you pick this course?

I have always enjoyed art, and studied it in school up to advanced higher level, so I wanted continue my studies on further. My mum is also an artist, so she inspired me through the years.

What’s your favourite thing about your course?

Getting to learn so many new techniques, especially in HNC and HND, as this allowed me to find out what I enjoyed doing the most. Also - thanks to the many trips to art galleries in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee – I was able to experience more art.

Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?

Getting to do life drawing for the first time, was an interesting and fun experience for all of us.

What is a typical day at college like? (Pre-COVID-19)

A typical day consists of going to a morning and afternoon lecture where my tutors help me, and answer any questions I have. We have a long lunch break to allow us to get practical work done. As the art subjects are taught in the Goodlyburn building, I sometimes took a walk up to the library to collect books in the main building.

What is the best part of your day?

Getting to do practical work using the studio, as this allows us to have space to create bigger artwork.

What do you like about the campus?

The campus has many resources to help aid your studies such as a library, apple computers, art studio and a photography room – everything you need is there. The food at the canteen is also great.

What is the theme of your final degree work?

My degree work focuses on the use of art to aid mental health and to raise awareness of how effective art can be in helping people. I worked with the PKAVS Walled Garden in Perth, which provides workshops for those suffering mental health issues. I lead a workshop with them based on happiness, and then created a painting a day for a month to look at how art can improve my mental state.

What was the inspiration behind your final degree work?

My dissertation looked at how art can improve confidence in individuals with mental health issues and, after researching that, I wanted to continue it on in my practical work. A big inspiration for my work was from volunteering at the PKAVS Walled Garden. I have volunteered there for over a year now, and have seen a significant improvement in the client’s mental wellbeing.

Why do you make this type of art?

I make art based on themes that are personal to me in all different forms of media as I feel the best work comes from topics that are important to you.

What does your artwork represent?

My artwork represents ideas and events personal to me that have taught me something important.

Is there a specific piece that stands out for you?

My artwork for the degree show works well as a whole - I particularly enjoyed creating the painting a day based on a walk I had been on or the feelings I had that day. Doing this made me more relaxed and motivated as well as improving my mental wellbeing.

Who is your favourite artist and why?

My favourite artist is Joseph Cornell. He creates small ‘shadow boxes’ filled with small trinkets based on themes important to him such as childhood, birds and space. I like his work because it is personal to him and each box is like a miniature world.

Who, or what, inspires you?

My mum inspires me. She is also an artist who paints landscapes and has worked very hard to get her work in galleries in Perth and St. Andrews.

How do you make it?

I make my art with a range of materials. For my degree, I used acrylic paint on canvas board alongside photography.

What does your art mean to you?

Art is all about expression, and my art is an expression of my thoughts and feelings on topics important in my life. Focusing on mental health was important to me as volunteering at the Walled Garden is a big part of my life.

Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?

I have  - I have learnt many new things and made lots of friends.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?

Outside of college, I enjoy going to the gym and socialising with my friends. I also have a part-time job at Costa that keeps me busy.

What are your plans after you finish your course?

I plan to carry on volunteering at the Walled Garden, and look at studying Art Therapy.

What advice would you give to someone who might be thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?

I would say create a portfolio of your work and be open to learning new styles.

Have you been cooking or baking anything nice during lockdown?

Unfortunately, no. I have been getting many takeaways though…

Where would you like to go when lockdown is over and it is safe to travel again?

I would love to go to the beach, such a peaceful place and something I wish Perth had. Also to go to the pub with my friends.

How have you been looking after your mental health during lockdown?

Finishing my degree has kept me busy, I’ve also been going on walks, as I feel exercise improves my outlook on life a lot.

Have you been reading any good books during lockdown?

No, I’m more of a TV person. I’ve been trying to find a good series on Netflix.

What TV shows have you been watching during lockdown?

I’m still enjoying the soaps such as Emmerdale and Corrie, even though they are on less, due to the virus.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I really wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger, the idea of creating clothes that people would want to wear excited me. I love fashion, and I am a follower of current trends - and maybe now college is over, I might try making some clothes.

If you were a super-hero, what type of powers would you have?

If I were a superhero, my super power would be flying because it would be so fun and I could avoid traffic.

What is the best advice you have ever received, and who did it come from?

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” - Dolly Parton.

What else have you been doing during lockdown to keep busy?

I have been speaking with my friends over the phone, a lot of online shopping (probably too much), going on walks, and I also bought roller skates which I am yet to master.

Find out more about our Creative Industries department here. Applications are now open for the new 2020 academic term - find a course to suit you, and #applynow!