Without the course, your encouragement, helpful comments and advice, which I really needed, I wouldn't be feeling so confident about getting back on track and personally persuing my own development as well as positvely looking for work again in the arts.
Sophia Appleby qualified student - Artist in Residence
I loved and enjoyed the course from beginning to end. I found it both challenging and rewarding through my own sheer hard work, complimented with Deborah's brilliant support and great conversations all the way through I have grown and developed as an individual and social artist as a result of the course.
Sohela Keyani qualified student - Artist in Residence
The ArtyBird course was of great help to me on many levels: as a freelance animator I'm often working on my own, and to be able to link up with other creative women in a similar situation to me was a great experience in itself. The projects themselves were demanding enough for me to push myself more than I may have done on my own, and the structure of the course as a whole meant that I definitely did much more than I would have done in the same space of time without it. On a practical level, I learned a lot I needed to know about how to present my work, how to write proposals for educational projects and how to approach and find prospective employers. But perhaps more than anything, doing the course gave me a lot more confidence in my ability to promote my skills and market myself creatively and effectively. I’m definitely more dynamic and resourceful in a professional capacity as a direct result.
Ceiren Bell qualified student - Artist in Residence
Prior to coming on the course I had recently been made redundant from teaching in FE. Ihad taught for many years and hadn’t been able to give much time to my own art practice.
The artist in Residence course came at the right time opening me to new possibilities and renewal of my own practice.
The two main elements of the course, the online projects and an exhibition at The Morley gallery have been a brilliant experience. I am learning how to make professional proposals for residencies which are linked to my own practice and developing a better understanding of the nature of residencies. I have been encouraged and supported and coached through difficulties. Project feedback always positive and professional.
I would like to thank Deborah Bird, AIR Tutor and Veronique Chance AIR Mentor for a wonderful experience, their support, guidance and organisation of the course and exhibition and the AIR3 Students for being a great group of people.
This year has been great. I have learned a lot about myself and what I can do. Debbie's skill in this course has been pinpointing exactly what a person is best at and encouraging and supporting them in developing this potential into a real talent. Debbie’s unfailing energy and commitment to her students made the course a fantastic experience, and one I am proud and glad to have been a part of.
Louisa Humphreys. Qualified student - Artist in Residence 2008