Part of the Etc.
Choosing to study Art and Design at Stockton Riverside College proved inspirational for Bethan Turner.
Now the 25-year-old from Yarm is pursuing her dream of working as a professional artist.
With a dedicated studio in Thornaby and a growing reputation for her portrait work, the former student made a return to the college to help inspire others with the same ambition.
“I loved studying Art and Design at the college,” she said. “It taught me so much about art, my work and the type of artist that I want to be.”
Discovering a talent for drawing at a young age in those days the former Our Lady & St Bede Catholic Academy pupil believed she wanted to be a Manga artist.
Looking at her work today, a combination of collage and painting, it is clear her own unique style has since flourished.
With support from Navigator North, a registered community interest company promoting opportunities for young artists, Bethan has her own work space based in Thornaby’s Keld House, where she is surrounded by other up and coming artists.
“It is a lovely space to be in and we all get along great,” she said. “That is something that I had missed about being in the college or university environment, being around other artists and getting to have a peek at their work.”
After completing her studies at Stockton Riverside College, Bethan went on to study at Cleveland College of Art and Design, Sunderland College and ultimately graduated in Fine Art from Sunderland University.
Now with various commissions under her belt, her work is starting to attract its own audience.
Specialising in portraits of well-known people in the world of popular culture, particularly film, music, sport and TV, Bethan said: “It’s great to have people like what I do and wanting to support me.”
Asked to return to the college to talk to current students about her experiences from university and the industry so far, she added: “I felt quite honoured to be asked and to think that the college sees me as one of their success stories.”
Stockton Riverside College offers a variety of Art and Design and creative courses aimed at giving learners the chance to explore and develop their skills, by introducing a wide range of styles and mediums.
With courses available from entry level through to level 3 at Stockton Riverside College, as well as the option to study A level Art and Design at our SRC Bede Sixth Form campus, the colleges offers the study route for you.
Bethan’s advice is: “If you have a talent then don’t give up, work hard and see where it takes you.
“When I started I had it firmly in my mind I was going to do Manga art, but after exploring all the different areas in the arts look at what I’m doing now. It is something totally different.”
Stockton Riverside College’s Art and Design lecturer Liz Dixon said: “We are so proud of Bethan, she was a pleasure to teach and an example to all, showing that if you work hard you can achieve anything.”
A selection of Bethan’s work will be on display at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington, from Monday February 13-27, where you will also be able to see her working from a mini studio.
For more details about all of the Art and Design courses available at Stockton Riverside College, SRC Bede Sixth Form and The Skills Academy visit www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/art-design/ or call 01642 865566.
Now the 25-year-old from Yarm is pursuing her dream of working as a professional artist.With a dedicated studio in Thornaby and a growing reputation for her portrait work, the former student made a return to the college to help inspire others with the same ambition.
“I loved studying Art and Design at the college,” she said. “It taught me so much about art, my work and the type of artist that I want to be.”
Discovering a talent for drawing at a young age in those days the former Our Lady & St Bede Catholic Academy pupil believed she wanted to be a Manga artist.
Looking at her work today, a combination of collage and painting, it is clear her own unique style has since flourished.
With support from Navigator North, a registered community interest company promoting opportunities for young artists, Bethan has her own work space based in Thornaby’s Keld House, where she is surrounded by other up and coming artists.
“It is a lovely space to be in and we all get along great,” she said. “That is something that I had missed about being in the college or university environment, being around other artists and getting to have a peek at their work.”
After completing her studies at Stockton Riverside College, Bethan went on to study at Cleveland College of Art and Design, Sunderland College and ultimately graduated in Fine Art from Sunderland University.
Now with various commissions under her belt, her work is starting to attract its own audience.
Specialising in portraits of well-known people in the world of popular culture, particularly film, music, sport and TV, Bethan said: “It’s great to have people like what I do and wanting to support me.”
Asked to return to the college to talk to current students about her experiences from university and the industry so far, she added: “I felt quite honoured to be asked and to think that the college sees me as one of their success stories.”Stockton Riverside College offers a variety of Art and Design and creative courses aimed at giving learners the chance to explore and develop their skills, by introducing a wide range of styles and mediums.
With courses available from entry level through to level 3 at Stockton Riverside College, as well as the option to study A level Art and Design at our SRC Bede Sixth Form campus, the colleges offers the study route for you.
Bethan’s advice is: “If you have a talent then don’t give up, work hard and see where it takes you.
“When I started I had it firmly in my mind I was going to do Manga art, but after exploring all the different areas in the arts look at what I’m doing now. It is something totally different.”
Stockton Riverside College’s Art and Design lecturer Liz Dixon said: “We are so proud of Bethan, she was a pleasure to teach and an example to all, showing that if you work hard you can achieve anything.”
A selection of Bethan’s work will be on display at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington, from Monday February 13-27, where you will also be able to see her working from a mini studio.
For more details about all of the Art and Design courses available at Stockton Riverside College, SRC Bede Sixth Form and The Skills Academy visit www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/art-design/ or call 01642 865566.
