I'm Soph Gibson, an undergraduate student at QUT studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) and the creator of Falling Fate, Sliced and Two Hundred and Six in Captured i-iii. At the beginning of my university journey, I decided to pursue visual arts because at the time the only thing motivating me was creating and discussing art. I also felt visual arts gave me an outlet to show my most authentic mode of expression.
Besides the remarkable visual arts program, QUT offered a variety of support systems. The teaching staff went above and beyond with their generous support and dedication to our learning. Throughout the program, their continued mentorship showed that they cared about my practice and wanted me to get the most out of this program. Across the open studio program, every member of the teaching staff worked with me to get the most out of my art practice. They helped me uncover multiple ways to work towards the goals I personally wanted to achieve. The open studio program operates less like a university unit and more as a venue for developing your practice in a collaborative and supportive environment. Due to the open studio environment, I primarily collaborated side-by-side with my peers in the studio on our independent work. Outside of our scheduled studio time, I spent many hours in the studio making, researching and reflecting on my practice. My success in my degree was largely dependent on my lecturers’ and peers’ support and critical examination of visual arts. Across the degree, we are given loose prompts to respond to and consider but are primarily encouraged to create what we want in the ways that we want. It was beyond invaluable to be taught by teaching staff with their own active art practices, as the relationship was more of mentorship than tutorage. Access to technicians in the workshop every day was also a tremendous help. My installation of my works would not be possible without their expertise and extra help.
In addition to this support, I received the QUT Elite Excellence (Elite Visual and Performing Arts) Scholarship at the commencement of my course. This enabled me to focus on my studies full-time. I also have had an incredibly supportive team through the QUT Equity Access program which has ensured adequate accommodation and support for me where my health conditions interfere with the university.
