Sylvia Law

Sylvia Law is currently studying for a BA in Time Based Art and Digital Film and spent a semester in Madrid, at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, with the Erasmus programme.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I came to study at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art because it was the only college in Scotland that offered a course mixing elements of New Media and Art into one subject area. I felt that the wide scope of mediums you could explore within Time Based Art & Digital Film course meant that I would not be restricted to one particular way of working, which for me was very important for my undergraduate experience. I went to the Open Day before applying and felt that both the facilities and resources for the students were very good and of a higher standard than I had seen at other institutions. I also attended the Degree Show, which that year was held at the Vision Building and I was very impressed with the standard of work and variety that was shown.

What is the best thing about your course and why?

The best aspect of the Time Based Art & Digital Film department is the ethos behind the course. From a very early stage in the programme, we are encouraged to develop our own practice by exploring and experimenting in very organic ways, and with emphasis on concept and process rather than the final outcome. In the department, we are also encouraged to go out of the studio and interact with the local art scene, which I think is very important for a developing artist. Because we are such a small group of students in the department, ranging around 20 students per year, the studios are integrated and shared by all year groups. This is a great opportunity because it gives you the chance to learn more and you to see the development of students within the different stages of their artistic practice.

Have you taken part in any student exchanges/work placements?

I have always been very interested in the exchange programme and when I joined Duncan of Jordasntone college of Art I took the opportunity to go away for a semester. I went out on Erasmus exchange for the second semester in my third year to study Visual Arts at the NABA institute in Milan, and I can not recommend it enough to future students.

I was in Milan for 5 months and it is an amazing city. As an artist, it is an absolutely amazing experience to go away and to immerse yourself within a new culture. I found that the education system in Europe was very different to our system here and I learnt a lot from being part of their learning environment. On exchange I learnt a lot about myself as an artist, who I really wanted to be and where I wanted my work to go. On exchange you become a lot more aware of yourself as an artist and also become a lot more focussed within your practice. It has definitely been my most life changing experience and it gave me the opportunity to project my work in different spaces, to meet a wonderful group of very inspiring people, to work in different ways and with different approaches and to integrate with other sorts of art communities.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

My biggest advice to future applicants is to make sure that you are applying to the right school. I think choosing your department is a very a big decision and it is important to look at all your choices and to go to all the open days. At the open days you can meet the programme directors and also speak to other students and hear of their experiences. I would also say when putting your portfolio together make sure that your work reflects the course outline, so include works that show you are interested in the subject you are applying to and be passionate about your work.

What was your experience of settling into life in Dundee when you first arrived?

When I first moved to Dundee I stayed in student accommodation at the Hub. I really enjoyed it there, the rooms were spacious and it was the best option for me as I didn't know anybody in Dundee. Because Dundee is such a small city, it was very easy to settle in and to find your way around. The Dundonians are very friendly and the city itself has a surprisingly interesting history which I only discovered once I had moved here. I loved the University campus and due to the huge student population, the student life here is very good and there are always lots of events going on.

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) are you involved with?

When I arrived in Dundee, I signed myself up to the Institue of Sport & Exercise (ISE). I thought it had very good facilites and it was generally quite cheap for students. In my time at University, I also decided to create my own event for the Student Union as I felt there lacked opportunities and events specifically aimed at art students, and so me and another student set up an art collective called Visualyze. Visualyze was a creative platform for all art students from different years and departments to get the chance to collaborate and exhibit together. For the collective we organised a series of events that consisted of live music, exhibitions, a mini cinema, performances and live art. It was a wonderful project and I think it was very beneficial to young artists and the building of the arts community at the art college.

What has been your best university experience to date and why?

My best experience at University has to be the involvement I had with the Kill Your Timid Notion Festival held at the DCA in 2010. The Festival was organised as an open laboratory and students were given the opportunity to work alongside artists from all over the world to discuss their practice. It was a great opportunity as you became part of the development of the festival and got to meet a group of very inspirational people. As part of the festival I performed in Christof Migone's piece 'Hit Parade' which was shown on the Saturday evening and was my first public performance. I feel that this experience completely changed my outlook as an artist and has fed into my development and identity as an artist.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

My advice to potential students is to be open! I think that art school can be an extremely challenging journey and the best way to approach it is to be open to everything around you and to let things unfold naturally. Because most of your time at art college will be self directed, it is very important that you have a very strong personal drive and feel confident in directing yourself within your practice. Before you apply, always go along to the open days, speak to the students and try to picture yourself in that specific environment. I would definitely suggest to take your time when deciding where you want to go and to rush into it.

Studying abroad helps you understand your true direction and opens a world of possibilities, which make you a different person and stay with you forever!"