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For Luke Cotter, a student from Aberdare in South Wales, choosing the ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) was all about reigniting his passion for creativity. 

Luke, who is currently studying Fine Art through the medium of Welsh, recalls the pivotal moment that made his decision clear – attending an open day where a session by one of the course tutors sparked his desire to create again. That spark, combined with the University’s hands-on approach and excellent workshop facilities, confirmed his choice to study at ���ϳԹ���’s Swansea College of Art.

“I chose ���ϳԹ��� because during the open day, there was a session by one of the lecturers that really did it for me. It reignited my passion for creating. The university’s excellent workshops also stood out to me because I enjoy working with my hands,” Luke explained.

Luke’s decision to study through the medium of Welsh has also played a significant role in his experience. For him, the opportunity to discuss and explore creative ideas in Welsh with fellow students has added a unique dimension to his studies. “I chose to study in Welsh because it gave me the chance to speak about creative things in my own language. I enjoy discussing my work with other students in Welsh and when it came to things like the second-year fine art show it really does make a difference to our work,” he added.

Reflecting on his time at ���ϳԹ���, Luke emphasises the freedom the Fine Art course offers. The ability to create year-round and experiment with different forms of art has been incredibly rewarding. “This course is fantastic. The freedom to create all year round and the inspiration from other artists around me has been a highlight. When I first started, I was painting castles, and now I’m creating large sculptures from second-hand wood. The studio here gives you the space to push your creative boundaries.”

Luke’s journey at ���ϳԹ��� has also opened doors for him to showcase his work in some of Swansea’s well-known venues. From the Elysium Gallery to the Glynn Vivian and Volcano Theatre, he has had the chance to present his work to the public and be part of the local art scene. “I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to display my work in venues such as Elysium and the University’s Alex Building. I’ve also created awards for the Cellar Prizes in 2023 and even presented them at the Eisteddfod – the opportunities here are amazing,” he said.

While his time at university has been filled with opportunities, it hasn’t been without challenges. Luke admits that writing academic essays was initially difficult, but with support from tutors, he was able to improve. “The academic writing was a challenge at first, but the tutors walked me through what makes a good essay. There were also challenges working in groups for public shows, but in the end, it all came together perfectly.”

As for life after graduation, Luke is excited about the possibilities and with Swansea’s thriving creative sector, he feels confident that he will find the right path. “To be honest, I’m still figuring out my next steps, but that’s not a bad thing. There are so many options in Swansea’s creative sector, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

When asked if he would recommend ���ϳԹ���’s Fine Art course, Luke’s answer is clear: “Of course. This course is open to everyone and gives you the freedom to create the work you’ve always wanted to make. The opportunities here are incredible.”

Gwenllian Beynon is a Senior Lecturer at Swansea College of Art.  She added:

“Since Luke started at Swansea College of Art, he has been enthusiastic about using the Welsh language in his studies, this has been undertaken natural. His creative development has incorporated his artistic knowledge as well as the knowledge of Wales and the arts here. His opinion about Wales and art is very strong and tutorial discussions with Luke is always interesting.”

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076