Catherine Lily Mearns - BA (Hons) Painting
As a school leaver from Cults Academy, Catherine headed to the North East of Scotland College (NESCol) to study science. After a year, Catherine realised how much they missed art, and decided to switch to an HNC in Art & Design at NESCol.
The HNC gave Catherine time to build up a portfolio to study a BA (Hons) Painting at Gray’s School of Art.
Both Catherine’s parents had also studied at RGU, so there was a strong family connection to the University.
“I thought studying at Gray’s would give me the confidence to say I'm an Artist, and it has.
“My love for painting and the idea that I could build a future off this love, convinced me that I should apply. I was also impressed by RGU’s Garthdee campus and the facilities at Gray’s.”
It’s a decision Catherine’s not regretted, despite the challenges of studying during the Covid pandemic.
“With first year being primarily at home due to restrictions and lockdowns I felt that I'd lost out on the university experience, but here I am with so many amazing friends and beautiful memories.
“I’ve got so many happy times from studying at Gray's including having a snowball fight on the grassy area outside the art school. It’s hard for me to say everyone will enjoy university as I've met some people who haven’t, but I can say that you'll learn so much about yourself. I didn't get the university experience I imagined due to COVID, but I’ve still loved every second.
“One of my highlights has been volunteering for Gray’s creative development programme, Engage which offers public workshops and art weekenders in Art and Design. I’ve met such lovely people and learnt so much about running a workshop which will really help me in my career.”
During their studies, Catherine was diagnosed with dyslexia and received support from RGU’s Inclusion Service.
“It wasn’t until I was starting my dissertation that I realised how much I struggled researching my topic online and in physical text. I reached out to the support and advice service, askRGU, to see if I could get tested. My dyslexia had never been picked up at school which shows how much it can go under the radar.
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from RGU's Inclusion Centre. The team provided a dyslexia screening and evaluation, and in-house assessment of my needs. I was given programmes to help view documents in a dyslexia friendly way which helped greatly when reading text all day. The staff were so friendly and I’m so grateful for the help I received. I’m still learning how to manage my dyslexia. It is a huge struggle, but there's so much technology to make life easier. Disability should never discourage anyone from fulfilling their passion.”
For Gray’s Degree Show, Catherine drew on their own personal experience and produced a vibrant collection of work that highlighted their experience navigating young adulthood and exploring the complexities of identity and fragility.
“I really enjoyed contributing to Gray’s Degree Show, and my work reflects the vibrant resilience of the human spirit alongside its underlying vulnerability. Using ceramics as a vessel to challenge the viewer to contemplate the fragility of existence, with a whimsical colour palette and playful mark making.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to exhibit my work in the RSA in Edinburgh in the SSA 126 Annual exhibition, alongside unbelievably talented artists and recently exhibited as part of the ‘Class of 24’ exhibition at the Scottish Ceramics Gallery in Aberdeen. This featured undergraduate and masters graduates from Duncan and Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Gray's School of Art and University of Highlands and Islands across fine art and design subjects, and it was fantastic to be part of an exhibition that showcases talent from across Scotland.
“Gray's has a lovely community and the students love to support each other. There are very few people that can say that they not only know everyone in their class, but also know students in the years above and below. There was always someone, no matter the hour, who could offer a hand or some advice.”
Now that Catherine’s graduating, they have a studio in the heart of Aberdeen and have two exhibitions lined up for 2025. They’re looking forward to continuing creating work and exhibiting when possible. They’re keen to find a job within the art scene and to building on the foundation from Gray’s.