First Posting by Mentee - Lyndsey Miles -@_lyndsey_miles
Lyndsey Miles
Head of Art Curriculum, Climate Adapted Pathways for Education
We asked Lyndsey a few questions about her experience with the new Mentee scheme we are running and this is her response-
Why did you apply for the mentorship?
When I saw the post on Instagram about a mentorship at Haus a Rest, I had just finished my second
year BA Hons in Fine Art as a mature student. Moving into my third and final year, I had been part of
group crits in university but wanted an outside opinion and feedback on my work. I was hoping for
support in applications for my Master's with active and iterative conversations around my practice.
Having been fairly sheltered from life in the art world beyond the university, I can say the university
experience has not given me a truly creative experience for post-grad. Although there are no formal
educational requirements for being an artist, my degree has taught me many things. However, I knew
that I would benefit from being mentored by two practising artists giving me dedicated time in
sessions over a series of months. Not shared time in group crits, but regular, specific time just for my
work and needs. A very special space.
University tutors have given support but in a different capacity. This mentor program would help
solve ‘real’ problems, share ideas, and push boundaries of what I could achieve outside of the
university remit.
Both Jenna and Nichola were sounding boards, not only for my work but with struggles as an artist, and
were hugely sympathetic to what this means as a person too. They helped with many aspects and
worked fluidly to help support ‘in the moment’ for each session. They shared as women and
experienced practitioners, listening and helping me develop my skills and achieve goals.
What motivated you to take this step in your career?
As an emerging artist, I did not feel very confident with my understanding of a life beyond the
constraints of university life. This mentor programme has helped me think about my practise on the
other side of university. I felt I needed this; I’ve since found out I certainly did need it!
From their honesty and trusted opinions around my artist statement, goal setting and looking at
challenges in new ways, they have helped me evaluate and move forward in complicated situations –
something I am very grateful for.
How has this experience helped you grow?
During sessions, both Jenna and Nichola have offered their experiences in the form of advice and open
conversation. They have both taken time to understand any challenges that I faced and used their
encounters with the art world to suggest and recommend forward thinking. I have developed a better
consciousness of a space beyond university – one where I value my work, opinion, and skills and can
use this confidence to succeed.
In what ways has it impacted your art, skills, or mindset?
I had a particularly difficult start to this academic year. Jenna and Nicola discussed considering
alternative perspectives and possibilities and not focus on the problem itself but how I could look
past and through it, not ignoring it but also not allowing it to consume me. This allowed me to open
myself up to new ways of thinking and challenging assumptions I had previously – thinking passed the
obvious!
What are your aspirations?
My future aspirations beyond graduating this year are to begin my Masters and on to PhD thereafter.
Having discussed Masters's programs and applications during sessions, I feel I have a clearer
pathway to those next steps.