Eloise's creative journey at East Sussex College

Eloise Watts is currently studying the Level 3 Art & Design course at East Sussex College’s Lewes campus and is discovering just how far her creativity can take her.

Her passion for art has been with her from a young age, but it was at college that she truly realised her potential.

“I’ve always had a creative side,” said Eloise. “When I was growing up I was encouraged to explore art, and I carried that interest with me into secondary school. But it was when I came to college that I really realised what I was capable of and that I could turn my creativity into a future career.”

Eloise describes her artistic style as thought-provoking rather than conventionally ‘joyful’ or decorative.

“People wouldn't necessarily call my work joyful or appealing, but to be honest, I kind of want that atmosphere,” she explained. “For me, when I'm looking at art, I like a piece that I can look at and wonder about. I wonder about the process, I wonder about the reasoning behind it, and I almost look and wonder about the artist themself.”

Her creativity is inspired by a wide range of artists and styles, including Otto Dix, whose darker, sometimes grotesque work has influenced her own pieces.

“I like the idea that darker pieces can hold your attention for longer,” said Eloise. “Otto Dix’s work has definitely influenced the direction I’ve taken with many of my own pieces.”

Studying at East Sussex College has given Eloise the opportunities and guidance she needed to grow as an artist, building on the foundations she developed at secondary school.

“My experience studying at East Sussex College in Lewes has been great. It’s been such a change from secondary school. It’s a whole new step from what I’ve been taught before, and I believe that without it, I wouldn’t have the skills to go ahead and in the places that I want to go,” she said.

In just one year, Eloise has had the chance to exhibit her work in two galleries, including a Young Artist exhibition in Newhaven.

“I think that without coming here, I wouldn’t be able to realise that I could achieve those opportunities or put my work in a gallery. This is what has taught me most: to be proud of my own work and to be proud of my own process.”

Eloise’s journey highlights how East Sussex College nurtures creative talent, giving students the confidence, skills, and opportunities to pursue a career in the arts while exploring their own unique voice.