Hello, I'm Neil, 52 years old based in Kidderminster the heart of the carpet industry. I work full time as a hairdresser. I have been studying with the OCA for 9 years and I am now in my final year 3.3 Major project in Textiles. I have been diagnosed with Dyslexia during my studies and this has now formed the theme of my textiles practice . Dyslexia makes me think and see things differently. My textile practice is knitted textiles and mixed media.
What is your previous educational experiences and what drew you to OCA?
Previously studying a degree in Brighton when I was 18, l left due to personal circumstances. Life, work and home life took over and at the age of 44 I re-entered education to get my self a textile degree. I always found education difficult, as a child I struggled academically. My degree studies help me over come this with a diagnosis which is now a very personal project to my final year. In order to achieve my studies I have to be very disciplined with work and life balance.
Can you describe your OCA journey?
Academic writing has been my main challenge all the tutors have been supportive and the head of the textiles department put me forward for a Dyslexic diagnosis.
My work is supported by the use of video and visually imagery which I feel makes my work just as academic as a piece of written work.
What was the Tutor and/or Peer Support like on your course?
Rebecca Fairly- for her support for putting me forward for a Dyslexia diagnostic test.
Faye Hall -for the email to enter the Mr X stitch competition.
Jenny Udale for giving me the confidence with my knitting as 12 months ago I couldn't knit a stitch.
Amy Tidmarsh - teaching me how my work follows the methodical cycle and critical reflection.
Lizzy Levy- my present tutor pushes me and challenges my ideas.
What does studying with OCA mean to you?
This piece of paper at the end of my studies will show I am not stupid. Just because I can't write academic statements and use big fancy words. I will show I am a creative academic artist through my textile practice. My knitting becomes art and performance to my audience. The work will show and challenge creativity and tell a story of my journey with Dyslexia, education and art. The project has become personal to me, for me, to achieve my degree as it can be done through dedication and drive.
What's next?
Future plans will possibly lead to a career change to become a textiles and fashion tutor. I have already been interviewed with a possible offer, the degree has to be completed. I love the idea of helping other explore their own creativity as I know how difficult academic education can be. I see things differently so I can teach things differently. This will show anything is possible.
Any advice?
Follow your dreams embrace your strength. Your biggest critic is you. Enjoy your journey, brave the obstacles. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Follow Neil
Congratulations to Neil who recently won the mr x stitch Student Needlework Prize!
Congratulations on winning the prize.
Well done Neil Well deserved .
Great work as ever, Neil, and huge congratulations with the first prize. It is such a pleasure to be studying along side you.