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Student Stories: OCA MA Fine Art, Maggie Taylor

Presenting our student story from Maggie, an MA Fine Art student at the OCA. Find out more about Maggie below and join our Meet the Artist event in September celebrating Maggie and her fellow students in their final show. Sign up here.


I work as an artist from my studio in Yorkshire, UK. I am a painter/printmaker, interested in the cultural landscape of the Humber Region. My work is based on practice-led research. Recently my research has led me to explore concepts about lines, space, shadows and the mystical. I am an active member of local and regional art-based networks, including the Hull Print Collective, Ropewalk Print Workshop and Feral Art School, Hull. I am currently the Chair of the Arts Society Hull and East Riding.


What is your previous educational experiences and what drew you to OCA?

Prior to the current MA Fine Course I gained a BA (Hons) Painting Degree (First Class) with OCA. I had already achieved an MA Creative Practice Degree (Distinction) at Hull College, but this time I wanted the opportunity to concentrate on Fine Art which I felt would have more academic content. I also studied Art and Design, painting, and printmaking, at Hull College and have a Certificate in Investigating Place with Psychogeography. I have completed these courses after working in another sector, and always felt frustrated that I did not follow up my A Level Art qualification to become an artist. The OCA offered me the opportunity to progress my ambitions whilst working from my own studio.


Can you describe your OCA journey?

As the course is Cohort based, you have to keep up with the weekly schedule of lectures, seminars, tutorials and meetings which are programmed into each of the three Units - so you have to set the time aside to participate and be up to date with your work. There is value in this way of working in that you get to know your Cohort well and bounce ideas off each other. As the course is Distance Learning you have to regularly provide evidence of your progress, particularly at the end of each Unit, which is sometimes quite onerous. You also have to get used to the technology, in that each student has a Learning Log based on the Word Press system (I was new to this, but training was available and it is not difficult to learn). At times it can feel lonely and difficult to be inspired, but the tutors and fellow cohort members were supportive and the works drives you along.


Can you describe the tutor/ peer support at the OCA?

At one point I was "stuck" with my painting practice and had "artist's block". Tutor Hayley Lock encouraged me with various ideas, including making small water colour paintings to get going again - that worked and I was grateful. Caroline Wright gently teased me into thinking about my painting practice afresh. She questioned what I thought made my work distinctive and encouraged me to think about my palette. This led to new ideas and approaches which complement the gritty northern atmosphere and environment where I live.


What does studying with OCA mean to you?

The last two years has provided me with the advantage and experience of working with practice-led research. The Tutors guided me with suggestions about relevant reading and research which will stay with me. From those initial pointers I found my own way to explore concepts and writings which work for me. My work lacked this academic foundation and as a result is more profound and meaningful. It was important that I started afresh and let the practice and research lead the way. This approach has made my work more unique and sustainable. From a practical point of view I have developed a Personal Practice Plan which is well thought through and which will take me forward into the foreseeable future. I have also developed a new website which is more professional and user/audience friendly.


What's Next?

The MA Fine Art has inspired me to do more practice-led research in an academic setting. The development of my practical work alongside the discovery of new ideas and concepts is exciting. I will miss the course and am actively looking at new opportunities to take my practice and research interests forward. My MA Fine Art Online Exhibition "Beyond Words" is now on my website, and I can use this as an opportunity to showcase my practice, supported by my written Assignments and Contextual Studies.


Any advice?

My advice is to keep going. It doesn't matter what you do, but just do something and the rest will follow. Have belief in yourself and look to others for support.


Where can we find you?



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