Student Stories: Roger Sidney

OCA Painting Stage 3 student Roger Sidney is aged 66 years working full time as a Project Engineer in Santiago, Chile.

"I have lived outside of the UK since 2002, living at first in Valencia, Spain until 2013 when I moved to, Rancagua, Chile."

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

In the late 1970s when I left school, art studies were not seen as a career so I trained as a Marine Engineer in the Merchant Navy travelling around the globe. After leaving the Navy, I worked in hospital engineering, building services and more recently in engineering related to process and packaging. Colouring books and bumper packs of felt tip pens at Christmas started me off in drawing and painting, that was further enhanced in my teens when I visited art galleries with my father. During my time as a building services engineer contracts included the National Gallery and Wallace Collection which enabled me to steal time during the lunch hour looking at art. After studying an NVQ in Photography and taking painting classes in Valencia, Spain, I finally decided to embark on my dream of a Painting Degree in 2016, after settling in Chile.

Can you describe your OCA journey?

Initially, enthusiasm in studying can become diverted by blockages and self doubt - something ALL students face. In my experience, perseverance produces a new way of life. The studies become a habit and then an obsession that cannot be stopped - a craving to continue reading, exploring, investigating and making work. During Level 2 it seemed that I was being pulled in many directions where I felt that it was too much of a diversion from painting, however reflecting on that experience, it trained me to be more open to new processes and uncharted journeys. Level 3 has given me the confidence and opportunity to work independently finding my way with intelligent support from my tutors and peers.

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

There have actually been several examples of times when tutors have give me some inspiring feedback...more recently in 3.1, my tutor offered me the following feedback: "I feel that you are at an interesting stage in your developing painting practice, where you are beginning to position yourself and the work in relation to art history...It feels like you are starting to join up some of these dots in a way that feels personal and relevant to your own practice and thinking" and "I would really like to see you fire on all cylinders and immerse yourself in your practical work".

What does studying with OCA mean to you?

After watching and getting involved with amateur artists in my father's evening painting classes, and the disappointment in not pursuing a Fine Arts Degree after leaving school, the OCA has provided my with the creative platform to realise my dream...a dream soon to be be realised.

What's Next?

My plan now is to complete Painting 3.2 and 3.3, which will take me into my retirement in 2027. In my retirement, I intend to continue to create and exhibit my work. I also plan to celebrate my Degree with a trip to the UK to receive my Certificate, followed by a present to myself of a second trip to major Art Galleries in New York!

Any advice?

Just make work, it does not matter what or what subject/theme - just do it to get started.

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @artroger23,

website: https://www.rogersidneyartist.com/