Abby Haith
Profession
BA Fine Art student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Biography
Abby is a third year student on BA (Hons) Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. She grew up between London and Virginia, USA.
Interview
Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Fine Art at Central Saint Martins?
I started on the University’s Fine Art foundation course as a natural and familiar progression from having studied Fine Art at A-Level. I progressed onto the BA course because I felt I had established myself within the University, but knew I had a lot more to get out of CSM. When I first applied, it felt like an entirely unattainable aspiration, though I feel very lucky to be here and can’t imagine having studied anywhere else now.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
It's sometimes difficult to be consistently interested by your own work. My most recent work involving building set-like structures has been the most technically challenging for me. I think anything that tests me both mentally and physically is what makes me feel accomplished or ‘interested’ in the end.
Have you completed any work placements whilst being on the course?
During my Diploma in Professional Studies, I carried out two work placements. The first was at ST.ART Gallery in Fitzrovia: as a gallery assistant, I spent six months installing and deinstalling exhibitions, social media managing and being a welcoming representation of the space. In the second role I was creative advisor and on-site artist for Bright City Projects. I got to navigate interior design decision-making for the first time, paint murals and consider space in a whole new way while working on an active building site. It was really beneficial to have work experience during my studies. I didn’t realise it at the time, but these roles really influenced my work going into my final year of studies.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
I’d say the most important thing is to be confident in your abilities. You are more capable than you think. There are so many opportunities and facilities available but it is important to be proactive and willing to self-motivate. This all sort of comes from just being really passionate about whatever you are making; passion and care are really important particularly when studying an art course.
What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
Putting on exhibitions and the friendships I have developed through those stages of curation have been the most special to me throughout my uni experience.
How have you build your CSM community? How did you meet people here?
Spending time in the studio, being present for group work, and just generally chatting with people about their work during crits and exhibitions have all broadened my social circles within UAL.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
Be open to change and never limit or close yourself off from opportunities. Everything available to you at uni is there to help you. Take advantage of facilities, the library, attend the workshops and use benefits like adobe and cargo site discounts to build your portfolio. Take in all advice from tutors, peers and technicians. Don’t just listen to likeminded people, be open to criticism and discourse so as not to restrict your scope of knowledge.
In my final year I’m realising all the things I’m going to miss and so am making more technical work, joining curation committees and being generally more social within the massively creative community I am surrounded by while I still can!
Links
View Abby's portfolio to explore her work
Follow Abby on Instagram