Eliza Rawlings
Profession
MA Fine Art: Digital alum
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Alumni
Biography
Eliza Rawlings is from Bristol, UK, and graduated from the MA Fine Art: Digital course at Central Saint Martins in 2025. Originally a Chartered Engineer in electronics, she enjoyed a career in engineering before moving into the arts and now focuses on developing her contemporary painting practice
Interview
Why did you choose to study MA Fine Art: Digital and why CSM?
I wanted to do a Master’s degree in Fine Art that would enable me to work from home because I had family responsibilities and had already set up my art studio there. I didn’t want the disruption of having to move to another city for an on-campus course. So I was looking for an online or low-residency course.
I was very happy when I found the MA Fine Art: Digital course at CSM because the structure was exactly what I was looking for. I also felt that the environment at CSM would challenge me and encourage me to push my boundaries, which was what I needed to develop my practice.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
The most interesting project I have worked on was ‘News’ – Chinese ink paintings on newspapers. ‘News’ was my visceral response to unfolding world events at the time. I felt compelled to respond to what was happening through my art, but it would have meant a significant change in direction for my practice. I was unsure if I could or should take the risk partway through my second year. However, I was encouraged and supported by my tutor to pursue the new idea.
It worked out well, and in the end, I showed the work at my MA Graduate Show. What made it interesting was not that it turned out well; it was more about having the right support to change direction. Now I have the confidence to change direction again and innovate. That feels very exciting.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
The time on the course goes very quickly, so make the most of it. Although it is not an on-campus course, you can still access a lot of resources online (or on campus as well for those who can visit London), such as the library, supplementary learning workshops, or technicians’ support. I have found everyone at CSM very helpful, so students should utilise all the available resources and maximise the opportunities.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
There have been many highlights, such as the other students on the course, and we have formed a very supportive network. Another highlight was the learning environment created by the course leader. Art-making and sharing one’s experiences can feel vulnerable, yet the culture and environment nurtured on the course made me feel able to explore as well as take risks whilst feeling safe and supported. This enabled me to push boundaries and make work that I would not have done otherwise.
Other highlights included the low-residency weeks in London. They were invaluable for me, giving me quality time away from the studio to take a fresh look at my practice whilst being inspired by all the staff and artists that we met.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years time?
In the short term, I will continue to make new work and show my work whilst expanding my practice. The course has also helped me to develop my practice research skills, which has been enjoyable and invaluable. Therefore, I would like to progress this in the medium term of three to five years and undertake postgraduate practice-based research within an academic setting.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
I have learnt the importance of incorporating reflection into my day-to-day practice. Developing a reflective practice was one of the most important learnings for me because it keeps my practice sustainable, especially when I feel lost or unsure of my progress; the next step usually reveals itself through reflection. Another important learning for me was focusing on the process rather than the outcome – that realisation came to me gradually during the course. It has been enlightening and transformational.
Links
Connect with Eliza on LinkedIn
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Check Eliza’s Website