As part of our series catching up with Chelsea alumni as we approach this year’s MA summer show opening on 7th September, we hear from Caroline Popham who graduated from Graduate Diploma Fine Art in 2016, to see what she’s been up to since her time at Chelsea. Her work has evolved and she’s busy with lots of interesting commissions.
Caroline tells us what she’s been up to since Chelsea:
“I had previously worked as a graphic designer and since graduating I have phased this side of my working life out and focused primarily on my own work, which has grown since graduation but when I look back I seem themes that reoccur.
“I have chosen to adapt my practice to being more studio based as I no longer have access to workshops available at Chelsea. When I was at Chelsea my practice was concerned with repetition and also examinations of colour charges. This remains as the backbone, however the format has completely changed. At Chelsea I was making in 3D and now I am painting, which has led to painting commissions.
“I came to Chelsea without a clear idea of what my practice was in the literal sense. I knew that I wanted to make my own work however I didn’t know what that was as I was so used to a graphic design style brief. Chelsea gave the opportunity to stop, think and explore what I was interested in. The creative discourse also helped me greatly as part of this research process.”
Caroline’s advice to future graduates is “use your network of friends, colleagues, family is key as a starting point to connect to people about your work. Social media has been good for me so an up to date profile and my website has been very important. Engagement with people who are interested in my work has also been important. I do this by sending out a newsletter and posting regularly.”
We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what exciting destination Caroline’s practice will take her next.
Connect and see more work via Caroline’s website or Caroline’s Instagram.
Come along to this year’s MA summer show
Read more about Graduate Diploma Fine Art
