Chloe Sydel Moor: How London became home

Chloe Sydel Moor is an American student in her first year of the BA Performance: Design and Practice at Central Saint Martins. Chloe first studied a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and was a recipient of the UAL Foundation and Pre-degree £7,000 International Scholarship. We spoke with Chloe about her experience studying in London and how she has found the move from her hometown of Woodstock, New York.

As a US student, what made you choose London for your art studies, and how did it feel arriving here for the first time?

London’s rich history and cultural diversity drew me in from the beginning. In 2023, I toured Central Saint Martins; I remember stepping into the studio spaces and being in awe of the resources available, from print presses to professional level photography studios and special collections in the library, I knew I needed to take the leap. Arriving for my Foundation year was both exciting and daunting, as the reality of moving to a new country set in. But once my course began, I quickly settled in. Being surrounded by a supportive community of creatives made the adjustment natural, and London soon felt like home.

How does studying art in London differ from what you experienced in the US, both creatively and culturally?

I grew up in Woodstock, New York, a small historic art colony. I was surrounded by writers, printmakers, photographers, and musicians, an insulated utopia of creative people with an emphasis on craftsmanship. When I moved across the pond, the scale of everything became larger and eye-opening with the diversity of communities. It's incredible to me how creative people build their own webs of connections across the city.

In what ways has London’s creative scene influenced or shifted your artistic practice?

Everyone in London’s creative scene is highly connected. If you work hard and put yourself out there, you’ll meet incredible artists and form connections that can lead to professional opportunities. At first, I felt apprehensive about attending events, but the more I trusted myself and engaged, the easier it became. Now I genuinely enjoy networking; it’s invigorating to speak with talented designers, gain insight into their practice, and apply what I learn to improve my own work both professionally and personally.

Can you share a specific exhibition, performance, or cultural experience in London that wouldn’t have been possible back home?

The first time I visited London with my father, we saw Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club - I left the theatre completely moved. Since then, the city has offered countless moments I couldn’t have experienced back home: striking up meaningful conversations with strangers on the train, stumbling upon a historic church mid-choir practice, or exploring a Beatrix Potter exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. These encounters make life in London feel full of serendipity, where connections appear in the most unexpected places.

What do you love most about being an artist in London, and how does the city’s energy compare to cities you know in the US?

Many cities I’ve visited in the US are buzzing with energy but can feel overstimulating - defined by towering skyscrapers, cold architecture, and limited green space. New York City, for example, is culturally vibrant but intensely fast-paced. In contrast, London offers both creative stimulation and pockets of stillness when you need to slow down. That balance between intellectual engagement and calm is essential for sustaining both my creativity and sense of grounding.

What was it like building a creative community in a new country, and how did you find your people?

I established a lovely circle of friends in my Foundation year which bridged the transition to my BA smoothly. If you choose your course wisely, you will naturally find your people and learn how you enjoy spending time. I love exploring historic sites like Sir John Soane's Museum and attending seasonal events like, Collect, an art fair in Somerset House. Making a habit of incorporating cultural elements into my life helps feed my work and reminds me how much there is to discover. You meet like-minded people at events like these and create your own luck.

How has studying alongside an international cohort expanded your perspective as an American artist?

Studying alongside an international cohort has expanded my perspective in a profound way. At Central Saint Martins, you’re surrounded by people from a wide range of cultural and geographic backgrounds, and that diversity is reflected in the work being produced. It’s pushed me to think more holistically about my own practice and to question assumptions I didn’t even realise I held. Seeing how different cultural perspectives translate into visual language has broadened my understanding of what art can communicate. It’s made my work more open, curious, and responsive to the world beyond my own experience.

When did London start to feel like home, and how has that sense of belonging shaped your confidence as an artist?

I felt an immediate connection to London when I first visited, which ultimately led me to move here for university. Over the past year and a half, that connection has deepened as I’ve gotten to know the city more intimately and found my footing, along with a few favourite spots: a local bakery, a tucked-away bookshop, and a quiet bench in Regent's Park. As I continue to discover its hidden corners, London has started to feel like home. That growing sense of belonging has strengthened my independence and confidence, which naturally carries through into my work as an artist.

You were a recipient of the UAL Foundation and Pre-degree £7,000 International Scholarship. What does this scholarship mean to you?

Receiving this scholarship allowed me to concentrate more fully on my studies and creative work, relieving financial pressures and giving me the freedom to pursue my passion with greater focus.

I was incredibly grateful and was so excited to be joining the UAL community. I felt a great sense of accomplishment. It was rewarding to have my hard work recognised and this scholarship provided me with a solid foundation to continue pursuing my studies and creative goals.