Xiaoqian (Lexie) Chen – My MA Fine Art journey at AUB

My favourite place is the beach. Before coming here, I often imagined what I would do if I ever felt sad or unhappy. I thought about going to the beach. Now, I know that the beach is the best place for me. Standing by the sea, I can hear the sound of the waves and feel the fresh air. I can touch the soft sand and watch the endless horizon. The sea makes me feel small, but also free. Nature has a special way of healing – it helps me calm down and feel peaceful.

I chose to study MA Fine Art because I love art, and I really like Arts University Bournemouth’s creative style. The atmosphere here feels simple and fresh – it inspires me a lot. The course has allowed me to experiment with different materials and techniques; I’ve been free to choose my own project and develop it in my own way. I like this freedom. It gives me space to explore and create. The tutors are very kind and supportive, and they always give me useful advice, encouraging me to try new ideas and experiment with different artistic methods. Their guidance helps me improve my skills and discover new artistic possibilities.

During my studies, I have learned many new skills, trying screen printing, metalwork, resin art, and letterpress printing. These are all very interesting techniques. I also learned about the use of technology in art. For example, I studied VR and how to use it in artistic projects. I also learned about curating exhibitions. Very practical skills that help me a lot in my projects.

I feel more confident about my work now, but I also know that if I need help, I can always ask the technicians at AUB. They are very experienced and always willing to support students.

One of my favourite experiences was a field trip, where we had the chance to learn about African tribal culture, listening to their stories and learning about their traditions. I also got to experience African drumming, which was a very special and joyful experience. I could feel the energy and connection between people through the rhythm of the drums. It was amazing to see how art and music can bring people together.

The most challenging part of my course is keeping up with art exhibitions. I always pay attention to new exhibitions and their themes, and I try to create my own artworks based on those themes. This is not easy, but it is a great challenge. It pushes me to think differently and explore new ideas. Every time I take on a new challenge, I learn more about myself and my artistic style. I create works that surprise me. This is what makes art exciting.