“I turned my life around and rediscovered my love of the Arts at The City of Liverpool College. Without a doubt my tutors brought out my creativity and showed me how to express it creatively.”
WAYNE: It was my mother who encouraged me to go back to college, as my mother knew I could draw. On her deathbed, I promised I would get my graduation 'cap and gown' for her. So, I enrolled at The City of Liverpool College, where I studied UAL Level 2 Art & Design. My tutors were David Kinder and Sam Wood. I just thought I would be drawing in lessons, but David and Sam gave us exciting tasks, weekly, and encouraged our class every day in a relaxed environment.
This played a big part in my progress within the arts, even to this day. I came across working with clay through one of my classes with David, when we had to create a clay face. I became very interested in ceramics and began going to the clay workshop where Richard the Clay Technician helped me to learn more about ceramics (whilst still attending my normal classes).
After achieving my Level 2 qualification, I took some time out due to back and leg injuries, but as soon as I was well enough, I enrolled back at The City of Liverpool College to study on the foundation course. This got me back on track. I brought my passion for ceramics onto my foundation course and eventually achieved the foundation qualification which helped get me into Hope University. At Hope, I enrolled on a design course, where we studied textiles, metalwork and ceramics. After graduating from Hope, I bought a potter’s wheel and clay to use at home. I didn't stop. In April 2021, I heard about a job working at Granby Workshop. Granby workshop was formed by a group called 'Appeal' who won the Turner Prize, Granby specialises in architectural ceramics, from tiles and tabletops to earthenware, stoneware and household goods. I thought the role might have been out of my league, but I researched and learned more about it and I applied. Although I didn't get the job, two weeks later Granby Workshop contacted me, and I was asked if I was interested in doing some freelance work for them. It’s been nearly a year and I now work for Granby Workshop on a permanent basis.
My life has changed a lot in the last 12 years, I feel like I've come a long way from my darker days as an Alcoholic, who nearly gave up on life. I turned my life around and I rediscovered my love for the arts again. The City of Liverpool College gave me the start I needed and without a doubt my tutors David and Sam and Clay Technician Richard brought out the creativity I had inside me and showed me how to put it on paper and into whatever medium I wanted. My advice to anyone looking to make a change, is never give up. There are jobs out there within the arts, you just need to stick with it and apply when the jobs come up. Let employers know what skills and passion you can bring to their company. Always ask questions and don't let the fear of embarrassing yourself stop you. Good luck and thank you to The City of Liverpool College.
