<p>Charlie Wildy studied Fine Art at Plymouth College of Art and graduated in 2014. Since graduating Charlie has been working on her practice as a painter.</p> <p>“I secured a place on the prestigious Karst graduate residency programme. After that I moved straight up to Maker Heights for the Alumni residency which Plymouth College of Art set up.</p> <p>I’ll be staying at Maker Heights until November this year. It’s a great space in a beautiful location in Cornwall. I apply to exhibit in shows and residency open calls wherever possible.”</p> <p>Charlie was proactive in applying for opportunities that were advertised in the Plymouth College of Art Alumni Newsletter. She also looked out for other opportunities available in Plymouth.</p> <p>“I think maintaining momentum has been challenging at times. I would say working up to the exhibition at Karst was challenging and writing proposals can be hard. It’s worth persevering though and giving it your best shot if you really want something.”</p> <p>It is important that graduates are keen to seek out beneficial experiences after their degree. Charlie made it a priority to progress onto new challenges.</p> <p>“It’s safe to say I would still be working in call centres if I hadn’t studied at Plymouth College of Art. My work would not have progressed to the level it is at now. The teaching was amazing! I had some of the best guidance and support from my former tutors. The college has offered me some great opportunities as a recent graduate. Ultimately being at Plymouth College of Art has helped me believe in myself and my abilities.”</p> <p>Looking towards the future Charlie hopes to continue focusing on creativity and aims to develop her practice.</p> <p>“I want to continue as a painter. I feel at my best when I am working in the studio. It’s a hard slog but I feel it’s worth it in the end! I would also like to go on and do an MA, even a Phd at some point.”</p> <p>To view Charlie’s website see: www.charliewildy.com</p>