Evan grew up in a caravan commune that proved very influential on his upbringing, before moving to a small town in the Lake District. Evan originally planned to study something a world away from Fine Art, but soon changed his mind: 

“I was originally planning to go into paramedic science, but because of COVID I took a year out and realised I wanted to do something I was truly passionate about – I went on to pursue art. I came into Beckett for an interview and I just the loved the place, it was amazing.” 

Having decided to follow his passion, Evan also wanted a course that would give him a degree of freedom. 

“It was about the freedom to explore my art and take it seriously. Before my thinking was all about, ‘Oh, I need to get something that’s going to get me money and I can always do this on the side’. But then I thought, wait, the world has just been turned upside down, I might as well do something I love, take it seriously and go to a place that would let me explore every avenue of art.” 

That place was Leeds Beckett University, and Evan highlights three main things he enjoyed about the course. 

“The tutors are absolutely incredible. They’re so supportive, so wonderful and always pushing us to do anything we want. All the facilities are incredible and the access that you get to them is outstanding – metal work, woodwork, printing, a 3D workshop, the library’s great. And then there’s the people. To have a lovely community of people that are constantly helping and supporting each other is amazing.” 

Evan’s journey has seen him move from an interest in painting to sculpture and miniatures, something he says is his dream career. 

“At the moment I’m applying to certain residences and opportunities, but I think next year I’m going to apply for the master’s course here so I can further develop my skills. Eventually, the end goal is working in film and TV props, working on miniature set design.” 

Beyond finding a course he loved and a possible vocation, Evan’s hard work was also rewarded with two prestigious accolades. When he graduates, he won’t just leave LBU with a first-class degree, he’ll also take away the Alan Mohan prize for the highest mark in Fine Art and the Dean’s Prize for Excellence.  

“It’s quite shocking, really. It definitely wasn’t something that I was expecting because I hold all of my peers in such high regard. They’re all going to do so well, and I never thought of myself as being that kind of high achiever. I mean, I’m insanely proud of myself.” 

Evan also appreciates the support he received as someone with dyslexia and ADHD.  

“When I first sat down with Julia Kelly (Course Director for BA and MA Fine Art) I mentioned it and she told me that many people with ADHD and dyslexia are often more creative because their brain functions differently. We have different ways of thinking about certain situations, and it’s played quite a positive role in everything that I’ve done – I’m able to think outside the box. I also have to praise the tutors because if I’ve been struggling, they’ve been really helpful, welcoming and supportive.” 

He has one piece of advice for people about to join a similar course.  

“Take full advantage of everything that is available. Go to every lecture, go to the inside out lectures, workshops, the printing place, go and explore and also talk to the tutors. They’re happy to listen, talk and help you through everything. Try everything because I went in thinking that painting is my main thing and I ended up doing film, sculpture, all sorts. Don’t close yourself off in a box." 

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Fine Art