Painter about town: Jack Finch’s student culture inspired work

To celebrate our Degree Show, we focusing on the stories, inspirations and learning experiences of some of the 1000 plus artists and designers who are exhibiting their work. 

In this edition, BA (Hons) Fine Art student Jack Finch shares his passion for Manchester, student culture and opportunities to connect with the city. 

The process of painting is an exciting prospect for me and like most other students; party culture excites me even further

The unorthodox nature of my experiences as a student runs parallel with the exploration of colour, light source and mark making. I have been documenting objects and themes attached to student culture, regularly using found objects from the communal spaces of shared accommodation or the grim aftermath of different parties I have attended.

Dotted throughout the course are opportunities to attend talks and workshops by practicing artists and curators

Said opportunities can completely revolutionise an artist’s way of working and even thinking. An opportunity to hear about artist’s lives and paths taken external to the School kept everyone on their feet and spurred to continue working once I had finished studying.

Writing the extended essay on the process of paint for the Contextualised Practice unit allowed me to research, evaluate, and realise my practice with greater understanding. From this, I developed a conscious outlook on my process, allowing me to compare it to that of past and present painters. In doing so, I have independently matured my approach towards working in the studio, picking up tips and skills off the tutors on a week to week basis.

Studying in Manchester has been a blast

The creative community is natured by the art school with regular efforts been made to exhibit artists’ work outside the art school walls.

Manchester has a vast amount of empty spaces just waiting to be occupied by artists. A do-it-yourself attitude cultivated during a group exhibition in my second year unit, Art and Audience, gave light to the opportunities the city has to offer.

You can see Jack’s work on display in our Degree Show, which is running from 10-21 June. You can also find out more about his work on his Degree Show profile.