Kirsty MacDonald - MA Art and Design
The supportive environment at Gray’s School of Art coupled with her own ambitions to be a lecturer were the key reasons for her continuing her artistic journey at RGU.
Kirsty said: “After completing my undergraduate degree at Gray’s School of Art, I felt deeply supported by the environment and community there. In my final year, I sought guidance about my career direction. I knew I wanted to go into teaching but wasn’t sure at what level.
“A careers advisor at RGU suggested a path towards the MA, and potentially a PhD, with the aim of becoming a lecturer. This was a route I hadn’t previously considered, but after discussions with friends and family, it became clear that it aligned perfectly with my passion for research and my field of interest.”
Kirsty was also awarded the QEST Radcliffe Trust Emerging Maker Award, which meant she was able to take a course in natural crafts at Old Mill Arts in Dumfries, and an online Plants and Colour course with Flora Arbuthnott. This helped to further enhance her skills and knowledge, which also helped with the MA.
She also said that, as well as helping with her artistic practice, the postgraduate course has given her a confidence boost, which resulted in a host of opportunities."
Kirsty is now in the process of setting up a studio in Aberdeen and is keen to pursue a PhD alongside exhibitions and workshops.
Kirsty said: “Since completing the course and exhibiting at the degree show, my schedule has been full and exciting. I’ve continued my QEST training, delivered talks on sustainability at Dundee Contemporary Arts, represented students at the Labour Party Conference, and exhibited at Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh.
“I am now settled into a studio in Aberdeen, with plans to create exhibitions, run workshops, and apply for residencies and further opportunities. At the same time, I am preparing to apply for a PhD in natural crafts and exploring the idea of starting a collective.
“Most importantly, my time at RGU has given me confidence in myself—something I struggled with for many years. From college through to Gray’s and now postgraduate study, I have grown into someone who can speak publicly, present ideas, and share my work with conviction. RGU provided the safe and supportive environment that allowed me to build this confidence, and it has already proven invaluable as I take the next steps in my career."