“You don’t need college!”

“You don’t need college!”

These words I have heard from many people, who found out that I was going to college to study Art and Design in 2021. My age was not even a factor for such reactions (although I am not a spring chicken). 

If I was to view myself as someone else, I probably would be confused too: confident artist, exhibiting around the world, award winning painter, who run artsy workshops, married, with a child and looks like she has it all together. Why would she need college?

All of the above is true, but also all of the below, that I don’t show, is true too.

I have always felt that there was a part that was missing in the puzzle of my life. I knew I am talented, deep down, I thought I am meant for great things, legendary things, but never seemed to know what exactly that is. I have paid thousands of pounds for gallery representations, I have lost myself in a pyramid scheme of bussiness coaching and course creations, I got distracted by shiny things. 

Throughout my highs and lows I have realised that there aren’t any shortcuts or magic buttons. For everyone there is a different path to take and the path can be amazing on it’s own without a set destination. While I am still figuring out mine, going to Suffolk New College was the best choice I have ever made in my artist career, and here is why…

• Surrounded by creative and weird people like myself I found it easier to try new things, other than painting, which I have done for over 20 years. SNC was my safe place and with great support I faced personal and professional challenges better.

• I have gained confidence in using glossy terminology, I could finally describe mine or others art practices without using word “nice” or “interesting”.

• I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. I started to attend live drawing sessions. I fell in love with drawing, even though I always thought I am not good at, turns out I just needed to practice.

• I have learned to allow people to help me. Peers and tutors have made a huge impact to my creative development.

• I have deepened my knowledge in art history. I no longer cling to Salvador Dali because he was the only surrealist I knew before SNC, but because his paintings reflect the connection between human body and mind. My vivid dreaming a few times per night doesn’t feel like a torture anymore, but fuel for my wake creations.

• I have learned to simplify art if I need to find a solution quick. I draw my dreams in a notebook besides the bed using the skills I have learned in illustration and graphic design classes. (This helps at 6am in a morning with a toddler, jumping on my bed).

• I have learned new mediums, including sculpting, which is my current passion in arts and final major project for SNC. 

Best of all, I have made some wonderful friendships. Alongside the creations by my artist friends, I will be exhibiting my first sculpture, called Shero. The exhibition will take place in Ipswich, Suffolk, from 9th of June. More details to be confirmed soon. (Updates can be found on Instagram @kristina.tonev or @snc_artanddesign )

Shero will stay in Suffolk New College as a gratitude for all the gifts that I have received throughout this course, which has opened doors for my future development as an artist. I hope Shero will inspire future students and enhance the creative space of SNC.