Paula Daniel
Pontes

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“It has always been my dream to go to university. However, due to the many troubles in my home country Angola at the time, this was only a dream. After immigrating to Nottingham, I realised that attending university was something anyone who worked hard for could do. I spent many years working and studying in Nottingham with the goal of one day being able to enter the big building I passed many times. Being exposed to the University and getting to know other people my age and from my background graduating from NTU, I knew that one day, my day could come.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I love learning about other artists and expressing myself creatively. I like that my course teaches me not only to master the arts but also gives us an opportunity to learn about the creative business industry. I have been able to do work experiences with renowned artists who delivered guest lectures. I am coming out of university with more confidence in my craft and am realistic about how to make a career out of it.”

Has the course included any live projects or briefs that you really enjoyed?
“Our live trading project has really made the idea of my career as a sole trader a reality. I enjoyed the fact that we had to create a business plan. Sometimes as artists, we can get lost in the art and forget about finances. This project was objective and I believe it will help me start my business.

"I also did a four session workshops with Kate McBride, where I assisted her with hand crafting a rabbit for her project, a one day workshop with Elke Sada from Germany, and Karen Atherley, who showed me how to draw and use colours on plates. I learnt more about how to work with different materials and how artists actually work.”

Has the course included any speakers from industry that you really enjoyed?
“Kate McBride – I liked that she taught us how to do transfers, animal moulds and making ceramic animals.”

What do you think about the course staff?
“The course staff have been supportive since my first interview at NTU. They believe in my art and their confidence in me has immensely helped me when I lost belief in myself. Attending university as a mature student and a working parent is not easy.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“Nottingham has a lot of history, nice places to enjoy nature and so many opportunities to help the local communities. I have involved myself in voluntary work since I have been here, and have built a strong connection with the city and the people who call this home.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Decorative Arts?
“Nottingham is a city that has everything you need, from social activities to the opportunity to better yourself. It feels like a community and people are welcoming. As it is in the Midlands, you can travel easily to Scotland, Ireland, London and Wales. The University cares about your success and gives you so many opportunities to come out of your studies equipped not only with a degree, but a vision for your future. If you are a creative soul trying to navigate in a corporate world, NTU will teach you how to do this in a way that ensures you do not lose your essence.”

Keep up to date with Paula's work on her website.