Kellis Reid - MA Communication Design, Illustration and Photography
Having enjoyed their experience as an undergraduate in Communication Design at Gray鈥檚, Kellis wanted to return to study to use more of the art school鈥檚 facilities, such as the dedicated studio spaces and workshops.
鈥淔ollowing my undergraduate degree, I took a gap year from making. After four years of consistent creative practice, you don't realise how burnt out you can get. So, I worked for a year, before deciding I wanted to come back to study a MA Communication Design, well rested and excited at the prospect of furthering my education. I was keen to develop projects I鈥檇 created as an undergraduate, and to change up the direction of my practice.
鈥淢y master鈥檚 project is about the regeneration and revitalisation of Union Street. Working with a community-led focus, and rather than making a definite outcome that speaks on the behalf of people.
鈥淚'm trying to challenge people to think differently about Union Street, and to encourage them to think about the future, as the past is already laid in stone.
鈥淚 want people to question their opinions about the current state of Union Street and how they could potentially make a difference by letting their voices be heard. Union Street has so much potential and it鈥檚 important to hear from all communities.鈥�
Kellis is really positive about their experience studying a master鈥檚 at Gray鈥檚 and says the lecturers have been really supportive, wholeheartedly guiding students through their projects and ideas.
鈥淚 had opportunities to speak to people and do things I never would have done! I have been fortunate enough to hold a solo exhibition/workshop in the city centre, work with some of the most talented and intelligent people and challenge myself with thinking differently in my practice!
鈥淎berdeen offers so many opportunities for creative practitioners and I鈥檝e been really encouraged by the support from Gray鈥檚 creative unit, , and .鈥�
Now that Kellis is finishing the MA, they鈥檙e keeping their options open about which direction to go in.
鈥淚鈥檓 not entirely sure what I鈥檓 going to do, now that I鈥檓 finishing my MA, but that鈥檚 not a bad thing. I've always said 'What happens, happens' but after this year and the ways in which I've pushed myself, I know that I make things happen.
鈥淪o, although I'm unsure about my future as a creative and what my plans may be, I just know that I want to keep improving and develop meaningful connections with the art world in Aberdeen, the North East and across Scotland.鈥�