Has the student finally become the tutor?

When I started at Gray’s School of Art, back in 1994, Allan Watson was one of my first year tutors. One that I felt I got on with particularly well in fact! So, you can imagine how pleased I was when I found out that he would be head of my Masters Degree course four years later.

Some 20+ years on and we have once again been reunited by our creative practices: Allan’s sculptural practice and my skills as a web designer, specialising in websites for artists.

Once again it was a joy to spend time with Allan to devise a plan for his portfolio site, which I then built in full collaboration with him throughout. I will now train him to update it himself as well as offering ongoing updates as and when required.

We feel it presents his beautiful sculptures perfectly. Please read his testimonial below before enjoying his shiny, new website.

Allan Watson, Actuality as opposed to potentiality
Images, all Allan Watson:
(Top) Studio wall October 2021
(Middle) Actuality as opposed to potentiality (Photo: Steve Smith)
(Bottom) At Rest

Working with Julia on creating my website has been an absolute joy and a hugely positive collaborative experience. From day one Julia imposed a clear working schedule meaning there was never any confusion as to what she would do and what was needed from me. Her model of working on the project one day a week was perfect as it enabled me to live with suggestions and developments in between times. It also meant I never had to make quick decisions. This pace allowed for the natural evolution of the design and Julia’s artistic sensibilities have been central in helping me understand how I wanted the site to look and feel. Ignorant of the technical complexities that make websites function, I felt very comfortable asking even the most basic questions.

As well as providing training packages to help me learn to add/remove content, Julia reassuringly offers ongoing support and technical maintenance. And all of the above for an incredibly reasonable cost.

Thank you Julia!

Allan Watson, At Rest