Ferne Worsley

Ferne Worsley is an artist from Westcliff and a proud mother. She studied an Access to Art and Design course at South Essex Colleges Group before progressing to a BA (Hons) Fine Art at University Centre South Essex. This is her story.

I first went to art college when I was 18, but it did not feel like the right fit for me at the time and I did not complete the course. I moved into work instead, taking on a range of roles while continuing to explore my interest in art through evening classes in painting and drawing.

I later worked in a creative role as a picture editor for magazines, researching and selecting images. Even though I enjoyed the work, I always felt that I had unfinished business with art. I began attending life drawing classes, where I met someone who had recently completed an Access course at South Essex Colleges Group. They encouraged me to apply, and that conversation changed everything.

I discovered that I could apply for funding and that I would not have to repay it if I went on to complete a degree. I applied for the Access course and absolutely loved it. It gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and, importantly, helped prepare me to apply for a degree in Fine Art.

After discussing it with my family, I decided to continue my studies and applied for a degree at University Centre South Essex. My three years there were some of the most rewarding of my life. The tutors were incredibly supportive, and their encouragement made a real difference to my confidence and development.

Balancing studying with being a parent was not always easy, especially as the course is demanding and includes a significant amount of written work. However, the staff were understanding and flexible, which helped me manage my responsibilities and continue progressing.

There was support available financially as well, including a maintenance award, which made studying more manageable. Knowing that support was there made a big difference.

One of the most important moments for me during the degree was realising that I could build a new career, even in my mid-40s. That understanding was life changing. It gave me the confidence to take my work seriously and think about what I could achieve.

After graduating, I continued developing my practice and completed a post-degree course with TOMA. I also began volunteering and thinking about how I could create opportunities for others.

Alongside other graduates, I co-founded Blokhouse Studios, creating a shared studio space for artists. The aim is to support recent graduates and early-career artists, giving them a space to work, connect and develop their practice. With support from local funding, we were able to establish the studio and begin building a creative community.

Today, Blokhouse Studios supports a range of artists and offers workshops and opportunities for collaboration. We welcome visitors and work with local organisations to create a space that is open, inclusive and supportive. Our goal is to help artists take their next steps, especially those who may face barriers such as financial or health challenges.

Creating something that supports others has been incredibly rewarding. Each time I step into the studio, I feel proud of what we have built and the opportunities it creates.

If you are thinking about returning to education, my advice would be to go for it. Speak to tutors, visit the campus and explore your options. With the right support, it is possible to make it work around your life and responsibilities.