International undiscovered talent finds her passion at Saturday

Tanvi came to England from Mumbai, India, three years ago speaking only Hindi and having never had a sketchbook. She says: "I used to be told off in my art classes because I used to sit there and not draw anything! I didn’t even know I could draw before I came to the College."

"My art teacher at Lipson School told me the College was offering the Sorrell Foundation's National Saturday Arts Club and I loved the course. When I started drawing I realised I could do what I wanted, unlike words where you have restrictions."

Being given this opportunity has allowed Tanvi to discover something she loves and is also really good at. The freedom of the course allows Tanvi to choose what she wants to work with and she can develop a passion for different areas of Art. She now studies the BTEC National Diploma Art and Design at Plymouth College of Art.

"The thing I enjoy most about being at college is that it's all about independent work, it's not about telling you what to do. It's about my career, so I need to know what I'm good at. "

"I do a bit of everything; we work with clay, drawing, painting, ceramics, still life, animation. In school, everyone does the same thing. I've become more myself instead of pretending to be someone else. You can't copy someone else’s work; you have to find your own style."

"The facilities at the College mean I've got everything available to me, I don’t have to bring anything, only things I want to use like special fabrics for my sketchbook."

"When I leave College, I'd like to take a year out and travel around the world. I want to study art at University, and after these two years, I'll find out what I'm best at."

To find out more about Plymouth College of Art, visit their Open Day on 27 November, register online to find out more www.plymouthart.ac.uk.

For more information visit http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/