Alice’s Story

Name: Alice Ellis Bray 

Courses Previously Studied: A Level Fine Art, A Level Art History, A Level English Language and Literature 

Role: Freelance Artist/Learning Specialist at Tate 

From exploring her passion for Art at Truro and Penwith College, to displaying work at the Tate Modern, alumna Alice has flourished in her young career. 

Alice studied A Levels in Fine Art, Art History, and English Language and Literature at Truro College, before studying Fine Art at Falmouth University. Her time at university led to a particular focus on performance art, although her specialist discipline during her time at College continued to entice her – painting. 

Alice commented: “I went to university and ended up exploring areas away from painting. Whilst this allowed me to explore different fields that I’ve since grown to love, I kept coming back to painting. My core-practise comes from my time at Truro College.” 

Alice’s performance art led to a collaboration with Tate St Ives, which then progressed to accomplishing the feat of displaying a painted dress at the Tate Modern. She has since gone on to establish a close relationship with Tate, working as a Freelance Artist and Learning Specialist. 

Following her exceptional successes, Alice embarked on a return to the field in which she grew to adore during her time at Truro and Penwith College. 

Alice continued: “My core-strength and passion is painting. I always reflect on my time at College and the tutors I had the privilege of working with. It goes far beyond just the support I received in terms of honing my skills and ability – it’s so much more. The hours I spent during my breaks between lectures, the adoration and sheer respect I have for the people who dedicated their time to guide me; I didn’t want to leave. The impact my time at Truro College had on myself has ultimately led to a return to something that I never initially pursued at university.” 

Wanting to challenge preconceptions that you need to move further afield to achieve success and recognition, Alice commented: “I have never had the feeling that I need to move away. Cornwall is such a creative and diverse place, yet its intimate size means you really get to know people. All this means your work can really stand-out, which means you can stand-out!” 

Outside of her own work, Alice frequently works with local galleries to support young up-and-coming artists. Her advice for young people and students alike is a testament to the bloomsome career she is sculpting for herself. 

Alice concluded: “Experiment as much as you can and make the most of the opportunities you have when working with your tutors because you never know where it might take you.”