Roxanne

“The experience has been extremely positive for me. After more than 20 years, my creativity feels active in a way it hasn’t for a long time and it has been hugely beneficial for my mental health and overall wellbeing.”

For Roxanne, joining an adult leisure course at New City College was more than just trying something new – it was a chance to reconnect with her creativity after many years away from art.

Roxanne studied Printmaking at NCC’s Epping Forest campus and recently celebrated having her work featured in a public exhibition at Debden Library. The exhibition showcases artwork created by students from the printmaking class and highlights the talent and creativity flourishing within the college’s adult learning community.

We caught up with Roxanne to hear more about her experience, what inspired her to return to education, and how the course reignited her artistic passion.

What course did you study at New City College?

I studied the Printmaking leisure course at the Epping Forest Campus.

What inspired you to take up printmaking as an adult learner?

A friend suggested trying an adult leisure course and I felt like I had been waiting to do something creative again for years. I actually studied at the college back in the late 1990s, so I jumped at the chance to return and reconnect with that creative side of myself. Being part of the Debden community, New City College has always been on my radar, and when I saw Printmaking listed as a course option, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

How has the course impacted your confidence and creativity?

The experience has affected me extremely positively. After more than 20 years, I now keep a sketchbook again and my creativity feels active in a way it hasn’t for a long time. I also feel attending the course has been hugely beneficial for my mental health and overall wellbeing.

Can you tell us about the artwork featured in the exhibition?

I found some beautiful 19th-century Chinese mother-of-pearl game counters that had belonged to my great aunt, but I wasn’t sure how to use them creatively. Following my tutor’s suggestion, I ran them through a printing press and created a design based on the impressions they left behind. I then used screen printing techniques to make them more vibrant and to enlarge and strengthen the pattern, which later evolved into a lino print too.

How did New City College support you during your studies?

The tutors have been excellent – knowledgeable, engaging and highly experienced. Having access to the right tools and materials makes such a difference too because it allows you to bring ideas to life properly. The facilities, printmaking resources and the library all helped support the creative process and encouraged experimentation.

Has this experience changed how you see yourself as an artist?

I wouldn’t say it has changed how I see myself – but it has definitely revived and reignited that part of me again!

Inspired by Roxanne’s journey? Discover our adult courses and learn something new!

Visit the art exhibition until May 18, 2026:

Debden Library, on the site of New City College, Borders Lane, Loughton

Tuesday and Thursday – 2pm-5pm

Friday and Saturday – 9am-1pm