Seven questions with Greta Davies

This week, we meet UCL Slade School of Fine Art student Greta Davies.

Greta talks to us about the art installation she has made in the Main Library staircase and shares some great tips for things to do in London.

Why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

Art has been my interest for as long as I can remember and has always been something that I've wanted to pursue. When I leave I plan to keep making art and will try to show it to as many people as I can. And to just keep doing what I love.

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

I'd say getting involved with some of UCL's societies. When I was in the first year I joined the Art Society, it was really interesting to meet other students from around the university that enjoyed art but not necessarily were from an art background like me. It was nice to share interests and new ways of thinking with others. 

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

I'd definitely have to say the Main Library staircase where I have made an installation of my artwork, it's a space I have walked past many times and not noticed, and hundreds of people each day go by to get in and out of the library.

Being able to open up that unused and forgotten space is amazing, and the response to the work has been great. I use the already existing architecture as the starting point for my works. I am interested in the unnoticed and not easily accessible places that usually go by unobserved. I want to open up these spaces to the viewer. Creating spaces that will become more noticed or seen in a different light than before. I use line to create pattern, expanding the space and the visual experience of the viewer.

Even just to make that one person stop to take a second glance or come and ask a question, I feel I have made something interesting and successful.

Give us your top things to do/see/go to in London:

Spending time in the museums and galleries is something I love to do; most shows are free or discounted and there are so many amazing artworks to discover in the city.

I also love to see a west end show once in a while, a good thing to do when family and friends visit.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

I'd open up more opportunities for conversation across different UCL areas. Being part of a large university can open up so many interesting things, this is one thing I've learnt from making my artwork, that you can connect with so many different people, whether it's through the arts or any other form of creativity. I wish that it was something more people did or knew about.

Who inspires you and why?

All things and people around me inspire me, family and friends to follow and achieve my goals, my tutors and fellow students to keep on making and developing as an artist. And all the things I happen to find and come across in my day to day life. Amazing architecture and buildings, books I read and artworks I visit.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That I have a physical disability, but I don't let this stop me doing anything, it's not something I often talk about or feel the need to discuss. I'm very independent and confident in myself and will strive to achieve anything.