Meet the Mentors

Scott Hunter is an environmental artist, Digital Media tutor at Napier University, and a Teaching Fellow in Photography at the University of Edinburgh. He holds an MFA in Contemporary Art Practice from Edinburgh College of Art. His multidisciplinary practice combines photography, scientific processes, and ecological research to explore the environmental impact of industrial activity on landscapes. Scott’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Saatchi Gallery in London and the Kyotographie KG+ Festival in Japan.

He has extensive experience mentoring international students and emerging artists, providing one-to-one coaching, portfolio reviews, and practical advice on developing a distinctive artistic voice. He combines critical thinking with technical expertise, supporting students in refining their portfolios, preparing applications, and articulating their ideas clearly and confidently. His mentoring approach is tailored, supportive, and informed by years of experience as an educator and practicing artist.

Credit ©Katarzyna Łukasiewicz for the photo.

Susie has been teaching Art and Design for the past 25 years and recently as part of the teaching team on the International Foundation Programme at the Centre for Open Learning. She also teaches Drawing and Artists Books at Undergraduates and Postgraduate levels for The Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) University of Edinburgh.

Her work is print-oriented, but her practice has expanded to include text /image and 3D form. These elements have often been realised in the various forms of an artist’s book. Most recently she has been working on collaborative projects including a residency on an allotment.  Recently awarded a VACMA award (2024) and the Maureen Duke Educational Award for Bookbinding (2021).

Oliver Reed is the Head of Arts at the Centre for Open Learning, bringing over 25 years of experience as a teacher and lecturer. He teaches drawing, painting, and digital media across lifelong learning courses and the International Foundation Programme. 

In addition to his teaching, Oliver has extensive experience mentoring learners, students, and early to mid-career professional artists. As a practicing artist, his work investigates the natural environment through a phenomenological lens, engaging with the landscape to explore themes of space, time, memory, and ecology.

Ed is an experienced and highly skilled Fine Art Lecturer, tutor and Glasgow-based artist, currently working as a Teaching Fellow in Printmaking Centre for Open Learning, University of Edinburgh, where he also teaches Portfolio Preparation: Fine Art, and on the Access Programme. He is also Relief Lecturer in Art and Design, University of Highlands and Islands. 

His areas of interest are visual language and communication using signs and codes.He aims to create contemporary dialogues between older crafts/rituals/pastimes and new digital forms. His other strengths are in valuing and supporting the development of studio practices by encouraging dialogue through personal tutoring. His extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of Modern and contemporary art has been developed from previous role as Contextual Studies Lecturer for Continuing Education, University of Liverpool.