Artist Residency

Throughout June I was lucky enough to be chosen as Artist in Residence at a local Secondary School.

This was a wonderful experience which allowed me to tailor workshops and teaching sessions for groups of mixed ability year nines.

This was useful for my research and an important step forward as an artist / educator. I used this opportunity to the full, engaging with the students and observing on the head of art wherever possible.

My workshops were structured to promote confidence and freedom of expression through self portraiture and mark making exercises, utilising music and the senses.

The students that struggled at the start, grew in confidence through the session time which, in turn promoted self expression. Most students struggled with producing work that wasn't precise and neatly finished. After talking to the staff this made perfect sense as the curriculum requires certain criteria to be fulfilled which, allows little time for complete freedom of expression and experimentation. The staff are working incredibly hard to get the students through to good grades.

Higher ability students were less willing to change their style including students on the autistic spectrum. They were also less likely to follow direction.

This brief exploration was really enjoyable and helpful for my research and my career.

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