Forward 2016 | Page 10

SENIOR SCHOOL

Visual Arts

Painting by Thomas Campbell ( 12Ha )
Mr Adam Derums has taught visual art at the School for 11 years . He is a successful artist in his own right and is the curator of the annual Art Exhibition and Sale .
It has been another busy year in the art room and it has been a pleasure to watch the Year 12 students support the younger students , acting as role models as they work their way through the theoretical and practical components of the course . The range of work produced in the art room reflected the students ’ individuality , and ranged from neo-romantic fantasy landscapes to florid abstract displays of material expression . I have enjoyed watching the students develop their skills and to see their ideas flourish and improve over the duration their Year 11 and 12 studies . Their body of work is a testament to their hard work and interest in art and they have developed a strong awareness for the stylistic location their own practices have found in the art world . Such is the depth of commitment a number of the students have for the arts , and it is likely that one or two will forge a career in art or design . As an educator of art and design in both compulsory and post compulsory levels for over twenty years now , it is always a pleasure whenever past students make contact with me to share their personal successes within their chosen fields .
Looking back over the eleven years I have taught art at Guildford Grammar School ,
I continue to be amazed at the breadth of personal expression I see , on many different materials and addressing a broad range of subject matters . The art room is a place where you can find boys congregating outside normal class time to continue their work , start something new or different or just chat with their mates . I often have students I ’ ve not seen enrolled in a class ask if they can come in and draw or paint something at lunch or recess . This is testament to the power of art and how it connects with the students and allows them to discover something about themselves
and the world in which they live . It ’ s a mode of communication that many appear comfortable with and are willing to engage with , given the opportunity .
The opportunity for the arts to play a significant role in the development of young people is crucial and it is important for society to comprehend how art enables people to gain a sense of themselves . Those young learners at Guildford Grammar School who are receptive to the arts have been equipped with skills that will enable them to face the modern world with attributes such as resourcefulness , lateral mindedness , critical thinking , and resilience . As a practitioner and educator I understand profoundly the highs and lows of what being an artist or designer means , in a world that appears to have lost all interest in culture . However , the life-long benefits for those willing to immerse themselves in art is truly nourishment for the soul .
My personal thank you to Shae Massey ( 12Fr ), who followed in his older brother Sean ’ s ( Art Captain , 2013 ) footsteps and was named Art Captain for 2016 . I have enjoyed Shae ’ s jovial and helpful presence in the room and his personal assistance was highly appreciated . My best wishes to all of the Year 12 students leaving the School this year , may their goals and dreams for the future come to fruition .
Mr Adam Derums Visual Arts Teacher
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