A Year in ( and out of ) the Art department
When coffee and even ash became inspiring artistic material .
The Art department is extremely fortunate to have staff who so conspicuously enjoy the creative process and regard the relationships they build with students as collaborations between artists .
These collaborations were especially evident in the output of this year ’ s IB students , many of whom are going on to study Fine Art , Architecture or History of Art . Vast paintings , intricate ceramics and complex printmaking processes underline the individuality of the students . It is timely that this year ’ s extension of the art rooms into the former Middle School Common Room has added extra space to accommodate the ambition of their output . There always seems to come a moment in the development of IB artists when they break free of expectations and find their own creative voice – and this cohort seemed to find their voices especially early and confidently . I very much hope that they will return as Old Sennockians to share their work and insights .
Art during lockdown
Colleagues in the department rushed to explore ways to respond creatively to the challenges of remote art teaching . Initially daunted , we soon found that fresh creative avenues could be explored , albeit from necessity , and the process could be a refreshing way to share new ideas and approaches . Staff and students innovated through materials that were immediately to hand . Coffee and even ash were used to create expressive drawings and fruit and vegetables arranged in response to Giuseppe Arcimboldo ’ s 16th century paintings .
New co-curricular clubs sprang up , operating through live online sessions . Some of these exploited the creative potential of pupils ’ camera phones and editing software or improvised clay from soaked paper . Yet as dynamic as it was , the department is excited about a return to the usual printmaking ink-stained fingernails and paint-splattered shoes of our normal lives in the studios .
Charley Openshaw
Above : IB work , Hana Yun-Stevens
30 ART REVIEW