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THE ART INTERVIEWS
Student reflection of Art at Ackworth
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ART?
ACKWORTH VS OTHER SCHOOLS WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ART STUDENTS?
Hmmm, I'd have to say that art at Ackworth is a lot more free compared to my old school, and I feel a lot more encouraged by my teacher at Ackworth because, at my previous school, my teacher would dictate our work and what styles we explored, which was very limiting and frustrating at times. Luckily, in Sixth Form, I am able to explore my art style and choose my art theme I am currently looking at Surrealism, and I'm learning to be more independent while being supported when needed
Leila Durham, Sixth Form
I really like the creative freedom over what I want to do in art and the opportunities provided to work on my sketchbook during breaks, lunch, and drop-ins.
The amount of different materials we have access to is unbelievable and is super useful as it helps me to improve my techniques Although, I do struggle with the deadlines due to the amount of work you need to produce in a short amount of time, and the work you need to put in outside of school can sometimes be challenging!
In the future, I plan on taking my art to the next level as I hope to complete A levels in Fine Art, and Fashion and Textiles which means I will be able to expand my pathways for the future which definitely wouldn't have been possible without the Art department at Ackworth, who since first year, have supported me as an individual and shaped me as an artist.
Zoë Everett, Fifth Year
When I was younger, I never challenged myself to try new styles as I was worried about the outcome My biggest piece of advice for future students planning to take art GCSE or A level would be to try and get out of your comfort zone as much as possible, as trying new styles and working on bigger scales than normal really does make you a better artist and will improve your confidence.
Pushing yourself to try new things is the best thing you can actively do to improve
Hannah Lord, Sixth Form
THE ART INTERVIEWS
Student reflection of Art at Ackworth
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE DEVELOPED THIS
YEAR?
Over the past year, my artistic abilities have flourished significantly, marked by a deeper understanding of both technique and emotional expression. Initially, my work was focused primarily on mastering fundamental skills such as proportion, shading, and understanding colour. As I progressed, I began to explore more complex themes and narratives, incorporating symbolism and emotional depth into my pieces. This growth is evident in my latest works, where I confidently experiment with bold colour contrasts and textured brushstrokes to convey intricate human emotions and societal commentaries. This journey has not only refined my technical proficiency but also expanded my creative vision and storytelling through art.
WHAT IS IT LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN WORKSPACE AT A LEVEL?
Having a personal workspace in an art studio offers numerous benefits that enhance both creativity and productivity. It provides a dedicated area free from distractions, allowing for deep focus and uninterrupted time to experiment with different techniques and materials. This environment fosters a sense of ownership and pride in one's artistic process, encouraging regular practice and exploration. Additionally, being surrounded by other sixth form artists in a shared studio can inspire new ideas and provide opportunities for collaboration and feedback, further enriching the artistic journey.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS JOINING ART?
For new Lower 6th art students, my advice is to embrace experimentation and be fearless in your creativity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are often the stepping stones to discovering your unique artistic voice. Take advantage of the resources and feedback available from not only Miss Rose, but peers too, and be open to trying new techniques and mediums. Immerse yourself in art by visiting galleries, studying different artists and staying curious about the world around you. This approach will not only enhance your technical abilities but also deepen your appreciation and passion for art.
-Rachel Swales , Sixth Form
ART IN SIXTH FORM -HANNAH LORD
Art has been a massive part of my school identity since joining Ackworth in 2018. Now in the sixth form, it's an even bigger part of my life, as it is one of my three main subjects, meaning I get to spend nine periods a week in Art, as well as my free periods and time after school if I want to. At A level, I prefer that I have my own personal workstation. It allows me to keep my creativity flowing and keep my organised mess in one place, which I am sure Mrs. Rose prefers compared to my scattered mess and the trail of rubbish from the last five years! The level of support that is offered by the art department is unprecedented and has helped me settle into lower sixth. When thinking of art at Ackworth, the phrase "the door is always open" applies. This year, I have definitely been pushed out of my comfort zone and tried so many new styles and techniques. I’ve experimented with concrete, sand, shoe polish, and wallpaper; having access to a wide range of materials has made me a better artist and allowed me to create unique pieces. In sixth form art, it is not just about the work you produce: I’ve made many new friends this year because we all basically “live” in the art rooms during school time. Having an art space where you don’t have to pack up really helps you focus on your work and take ownership of it. I have learnt to appreciate the school I am at a lot this year, as it offers a lot more than many schools don’t or can’t.
Hannah Lord, Sixth Form
Work by Hannah Lord
Work by Rachel Swales
Work by Anhelina Petruniv
London’sCalling: Sixth-formstudents exploreTateModern andBritain
The Tate Modern is an Art Gallery in London, which is home to the UK’s National collection of International Modern and Contemporary Art from 1900 to the present. Whereas, Tate Britain is home to British art from 1500 to the present day and features more traditional styles of art. Both museums are home to worldfamous art installations and pieces.
Noodee in upper sixth said “We went to Tate Modern and Tate Britain during our London visit. Tate Britain had many classical pieces that showcase the history of the UK, which I found spectacular. Tate Modern's range of work has inspired me a lot. I have picked up a lot of ideas to add to my A-level coursework”
Second form
Hepworth Art Gallery Clay Workshop
For the second form art trip, we went to the Hepworth Art Gallery. While we were there, we learned about the different materials, textures, and shapes within sculptures of her famous artwork. Her art pieces are unique as some are very large, but she created them all by hand. Hepworth also added holes within her sculptures to share the inside of them and framed the views through them using natural materials. We re-created some of her artwork and used clay to build the shapes and textures she also used. We were given a range of tools and shown different techniques to make our own sculptures.
We brought our creations back to school, which are now on display in the Art foyer.
Kria and Bella, Second Year
In art, we are looking at everyday objects and artists who are famous for their paintings of objects. We’ve covered Michael Craig Martin, whose work is a very blockcoloured art style - I love his work! We have moved on to Lisa Milroy who was famous for her multiples of everyday objects in her paintings I love the simpleness but at the same time, I like the diversity in some of the pictures we study. I love the repetition in Milroy's work, I love this work and I can't wait to explore this artist more throughout the year, I hope we can make our own objects in 3D, I would love to try experiment with this in clay too
-Ash Harmon-Dixon ,Third Form
I thought the trip to Hepworth was very beneficial, as it taught us how to see art from a different perspective. Barbara Hepworth often made sculptures with separated sections; she liked the relationship between the individual forms and shapes. I like the way that Hepworth makes her work stand out - I also like the fact that she used different shapes and mediums. Although I mainly like her work, in my opinion, I think her work doesn't always stand out from others as it's extremely simple. I think if she included more color it would attract me more as a viewer. Overall, I am impressed; I do think her attention to detail is incredible and very impressive.
The BLANK CANVAS
