Get to know...The Art Department

Sarah-Jane Smith - Head of Department

What subjects do you teach?

Senior Design and Illustration, Painting L1 and 2, Junior Art

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Sounds terribly cliched, but I wanted to make a difference and share my passion for Art. I love the energy of teenagers, they bring out my inner child.

What is your background in Art and how did you first become interested in it?

I drew obsessively as a child - trees and birds and doodled in all my school books. I studied Art all through secondary school, where my passion was really ignited for Design. I then studied a foundation course in general Art disciplines, completing my degree in Textile Design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Which Artists have inspired / influenced you?

Monet was my first love, I remember being in awe seeing his work at the Royal Academy on a school trip. I am continually inspired by Shibori and Japanese Art, I particularly love Issy Miyake’s sculptural fabrics.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

There are too many to mention, but I get huge satisfaction from seeing “the penny drop” for a student and watching their passion being ignited.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students, artistic or otherwise?

Persevere, be patient with yourself, practice practice, practice, set yourself goals - being great at something takes a lot of time! Learning really is a life long journey, I am continually inspired and motivated by my students and there is always something to learn from each other.

David Henderson - Year 12 & 13 Painting and Junior Art

How/why did you get into teaching?

I have always enjoyed Art and I felt teaching was a great way of being able to share my passion with others!

What is your background in Art and how did you first become interested in it?

I studied a Bachelor of Fine Art in Dunedin and majored in Printmaking and Painting. After this study I then went to Wellington College of Education to complete a Diploma in Secondary School teaching. This year I am starting to get back into my own Art through woodblock printmaking. I am involved as an Artist in the Garden and Arts festival in November. Check out my work through Instagram - hendo.dave

Which Artists have inspired / influenced you?

I am inspired by Marilyn Webb who was one of my lecturers down in Dunedin and who is also a Printmaker. I also love the Art of local mural painter Shane Walker and also American printmaker/skateboarder Dylan Goldberger who I follow on Instagram.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

Too many to choose from! Every day is different in teaching and I think the best reward is feeling like I have made a difference in young people’s lives! It’s great catching up with those students who have left school and are following their passion in life!

Susan Blakemore - L2 - L3 Photography, Yr 9-11 Visual Art

How/why did you get into teaching?

I really enjoyed drawing, particularly clothes, and I thought I might do something in the fashion industry at first. I then later went onto learn photography at school, it was in the darkroom then. I liked the anticipation of waiting to see the image finally appear in the chemicals.

What is your background in Art and how did you first become interested in it?

I studied art in year 11, 12 and 13 specialising in photography at school. I then went to Massey University in Palmerston North where I trained as a primary school teacher majoring in art and specialising in photography. I have taught at Auckland Grammar School, before that I was Head of Art at a private school in the UK called Bearwood College. I have also taught at several other schools including The British School Of Beijing, in Beijing.

Which Artists have inspired / influenced you?

When I was living in the UK I got to travel the world and see lots of art and photography exhibitions that have been very inspirational. I especially like the work of Richard Avedon, Duane Michals, Luican Freud, Francis Bacon, Jenny Saville and Slyvia Siddel.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

I really enjoy the phone calls I get in the holidays when students are screaming down the phone with excitement because they have got scholarship or excellent grades. I get a real thrill to see students work beyond what they think they are capable of.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students, artistic or otherwise?

Get out and experience the world, there is a lot to enjoy. If you get a chance to live in another culture then do it. There is nothing like throwing yourself into the deep end and having to make it work. Life is short so make the most of it. Things come to those that work hard.

Warren Mahy- Y9 Art, Y10 Art-Visual, Y10 Art-Creative Media, L1 Art-Visual, L1 Art-Creative Media

How/why did you get into teaching?

Having worked for many years in an industry that wasn’t particularly community minded, teaching felt like a good way to ‘give back’. My wife is also a teacher and having holidays together with our kids seemed like a no-brainer.

What is your background in Art and how did you first become interested in it?

Art has always been part of my life, from lying on the floor as a kid, in front of the TV, drawing monsters and machines to working at Weta Workshop as an adult STILL drawing monsters and machines.

Which Artists have inspired / influenced you?

Growing up, my artist explorations were heavily shaped by comics, especially the British monthly series: ‘2000ad’. Music and film play a huge part in what I create these days.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

Catching up with an ex-student who is now working at Weta Workshop (drawing Monsters and Machines!)

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students, artistic or otherwise?

The ONLY way someone can become ‘good’ at Art, is through lots and lots and LOTS of time spent with a pencil, paint brush or sculpting tool in their hand. If you know someone who is great at drawing or any other creative process, you can guarantee that they have spent a lot of time practising.