we drew

Its been hectic staring my new job at Drew Primary School in Newham. Amazing that I get to work with every child and teacher in the school, so far I've created with years 1, 3, 5 and 6, two classes per year group, thats about 240 children! I'm currently planning for years 2 and 4 and will meet these classes on the 5th and 6th of January 2015. Drew is a creative place with music and physical education a central part of the curriculum. Each art project is based on whatever book the class is currently reading and my knowledge of children's literature is blossoming through Skellig, Ice Trap, Emily Brown and The Thing and Tales of Wisdom and Wonder. I've just read A Necklace of Raindrops and Varjak Paw in preparation for the spring term and ideas are flowing.

I've not taken one photograph this past term, the intention exists .. but there is no time! So, I've been thinking over my memorable moments at Drew and this one stands out. In a year 6 class we were considering why an artist would make sculpture out of a temporary material like ice, I asked the class, why? What is the value of this? One of the pupils raised her hand and said, 'because nothing stays the same, everything is always changing'. I've not remembered the exact words used but the hairs on my arms stood up at this wise and profound statement coming from an 11 year old, showing her innate understanding and emotional intelligence. Watch out, I think this girl will take over the world!

Also, there are a couple of boys in year 3 who found it almost impossible to start a drawing, scared maybe that they would do it 'wrong', I never quite got to the bottom of it... Each week after encouraging them to try I began their drawing for them and they happily coloured in my work, at times there would be tears as I wouldn't draw straight away, giving them a chance to begin for themselves. On the last day of our seven week project they both (the boys are in different classes) quietly drew and coloured their work, one showing me and telling me he was proud, the other working at his desk and me discovering him. I praised them both and wondered at their perfectly timed turn around and felt pleased that a small/big step had been made. 

It's nice that Drew is called drew, because that is what we've done.

Art Portfolios, year 3

ways of looking

This quote is so wonderful, from Kasper, a young person on my Ways of Looking: Future Youth Inspired Project at Pitzhanger Manor last month. He shared with us that he had experienced bullying at school and didn't feel he was a popular pupil. 

'It was a calm course with no pressure and I made friends.'

summer

Oh my! I've had a REALLY busy summer. The Hepworth have kept me on my toes with the Out & About project coming to a close in June, I also developed a celebratory activity for the start of The Grand Depart in Leeds, delivering that on a sunny weekend at the beginning of July. As well as supporting family activities at the gallery I co-delivered the Summer Arts College for young offenders in August. In July I exhibited my work for the first time in The Leytonstone Arts Trail, and another first was creating and delivering a project for young people at Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing. 

I'm now on the brink of a year of creativity at Drew Primary School in Newham, working with every class and teacher inventing bespoke art projects - amazing!

Currently on the search for a studio share as the regular work at Drew means I can take on a space! Its time for my practice and to manifest the ideas buzzing around in my head.

summer arts college - week 3

summer arts college - week 2

summer arts college - week 1

out & about - june

Out and About is over - boo hoo! See my previous post for an overview of this fantastic project. The images below show our visits to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds Art Gallery and The Hepworth Wakefield, part of The Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle. 

What I've enjoyed most about Out and About is the depth and breadth of art and sculpture the participants were able to engage with. Each visit building on what had been seen and considered before, gently developing a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary sculpture. Its been a tactile first hand experience engaging hearts and minds as we've shared personal viewpoints, ideas and feelings in relation to the work.

The Hepworth Wakefield was the venue for our final sessions with the three schools involved and with cake and squash we celebrated the achievements of children, parents, teaching assistants and teachers. We hope to see the children again and gave out gallery guides detailing our free family workshops this summer. In the last few days I've met a couple of the children at these workshops and we were really happy to see each other!

 Exploring YSP

 Large Owl (for B), Thomas Houseago at YSP

 Yet to be titled (Large Walking Figure), Thomas Houseago at Leeds Art Gallery

 Drawing outside Leeds Art Gallery

 Talking with the children outside The Hepworth Wakefield

Working in gallery 5 - Franz West and Barbara Hepworth