What do you love most about teaching Art?
Witnessing the joyous moment when a student discovers their ‘thing’ in art and helping them go from strength to strength in terms of confidence and skill. – Mrs Merry

I love seeing something that didn’t exist at the beginning of the lesson become something beautiful, creative and often unexpected by the end of the lesson. Every piece is unique and an expression of the person who made it. Being creative is a courageous thing for a lot of people, so I always feel very proud of my students when they’ve dared to make a mark on the paper! And for the GCSE and A Level students, it’s going on the creative journey with them. What a privilege. – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

I love lots of things about teaching art but one thing that really stands out, is that I find joy in witnessing a students’ creative growth and self-expression. I appreciate the unique perspectives and ideas that students bring to their artwork. Seeing students develop their artistic skills, gain confidence, and find their creative voice can be incredibly fulfilling. – Miss Neighbour

Every piece of artwork is unique. – Mrs Robertson

Is there a medium of art that you would like to learn more about?
Possibilities to integrate textiles with ceramics. – Mrs Merry

I’m still in the process of mastering oil painting. It’s my favourite medium, but it takes real skill and patience to be able to use it well. – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

Digital art, as it is always developing. – Miss Neighbour

Printmaking using natural dyes. – Mrs Robertson

Who is your favourite artist from history and now?
Gustav Klimt for the sheer joy of getting lost in all the patterns and metallic details of his work. Iris van Herpen for the unadulterated beauty and exquisite detailing of every single fashion collection. – Mrs Merry

From history probably Michaelangelo. His paintings, drawings and sculptures are so full of life and movement and drama. He was WAY beyond his time.  From now… Alexander Creswell. He’s a local artist and a good friend. I have never seen anyone use watercolour the way he does. The way he captures light is extraordinary. – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

It is hard to choose but I would say from history would be Sonia Delaunay and now would be Cayce Zavaglia. – Miss Neighbour

Historical: Lowry – every time you look at his paintings you discover something new. Now: Amanda Cobbet, Textile artist – realistic 3D creations inspired by local countryside. – Mrs Robertson

Is there an artist that you look up to as a role model and why?
Mariam Jasmik for her stunning three-dimensional textiles inspired by nature.  I just love the way she incorporates unexpected materials into her sculptures and her use of repetition to create visual impact. Is there a medium of art that you would like to learn more about?
Possibilities to integrate textiles with ceramics. – Mrs Merry

I really appreciate Grayson Perry’s attitude to art. He makes it accessible, relevant and challenging, but keeps it fun and is never too serious! – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

Georgia O’Keeffe: O’Keeffe navigated the challenges of being a female artist in a male-dominated art world. She overcame societal expectations to become one of the most prominent and influential artists of the 20th century. – Miss Neighbour

Luke Adam Hawker – local artist with an imaginative mind and gorgeous illustrative style. – Mrs Robertson

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in teaching Art?
It was always my plan, but it just took 17 years to actually start teaching! My friend Vicky (Head of Textiles) gave me the final nudge. – Mrs Merry

My friends always encouraged me to pursue something to do with Art… and teaching runs through generations of my family on both sides, so I guess it was inevitable! – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

A friend said, I could see you as a teacher, I laughed initially but I guess a seed was sown. – Miss Neighbour

My Textile Design and Fine Art teachers at secondary school. – Mrs Robertson

Is there a medium of art that you would like to learn more about?
Possibilities to integrate textiles with ceramics. – Mrs Merry

If you hadn’t gotten into teaching Art, what would you be doing now?
Continuing to work as a fashion and lifestyle buyer/merchandiser and freelance creative projects. – Mrs Merry

I very nearly trained to be an aerobics instructor! – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

Dancing, I love to dance and the sparkle of all the costumes. – Miss Neighbour

Chocolatier. – Mrs Robertson

Are you working on any artistic creative pieces outside of school, and what are they?
Continuing my research into jewellery inspired, three-dimensional mixed media art. – Mrs Merry

I have recently been learning pattern cutting and dress making. I’d love to be able to make my own clothes! – – Mrs Marshall-Taylor

I bought an A3 Sketchbook in the February half term, I really fancied having a play and exploring lots of ideas, so every spare moment I get, I plan on having fun filling each page with a variety of techniques, media, materials, and ideas. – Miss Neighbour

Lino print of my walks to Newlands Corner. – Mrs Robertson