Form 6 Critical and Contextual Studies pupils have welcomed some wonderful guest speakers recently including the artist Ann-Marie James, who gave a talk about her career from leaving school to becoming a successful exhibiting artist.
Director of Art, Ms Elinor Brass tells us more:-
“Ann-Marie introduced her artistic practice and the importance of having a dialogue with Art History in her work as well as the concept of change.
It was very helpful to hear about how she has approached each phase of her career. She found her artistic voice from the opportunities that she made for herself and her experiences of the art world through various jobs that she took on working with artists and commercial galleries.
It was clear how important it has been to Ann-Marie to understand the unwritten rules and conventions that exist within the art world. In addition, collaborating with others and developing an artistic community has been vital to Ann-Marie through her career.
She spoke about the journey as an artist as well as the importance of learning to hustle and to consistently seek out opportunities. She touched on the enjoyment she gets from working as a lecturer, as well as discussed how she is able to be a mother as well as a successful artist.
Ann-Marie left us with some powerful comments from the artist Susan Hiller, who said that making art is the greatest pleasure.”
To find out more about Critical and Contextual Studies at Oakham, click here.
