2015-2016
Trip to 'The New Art Centre' at Roche Court in Wiltshire.
One of the departments highlights last year was travelling by coach to the wonderful Roche Court, with the whole of our Art Specialist cohort. We knew it was going to be a good day as we drove up towards the beautiful ninetieth-century house, surrounded by beautiful parkland; a lovely little escape from the hustle and bustle of South London. We were led, by the fantastic and very knowledgable staff, on an interactive tour around the sculptures that engaged our students to think critically about the work, as well as visually record what they were looking at. The centre commented that they were really impressed by how responsive and positive our students were, another reason for us to feel PROUD of our students. Some of our personal highlights were sculptures by Anthony Gormley, Anthony Caro and Richard Long.
'Afterlife'
Another fantastic opportunity our Art Specialists had earlier this year was working with author Tracy Ogali, to illustrate her wonderful story 'Afterlife'. 'Afterlife' is a story about coming to terms with loss for young adults, as told through its main characters a fox and a butterfly. It beautifully deals with the complex feelings and emotions connected with bereavement and both the teachers and students felt incredibly moved by the story. It was a joy to illustrate; the pupils constantly inspired by the journey and the characters the fox meets long the way. Facilitating the collaboration process between Tracy and the students was a real pleasure and we thank Tracy for providing our students with a taste of what it is like to work as an illustrator.
On Wednesday 13th July 2016, Miss Kench and one of the illustrators, Akhera Williams, went to London Live studios for an interview about the book with Tracy and her son Kayne, a former CGA student. Akhera very eloquently spoke about her involvement in the process and it was all very exciting! Click here to watch the interview.
What the students said:
'The story makes me think about the importance of life and that you should live life like there's no tomorrow. If they're gone you need to love but forget and forgive.' Kayley
'To come up with the ideas for my illustrations I found stanzas that resonated with me and literally drew what came to mind. The poetic words really assisted me in doing this.' Antonia
'My favourite part in the story is when the fox meets the other animals and all share their true belief in the meaning of life.' Eliska
'It was amazing being given a brief but yet having so much artistic freedom simultaneously.' Akhera
Here are some of the wonderful illustrations by our very talented students.
Here are some of the wonderful illustrations by our very talented students.
Akhera
Antonia
Hannah Tiarnon
Paperworks Workshop
Paperworks Studio is run by Eleanor Shakespeare and Emily Nash. They are both freelance illustrators working in the creative industry. 'We see the value in giving students the opportunity to work alongside young practising artists. From experience, we know the positive impact it can have on their outlook towards the creative arts'
Students were introduced to the works of the two freelance artists and then the students participated in an artist workshop which developed their skills and understanding of collage and photomontage to create surreal landscapes. The students worked in groups to produce their creative outcomes.
2016-17
Paperworks Studio is run by Eleanor Shakespeare and Emily Nash. They are both freelance illustrators working in the creative industry. 'We see the value in giving students the opportunity to work alongside young practising artists. From experience, we know the positive impact it can have on their outlook towards the creative arts'
Students were introduced to the works of the two freelance artists and then the students participated in an artist workshop which developed their skills and understanding of collage and photomontage to create surreal landscapes. The students worked in groups to produce their creative outcomes.
2016-17
Things to look forward to.
The whole Art Specialist cohort will be venturing outside of London once more in the Spring term for a residential to St. Ives in Cornwall. We will be visiting The Eden Project, The Lost Garden of Heligan, The Tate, The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and participating in drawing and making workshops inspired by the beach and the surrounding landscape. Through these activities we look forward to our pupils engaging with Art inspired by this unique and beautiful part of the country. Watch this space for further information.
Battersea Park Temporary Sculptural Pavilion
collaboration project!
Architect Studio 'dallas pierce quintero' are managing a commission, funded by developers St William, for a temporary outdoor pavilion in Battersea Park. The project will be developed through a unique collaboration between themselves, The Pump House Gallery and some of our very own Art Specialist students! The intention is for the pavilion to be used for two summers in 2017-18, as a temporary pop-up space in Battersea Park. Whilst in the park, the pavilion will be programmed by Pump House Gallery to provide activities and events for the public. Central to the project is the desire to inspire young people about the role that art and design can play in changing their built environment.The projects seeks to introduce our pupils to professional artists/designers and structural engineers and highlight some of the career paths open to those interested in Art and Design. An artist and a structural engineer will work with our students from inception to completion. Workshops will take place in school and on site, more information to follow!
Art Specialist Programme 2016-17
Autumn Term - Year 7-9
We are going to be getting very crafty this term in the run up to the seasonal break. We will be running a Craft Market at the Winter concert and hopefully at a local trading market, tbc! Pupils will be making contemporary ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
Spring/Summer Term - Year 7
- Thread art - Pupils will learn a range of textile and stitching techniques. They will learn to navigate sewing machines, create sewn illustrations as well as cross stitch. Pupils will take inspiration from a range of contemporary Textile artists.
- Pattern and Print Design.
Spring/Summer Term - Year 8
- Spaghetti towers and Building bridges. Students will explore sculptural techniques and learn how to create strong free standing structures with everyday materials.
- Enormous Coil Pots - Pupils will learn how to build from clay using the coiling technique. Pupils will then look at the work of Grayson Perry to embellish their pots with their own narratives.
Spring/Summer Term - Year 9
- Totes Amaze - Screen Printing onto Tote bags! Pupils will learn a range of screen printing techniques and one outcome will be a bag they can take on their summer holidays.
- Make your own sketchbook. Pupils will create their own handmade sketchbook and learn how to compose and best present their work!
