Life at Art School

Life at Art School is a beautiful thing.

You’re surrounded by like-minded people, people who want to create, who have taken that enormous leap into the unknown, just to follow a passion. I’ve met so many amazing people who I’m sure I wouldn’t have met otherwise. People who inspire me, who make me think, who critique me, who make me want to be the best, and convince me that I can be.

There are so many budding artists, young and old alike, and it’s wonderful to be able to take that journey with them.

The ANU School of Art

Half the reason I’m so fond of the Art School is the fact that it is one of the nicest buildings on campus. It was completed in 1939, built from rendered brick in an Art Deco style. Originally Canberra High School, in 1969 the school ‘moved’, and the building became home to a variety of groups, including the Canberra Technical College Art School. By 1992, the Art School became essentially what it is today (although if you’re interested in more history, check out the ANU’s Heritage listing for the building).

The building now houses almost all the workshops within the School of Art, which includes ceramics, painting, glass, printmedia and drawing, photomedia, furniture, gold and silver-smithing, sculpture and textiles (digital media is housed across the way in part of the Music School), as well as a lovely big gallery space.

The ceramics workshop has been my home for the last two years or so, and thankfully, I’ve still got until the end of next year for it to continue to be so. The people there are like a family. There’s always someone to make you a cup of tea if you’ve had a rough day, to share excitement over a fresh load out of the kiln, to sing songs with or to have a deep and meaningful conversation. I’ve made some really great friends and am constantly inspired by the creations coming out of that place.

The side door into ceramics – where the magic happens.

There always seems to be someone new about – a distance student, a visiting artist, an alumnus – to have a chat with and to bring your attention (once again) to something new. As I’m taking a hiatus from the Art School this year (so sad!), I’m going to use this time as an opportunity to explore new artists, delve into what’s going on within the workshop and have a look at what alumni are getting up in the Art School afterlife.