Art comes in many forms. It can be seen in passing, on a pamphlet or 5 second ad; tucked away on a film set, or emblazoned in big against the exterior of a gallery advertising its latest exhibition. 

In any case art is, and always has been, everywhere, from the works we hang on our walls to the day-to-day objects we hold dear. As young people, art can seem imposing, intimidating even, an unknown territory full of big words and hidden meanings. Many young people, myself included, have entertained thoughts of inadequacy, of being unable to properly understand or “get” a work of art, simply because we believe we do not have enough skill or knowledge to appreciate it. This mindset, however, couldn’t be further from the truth.

I have learnt a few things since I started the IB Visual Arts course back in September. The first, although obvious, is that you never know how something will turn out unless you try it. I’m sure this applies not only to the artistic process, but to a myriad other things in life. The other is how to rekindle inspiration and motivation through art. A key aspect of our course is the “Comparative Study”, a process of analysing, investigating, emulating and subverting the works of other artists; we come to know their ideas, themes and worries through their work and our own. A crucial thing I believe - and am sure this opinion will differ from person to person - is that art is not simply made of one’s own creativity. It is a key part I’m sure, but sometimes we can find our own art in other places away from our desk and tools. Earlier on in the year, we visited an exhibition at the National Gallery; we have dedicated many a lesson to finding artists' works, to our comparisons and responses and creative expressions, fuelled by our findings and sentiments. The visual arts course not only provides a space to be creative, but an opportunity to garner inspiration and interests, where the connections to art, as a field and as the creation of others come to life. To see others' art in such an in-depth manner, the nuance and vividness of new and of old is a truly unique experience. 

Art class will always bring something new to the table every time I walk into the room. With a vibrancy that not only teaches through experience, while upholding each students’ vision, inspiration and direction, it guides them through the process of appreciating, learning about, and creating art.