At Dereham Sixth Form College, students get to choose between four pathways of the WJEC Eduqas A Level in Art and Design course: Art, Craft and Design; Fine Art; Graphic Communication; or Photography. Isabelle, in Year 13, opted for the Fine Art pathway and she has just completed her final piece for the Personal Investigation aspect of the course. In addition to an extended writing piece of 1,000 words minimum, the Personal Investigation involves ‘a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance.’ (Taken from the specification.) Head of Art and Design, Mrs Mottley, explains more about what’s involved: “We allow our students the freedom to choose their own direction [for their Personal Investigation] after a series of workshops in Year 12. Students are given the opportunity to write a proposal for their personal investigation and should write three pathways with different practical outcomes.”
Here, Isabelle explains the inspiration behind her work: “My brief for these paintings was the countryside. I aimed to create perfectly peaceful paintings which people can look at and feel at ease. These have been created using oil paint, brushes and various sizes of palette knives. I especially wanted to look at the Norfolk countryside as it’s a big part of my life and something I think is beautiful. I was particularly inspired by the countryside around Little Cornard. After creating my initial paintings, my next step was to make my overall final piece, using the same photo of the tractor but editing it, replacing the blue sky with a colourful sunset, adding the poppies in the foreground and using the size of the larger scale piece..”
After sixth form, Isabelle hopes to continue her study of Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts.
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- IB #1
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- IB #2
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- IB #3
IB final outcome
‘Art combines practical and intellectual activity and tends to focus on creative expression. Processes and outcomes are influenced by certain constrains or intentions, many of which are personally determined by the artist. Processes can be structured or open-ended and might involve exploration of experiences, feelings, perceptions and observations that may include direct, critical and analytical study of artefacts, objects, places and people. They may be initiated by the individual or in response to given stimuli, such as a theme, issue or problem. Outcomes can reflect the individual’s imagination, influences and intentions in following an idea, conveying an experience or expressing feelings, often with the purpose of engaging others who will see the work.’ (Taken from the specification.)