The ISL offers learning tracks tailored to art and design. Up until grade 9, students are free to explore art at their own pace, but after that, they can actively choose their desired path and dive deeper into creating art. Bram, an art teacher at ISL, regularly invites local artists to present their work and share the motivation behind it. Although this wasn’t my first talk, it was the first time I presented my artwork specifically in front of an audience—ranging from grade 6 up to grade 11.
As an artist who did not attend art school, I focused on my personal journey, showing pictures of my artwork from age 7 until now and highlighting how my techniques developed (or, in some cases, didn’t develop) over time. It was about exploring art at my own pace in the areas that interested me most. I have to admit—it was a journey for myself as well. Looking back at my old styles and approaches, some dating back over 20 years, was quite an experience!
During Q&A sessions, we discussed favorite dinosaurs and animals, making a living from art, selling artwork, different painting techniques, and much more. During my last session of the day, one of the art teachers and some students took time to draw while I was speaking. It was a joy to see them simply enjoying the process of drawing, free from pressure or expectations!
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