F
or the month of September, local
artist Fon Cosens was on site
creating a sculpture on the lawn
beside the Chapel. The sculpture is
based upon the school emblem of the
pelican and stands an impressive four
metres high. Made from willow sourced
locally, the piece was built up over a
welded iron frame. Pupils were able to
see the process in action and it inspired a
series of smaller willow sculptures.
For the third consecutive year, King's
participated in Somerset Art Weeks
events. We hosted four artists whose
work shared the theme of 'Root'. The
exhibition ran for two weeks in September
and was an inspiring mix of sculpture,
textiles and mixed media pieces. Pupils
benefit enormously from the opportunity of
seeing art work first-hand and being able
to meet the artists. As part of the event,
there was also the opportunity for pupils to
take part in a practical sculpture workshop
with driftwood artist Emma Duke.
On September 27th, the 5th form artists
travelled to Bath to spend the day taking
part in workshops at the Holburne
Museum. The focus of all work was the
portrait, and pupils were fortunate to have
unlimited access to the collections and the
special Gainsborough exhibition. The day
began with drawing and investigations
around the museum, followed by a
fascinating presentation on a famous
portrait masterpiece by Thomas
Gainsborough - pupils then produced
worksheets in response to the museum.
The afternoon was spent exploring the
idea of the figure in the landscape, which
was common in Gainsborough's work.
Our pupils worked in the extensive
surrounding gardens to photograph each
other in different contexts. The museum
staff praised the pupils for their receptive
attitude and positive approach.
Last year the department held its first very
successful art fair. This ran for three days
at the very end of the Michaelmas term,
when eight local artists brought work to
sell. The Art School gallery was used to
host the event and it was advertised to the
school and local community. This raised
£1266.27 - with nearly £300 raised for
the department to help fund workshops
with artists.
The 4th form artists enjoyed a day trip to
Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
in January. Slimbridge is a trust which
aims to "save wetlands for wildlife and
people." As well as housing a dynamic
visitor centre, their admirable work has
recently included helping the conservation
of the endangered spoon-billed sandpiper.
Having been briefed to wear welly boots
and woolly hats, the 4th form embraced
their surroundings immediately. With
binoculars, cameras and sketchbooks in
Art
by Kate Dewbery
Aluredian 37