I’m Elliot and I’m in Year 8. I was fortunate to be awarded an Art Scholarship when I moved from the Junior School. Art has always been my way of expressing myself when words couldn’t; I’ve done it since I was little. But it wasn’t until the later years at Juniors that I realised how much I enjoyed it, and how passionate I am about it.  

Seeing art exhibitions and finding different and new techniques is exciting. I think these bits of knowledge I gained from seeing artists’ work in real life and the ideas that sprang from those trips supported my work for the scholarship. Since starting at Seniors the school has really supported my personal art journey with so many eye-opening and enriching opportunities.   

Last summer we had a workshop with a brilliant artist called Rebecca Griffiths. We were taught how to create ceramic sculptures using clay in different ways. Rebecca showed us how to create different effects, for example: a successful erosion effect. I got a lot of valuable experience and skills from this workshop which I can now use to support my future artwork.  

This year’s Art Scholars’ Project is ‘Me, Myself and I.’ The brief is to create a self-portrait using objects which have symbolic meaning to us. I’ve really enjoyed this challenge; it has stretched me, not just in skills but in planning and how to really capture an emotion visually. My piece is a watercolour painting of my laptop with screen spilt into sections. I’ve planned each section, including using photography, mixed media, watercolour, pencil and acrylic. They will represent things I enjoy: reading for example might be an arrangement of some of my favourite books in pen & ink.  It’s exciting not knowing what the final outcome will be.  

I’m really grateful for all the support I receive at Blackheath High and I can’t wait for what projects the amazing Art Department gives me to help me on my journey. 

Written by Elliot, Year 8, Art Scholar