I think it is important to develop continually as an individual and therefore I decided to study for my MA degree as I wanted opportunity to question and define, through reflection and careful consideration, a range of aspects of the position of an art teacher. The course on which I enrolled included ʻlike-mindedʼ secondary and higher education teachers which was of considerable benefit for me. It helped me understand how childrenʼs work might be be expected to change and develop as the children matured and progressed through the educational stages. I was awarded the MA Maker/Teacher (Distinction) qualification in July, 2012.
In conjunction with gaining this qualification, I wanted to start making my own work again as I am particularly interested in creating art to express personal experiences,emotions and feelings as a way of coping with life's complexities. This idea was pursued, in the form of three dimensional, sculptural objects, through work entitled, 'Self Biographyʼ and gave me the opportunity to deal with issues such as the tragic death of my brother and birth of my children.
As a practising artist, I am able to identify with my pupils and understand the thought processes, intricacies and demands that occur whilst creating. It allows me to teach others how to think and behave like an artist trough constantly considering improvement, evaluating critically the success of a piece of work and questioning motives whilst striving to achieve a most accurate realisation of an expressive thought. Giving an idea a visual voice.