A Level Fine Art and Textiles students visited Cornwall to gather visual research for the coursework theme of ‘Environment’. The first stop was The Eden Project, where the colourful plant life was the subject of their first sketches and photographs. An early start to St Ives gave students the space and peace they needed to explore the harbour and take in the breathtaking scenery on the coastal path to the Tate St Ives, where students admired the modern and contemporary artwork on display.
The following day, students heard an intriguing talk from a miner who worked in the Geevor Tin Mine during the 1980s. The eerie backdrop of the locker rooms left exactly as they were when the last tin was extracted in 1986, and the distinct red dust coating on the hanging clothes, gave students a chance to gather atmospheric visual research for changing environments.
They also explored abstract artist David Mankin’s local beach before visiting his studio for an inspiring talk about his creative process. Energised by his words, it was back to the stormy beach to capture details and collect jetsam for their sketchbooks. With sketchbooks and minds brimming with visual research and ideas, we are looking forward to seeing what the students create from this wonderful trip.
