Display Coordination
10 years ago I was lucky to find a really varied part time job that I love. As well as creating displays of children’s work I take photographs for publicity and make scenery for school productions. Part of my role is to keep the school website up to date.
The most useful preparation for display coordination was hand producing about 100 pasted up pages of early Italian terracotta figures to be photographed and included in a British Museum publication. I use these skills regularly when preparing display boards of children’s work in my current role and also bear them in mind when using Microsoft Publisher to produce graphics. I have a good basic understanding of graphics software and use Microsoft Office and Freeware applications daily and with confidence.
Illustration
For the past few years I have produced calendars and in 2023 I illustrated a calendar inspired by the collection of artifacts at Oakham treasures
Landscape Architecture
In theory I love Landscape Architecture, but in practice I never found a role that I really wanted. I have been happy to transfer the skills I gained to other fields. My BSc in Landscape Design and Plant Science and subsequent diploma training deepened my understanding of the natural world and I bring this sensibility to everything that I do.
Archaeological Illustration
To spend months living in a tent in Belize drawing ancient artifacts was a gift – I went on 4 digs there and also spent a month in Mytilini illustrating roman pot sherds. I was then very pleased to be offered the post of Graphics Officer in the Greek and Roman Department of the British Museum which I did for 2 years before I decided to train as a teacher.
Life Drawing
Important to keep practicing skillsI enjoy the trying to catch the essence of poses – being a life model is a real art and I appreciate the endurance needed to do it well.
Teaching
I am a qualified art teacher with 5 years experience. In my current role I run occasional workshops and have a knitting club. I enjoyed planning and delivering lessons and this has helped me to be actively curious about my audience.