Wealden Times | WT244 | September 2022 | Winter Interiors Supplement inside

Meet
the
Art
Teacher
Education
Meet Ellie Greenwood, artist and Art
Teacher at Eastbourne College
istockphoto.com/siloto , / Natalia Kuprova , /ma_rish & /LeonidKos
What inspired you to
become an art teacher?
My degree course was very
collaborative. I often led workshops
for other pupils, but it was my
experience as an artist-in-residence
at a secondary school which
ultimately inspired me to teach. I
learnt so much in such a short space
of time – applying for a PGCE
seemed like the perfect next step.
What do you enjoy most
about your work?
I really enjoy the moment a pupil
finds their sense of direction with a
project – this often happens to a few
pupils at the same time and suddenly
there’s this energy in the studio that
really excites me. Plus, I get to play
with art materials all day for a living!
Do you have a favourite
artist or art movement?
This subject is so broad. It’s almost
impossible to choose favourites but
that’s what I love about art. I do
love large scale installation pieces
and lots of forms of printmaking.
I also like work made from every
day or unusual materials like
Tony Cragg’s Stack sculpture.
How do you encourage pupils who
don’t believe they have natural talent?
Because of the breadth of this
subject, there’s a way in for everyone
whether that’s through digital
media, printmaking, sculpture…
Many people measure artistic talent
by looking for a certain type of
drawing style, but I value ideas
and imagination. I would never
discourage anyone from making art.
Did you have a favourite
teacher at school?
My art teacher of course! She was
so enthusiastic and encouraging
but wasn’t afraid to tell you if
something wasn’t working! I loved
how she would do demo drawings
or write notes on the surface
of our desks with a whiteboard
pen. I sometimes do that now!
Why is it important to get creative?
Over the last couple of years we
have seen what a lifeline creativity
is in supporting mental health and
in tackling loneliness. We’re also
going to need creative thinking
to resolve some complex issues
around the world, particularly
those concerning the environment.
Now with social media there are
endless ways of being creative and
reaching people with ideas.
How do you relax outside work?
I have a two-year-old daughter,
so life isn’t particularly relaxing
outside work but it is great fun!
When I find the time I enjoy sea
swimming, reading and making my
own work. I love being outdoors
and feel really lucky to live in such
a beautiful part of the country.
If you could take your pupils to
any inspiring gallery or sight in
the world where would you go?
I’d like to take pupils to see the
prehistoric drawings in the Cave of
Altamira. It would be interesting to
demonstrate the idea that humans
are innately creative beings and that
we have been using drawing to make
sense of the world for millennia,
before schools even existed.
For more information and
details of open days visit
eastbourne-college.co.uk
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