MID YEAR PORTFOLIO REVIEW FOR NCAT CREATE

AS A REQUIREMENT OF THEIR COURSE, THE NCAT CREATE STUDENTS PRESENT THEIR PORTFOLIOS AT MID AND FINAL REVIEWS. PORTFOLIO PRESENTATIONS GIVE STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK AND LOOK AT IT AS A BODY OF WORK.

Often a lack of space stifles the ability to look at all the artwork a student creates and therefore they miss out on seeing an overview of their emerging style, plus identifying strengths and areas for improvement. At mid and final portfolio reviews, Create students are able to lay out all their finished pieces in an allotted area and examine it as a body of work.

Portfolio review also allows students to be actively involved in group-based critiques. Critiquing each other's portfolios helps students to explore the creative process and their experience as a developing artist. The process of group critiquing is about finding their creative voice and a balance between compliment & constructive criticism. Students learn that the criticism is never personal – It is about the portfolio of artworks not the artist. Critiquing should always be balanced, neutral and constructive. Group critiques enable students to build skills by being exposed to different styles, options and approaches. It also assists students to push their responses to art beyond the initial "I like it", to questions of 'why?' and 'how?, articulated using art based visual literacy.

The Portfolio review whilst initially potentially challenging to some, is an excellent opportunity to build creative confidence.The review process brings together the artworks produced in NCAT Create students' Studio, Digital and Life Drawing classes.

Some students come to us blocked by years of self doubt. After initially letting their inner critic run rampant, they discover when they stand back after setting up their work, that there is a distinct style emerging and that they have come so far. It is often the first time that they begin to consider themselves as an emerging artist - and we are lucky enough to observe that realisation!

Accompanying their portfolio is a written Artist's Statement and in the final review, a creative resume. 

Our congratulations go out to all our students. It really is an incredibly impressive sight!

All images ©NCAT Create

STAFF PROFILE: NCAT CREATE'S TRACY PATERSON

Tracy Paterson, artist and art educator, NCAT. ©Image Tracy Paterson

Tracy Paterson has been heading up the NCAT Create course, a part time visual art course for adults, at The Northern College of the Arts & Technology, since the course's inception in 2014.

For Tracy, designing the Create program came out of a desire to give adults an opportunity to learn to build art into their everyday lives. "Practising art is a discipline and as such needs to be learnt. There are so many people out there who dream of being an artist but simply don't know where to start nor how to make art fit into their life. We work with them to build their creative confidence as emerging artists." she says. Students also build a substantial body of work which can be used as a portfolio for entry into further education.

Tracy, who has been an art educator for over 25 years, is a practising artist herself. Her main discipline is Life Drawing. "I have had an ongoing love affair with life drawing for many years. For me the human form provides constant challenges and is as much about a celebration of difference as a drawing style. Life drawing is about a dialogue between myself and the model; It is collaborative. I love that when I draw I am so totally in the moment. It is about the process and as such, the output is of far less significance to me than the doing."

Life Drawing Pastel on paper ©Tracy Paterson

Life Drawing Charcoal on paper ©Tracy Paterson

Life Drawing Charcoal and Pitt Crayon on Paper
©Tracy Paterson

Life Drawing Charcoal and Pitt Crayon on Paper 
©Tracy Paterson

21 Landscapes Watercolour on individual wood panels
©Tracy Paterson

In addition to life drawing, Tracy is also a painter - previously specialising in portraiture - but now exploring landscape. She grew up in outback New South Wales where the landscape of the flat Hay Plain has a low horizon and huge skies. These brooding and potent skies appear as a regular force in her art. "The landscape of my childhood has informed much of my work and is something I am continually drawn to."

As an art educator, Tracy has built wide ranging skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, illustration, photography and graphic design. She has worked as a freelance photographer and is rarely without a camera in hand. "At NCAT and in my life generally, I am the documenter. I am comfortable behind a camera and I enjoy searching for that elusive moment."

The Create staff skill their students in three broad subjects. Studio, taught by Tracy and Ali McCann, explores art practises such as drawing, painting, mixed media and printmaking, and pushes students to think conceptually and thematically. Digital Media, taught by Mark Russell and Bei Janetzki, focusses on digital photography and the Adobe Suite's Photoshop and Illustrator. Life Drawing, tutored by Tracy, gives the students valuable underpinning drawing and observation skills. Students also explore the creative arts industries, delving into social media and possible future creative pathways. They also learn how to write an effective artist's statement and art based resume.

5 fast Life Drawings. Willow Charcoal on Paper
©Tracy Paterson

Over the years Tracy has supported many ex Folio Preparation students as they have transitioned into the creative industries. An avid social networker, she has enjoyed helping them build and publicise businesses, find jobs, advertise exhibitions and welcome new websites. Tracy sees herself as having a responsibility to support these upcoming generations of talent long after their time at NCAT is over.

More recently, the Create students have gone on to Fine Art, Visual Arts, Illustration, Textile Design, Creative Arts Industries and Graphic Design courses (Post Graduate, Degree and Diploma). Others have moved into studio spaces together, applied for and attained arts grants, exhibited and built freelance businesses. For Tracy and her staff it is thrilling to see their dreams begin to take shape. 

The popular NCAT Create course runs on Thursdays and Fridays with a single intake per year. Applications are now open for next year.

All images: 

© Copyright Tracy Paterson

@lacontrapposto

WHAT OUR ALUMNI ARE SAYING ABOUT NCAT CREATE

Sometimes the best way to get a feel for a course is to ask what ex students think...

What our NCAT Create Alumni say

"Thank-you for Create! The NCAT Create course proved to be a year jam-packed with new ideas, skills/practices – a year that I shall never forget. A year of delight! A watershed year!
Since the course I have continued drawing, painting, completing my visual diary and now feel strange if I don't draw, make or photograph something on a daily basis. Creating has become a practice - a pleasurable and satisfying practice.
My subsequent Monash university interview proved to be a life highlight and I felt that I had come "home" when I received my offer to their Fine Art degree. Thank you so much Tracy for your advice and for giving me the material and "know how" to prepare my fine art folio.
A heartfelt thank you to CREATE for getting me back on track!" 
-Elizabeth Esdale

"Exciting times. Thanks so much to the teachers at NCAT Create. It was such a wonderful year last year. It'll be hard to top it but got a thrill today when I committed myself to studying BA Sculpture at RMIT. I've always wanted to be in the big city and I now feel like a proper grown up! I am so grateful to have spent my time with you all last year. Here’s to my creative and inspired future!"
-Margaret Perversi

"After 12 years as a stay at home mum, I enrolled into NCAT Create and had such a creatively (and socially) fulfilling year! Never did I feel like I was out of the loop, having been "mum" for so long, but I was made to feel like an artist, to push through fears of "what if I can't", and get glimpses of what I'm really capable of. I give so much credit to the teachers for this, they are all awesome!! I was exposed to so many art forms in the year, many of which I had no idea I'd enjoy so much. I met so many great people, had so many great conversations and made so much great art!
I now have a shared art studio with some of the wonderful people I met and we all continue towards our creative goals and dreams." 
Thank you NCAT!!
-Danielle Triantafillou

NCAT Create 2016

NCAT Create 2015

"I enrolled in and completed the NCAT Create course in 2015. I cannot recommend it highly enough. The support and encouragement to return to, and follow my passion after a long break was incredible. I start my Bachelor of Fine Art in Drawing & Printmaking at VCA in a couple of weeks, and would not have had the confidence or folio to even think about applying before Create. If you are thinking of applying to NCAT Create or even just contacting them for more info, I'd say 'go for it!'You've got everything to gain!"
-Belinda Reid

NCAT Create 2014

"The NCAT Create course was a life changing experience for me - A supportive learning environment, with staff who are professional and encouraging. If you are considering undertaking a Visual Arts course, I can highly recommend the Create course at NCAT, it is fantastic!"
-Lisa Shannon

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and all of the staff for everything you have done for us in the Create course. I feel a bit emotional writing this, as it has really been the best thing I HAVE EVER DONE! I can't believe how unbelievably patient and helpful you and all the teaching staff have been. It has been incredible. And let's be honest- we are not the easiest bunch to teach!"
-Jess Buckley

"I completed the Create Course at NCAT in 2015. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting experience that gave me the courage and confidence to start creating art again after a long time away from it. I found the tutors to be energetic, exhilarating, experienced and above all passionate about what they taught. 
NCAT Create reintroduced me to all the aspects of art I love - life drawing, printmaking, collage, photography and digital media. I updated my digital skills, learnt about valuable resume and job requirements, and to top it all met amazing, talented & inspiring people! 
I would highly recommend this course to anyone who perhaps needs a gentle push back into a career within the visual arts or for anyone who wants to start their future in the art world. I am looking forward to my future career in Illustration."
-Tanya Bickers

"Studying the Create course at NCAT was amazing. I learnt so much and felt inspired and supported by every staff member. I have no hesitation in recommending NCAT Create as a stepping stone for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts". 
-Valentina Maxwell Tansley

"Just wanted to say THANK you to you all for an amazing year. The CREATE course was so valuable in so many ways for me. It's given me the confidence to commit to being an artist, and you have all been so generous with your knowledge, experience and support.
I have enjoyed all the classes, I loved Studio and Life drawing to bits, it felt like such a treat to have a dedicated space and guidance to develop my voice and skills in those areas, and it solidified more of a commitment to my art through the conversations we have had. Probably my most surprising discovery is the realm of the digital world that the digital teachers patiently guided us through, it has been a big leap for me. I am actually addicted to Photoshop! - a shock to me that's for sure (I am a complete technophobe).  Thank you all for your passion and skills.
I just received an offer for Print Imaging Practice at RMIT which I'm pretty chuffed about- at this stage of my life it's pretty amazing to have taken this step. I gained the confidence to do this through the CREATE course and through all the skills and encouragement you offered. Thank you so much. We Create students have been incredibly lucky!"
-Becky Lo

"NCAT Create was amazing! It gave me the confidence to pursue something I'd always dreamed about! I met a great bunch of people, learned new skills and totally transformed my life! I now practice art daily, have a studio, a website and a career path. I've exhibited in galleries, sold works, won competitions and am studying [Diploma of Illustration] - all this and to think only a year ago I'd had very limited art experience". 
-Louella Evans

Further information on applying to NCAT Create can be found here

NCAT CREATE 2016

NCAT Create 2016

Another terrific Create group who are already loving the NCAT Create course! Welcome on board Bei Janetzki, welcome back Ali McCann, Mark Russell and Tracy Paterson and a fond farewell to Sue Durham who has retired to do her own creating!

FOLIO PREP STUDENTS FRAMED

This year the NCAT Folio Preparation students meandered their way to a secret destination by solving a series of creative and cryptic clues. They ended up at the beach and were framed to prove it! Here are some of the shots.

        

NCAT CREATE 2015

Congratulations to the 2015 Create students who are currently in transition from NCAT into the wider creative industries.
Students have been offered positions at VCA BA Fine Art Painting, Monash University BA Fine Arts, RMIT BA  Fine Arts and RMIT Diploma of Visual Arts. One student is about to launch into a future as an illustrator, another is heading for Art Therapy. Several students currently have works in exhibitions. Two students are using their new found creative skills in teaching settings. A group of students have moved into an artists studio together and several students are working towards an exhibition. Everyone is madly producing art in a multitude of ways. It is so exciting to watch them discover themselves as emerging artists!

FOLIO PREPARATION STUDENTS AT WORK 2015

Check out this you tube clip to see how the folio prep students worked this year. Fantastic group of really inspiring students! Check out our NCAT Video youtube channel for more fun vids.

FOLIO PREPARATION INFORMATION SESSION

NCAT Folio Preparation has an information session coming up on Tuesday 13th October at 6pm. If you are interested in building a fabulous set of art or design skills along with a great folio for entry to Uni, come along for a chat!

Staff will be around for anyone interested in Create as well.

NCAT CREATE REPURPOSES CURB-SIDE COUCHES

The 2015 Create students dipped their toes into collaborative installation art making when they joined forces with the NCAT Music students to contribute to NCAT COUCHFEST! The results speak for themselves.

EX FOLIO PREPARATION STUDENT RENEE COSGRAVE'S SEVENTH SOLO EXHIBITION

© Renee Cosgrave 2015

Ex Folio Preparation student Renee Cosgrave has an upcoming solo exhibition titled 'Flow', at Station gallery.

Renee was born in New Zealand and lives and works in Melbourne, Australia After completing Folio Preparation in 2005, Renee went on to complete her Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons), at Monash University. As a prolific artist, this will be her seventh solo show. Additionally, Renee has been a member of numerous group exhibitions and collaborations.

The Flow exhibition details can be found below:

STATION

9 Ellis Street, South Yarra
Victoria 3141 Australia
61 3 9826 2470
stationgallery.com.au
Gallery Hours
Tuesday – Friday 11.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday 12.00pm – 4.00pm

http://www.moon-unit.org/renee-cosgrave

Images and bio courtesy of the artist. © Renee Cosgrave

© Renee Cosgrave 2015

FOLIO PREP'S EXTENSION WEEK ENVIRONMENTAL POP UP

The NCAT Folio Preparation students explored street art as a response to environment on their recent extension week. The students worked collaboratively in small groups to produce a broad range of quirky responses using simple materials including chalk, disposable cups, string and paper.

   

NCAT CREATE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

AS A REQUIREMENT OF THEIR COURSE, THE NCAT CREATE STUDENTS PRESENT THEIR PORTFOLIOS AT MID AND FINAL REVIEWS. PORTFOLIO PRESENTATIONS GIVE STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK AND LOOK AT IT AS A BODY OF WORK.

Often a lack of space stifles the ability to look at all the work a student creates and therefore they miss out on seeing an overview of their emerging style, plus identifying strengths and areas for improvement. At mid and final portfolio review, Create students are able to lay out all their work in an allotted area and examine it as a body of work.

Portfolio review also allows students to be actively involved in group-based critiques. Critiquing each other's portfolios helps students to explore the creative process and their experience as a developing artist. The process of group critiquing is about finding a balance between compliment & constructive criticism. Students learn that the criticism is never personal – It is about the portfolio of artworks not the artist. Critiquing should always be balanced, neutral and constructive. Group critiques enable students to build skills by being exposed to different styles, options and approaches. It also assists students to push their responses to art beyond the initial "I like it" to questions of why and how, articulated using art based language.

The Portfolio review whilst initially potentially challenging to some, is an excellent opportunity to build creative confidence.The review process brings together the artworks produced in NCAT Create students' Studio, Digital and Life Drawing classes.

Accompanying their portfolio is a written Artist's Statement and in the final review, a creative resume.

All images ©NCAT Create