What attracted me to SOTA was the prospect of having a more in-depth arts education and the opportunity to do more art in school, which was something I really enjoyed at that time. I like creating things not just for myself, but for others too. Initially, drawing was a hobby to create things such as birthday cards. Drawing is a way to represent my surroundings and express how I see them.
SOTA was the place where I felt that I could pursue my interests and see where it would take me. My mother was supportive of my decision to apply to SOTA too, as she felt that the curriculum was cohesive and well-balanced. SOTA offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, and I would learn not just the arts but academics at the IB standard as well.
I chose to specialise in Visual Arts as, to me, this artform connects and communicates ideas in an intrinsic way that is unique to everyone. This sounds very cheesy, but I have fallen in love with the process of making and creating. The planning, conceptualisation, and execution of an artwork is enjoyable to me.
One thing I really enjoy about my Visual Arts classes is the experimentation and exposure to new mediums and various art making equipment. For example, I relish printmaking classes where we get to try out new techniques, such as silkscreen and collagraph, using the school’s light exposure machine. In Ceramics classes, I get to experiment with different clay bodies and glazes to produce different types of works with different qualities. This medium challenges me to think in 3D and how different materials can affect the artwork, deepening my understanding of the possibilities of art. Having art equipment and facilities in school is very special as students are able to access and use them.
Apart from hands-on Visual Arts lessons, I also find Theory of Art lessons interesting. Learning about art history, the fundamentals of the elements of art, and the principles of design, gives me a strong foundation and helps me to articulate my thoughts and my feelings towards other artworks. This applies not just to art, but to other subjects as well. These opportunities to work with a variety of materials, learn new techniques, and expand my knowledge have broadened my perspective on art-making and the possibilities of what I can create.
Other subjects at SOTA are very enjoyable too. One of my favourite classes is English Language and Critical Thinking (ELCT). The class is taught in a somewhat informal manner, built on class discussions and activities pertaining to topics such as social issues, ethical dilemmas and more. The classes are always engaging, allowing us to explore critical thinking in a fun, light-hearted manner. ELCT is a fruitful subject for me as I get to learn about new topics and hear the opinions and perspectives of my classmates.
Life at SOTA isn’t all about studying! Many of us work on art and community service projects throughout our time at SOTA. I am currently working on a mural painting project with my friends. Painting the walls of the school and decorating the environment is exciting and fulfilling as I drew and designed the mural illustrations. The aspect of collaboration and coming together with my friends for this project is special and meaningful as we bond as a team while working towards completing an artwork. This is a memorable experience for me as I feel that I am making a mark on the school and the community. I hope the finished mural will help to brighten up my schoolmates' days!
I value the friendships I have formed in SOTA and the overall camaraderie in the school. There is a good sense of familiarity between students across different cohorts and classes as through school projects and Creativity, Activity, Service projects we make friends outside of our classes. Teachers and staff are approachable and friendly as well. Personally, I really like talking to my Visual Arts teachers about their experiences and having discussions about art and art-making. I frequently chat with the fruit stall auntie too! Students are very helpful, even in simple tasks like explaining to a junior how to use the school printer or scanner. It is also nice to see students’ kind gestures for each other like making snack boxes or compiling birthday wishes from friends. These little moments add up and build a tight-knit community who understands, acknowledges, and appreciates each other despite our differences. I loved pre-Covid school celebrations such as Chinese New Year or National Day. It was very nice to see all your friends at once in the hall together and experience the school community as a whole.
Natasha with her classmates at the National Day celebrations (2019)
In this comfortable, familiar, and safe environment, I am learning to overcome my own personal insecurities and gaining confidence in myself and my capabilities. In my lower years, I was very uncertain about myself. I was shy and always worried what others thought about me. I remember that during class discussions, even in small group settings, I would barely speak. I have come a long way with the support of my friends and reassurance from my teachers. Their encouragement has helped grow my confidence. I am more comfortable with myself, more grounded in understanding my abilities and I have become a more active member in the school community.
Natasha (back, second from right) with her Visual Arts classmates outside the SOTA Gallery for the annual Drawing Out VIII exhibition by Year 1 and Year 2 Visual Arts students. (2019)
Currently, I am interested to pursue a career in Visual Arts. My ambition is to continue creating and understanding my craft better. I hope to create art that enriches and strengthens other people, art which people can relate to and identify with, art which connects people to each other. Art-making is what I love to do. I hope the art I create enriches others as much as I enjoy creating it.
To those considering SOTA:
Just go for it and give it a shot. Even if you are on the fence or just thinking about it, it is worth a try to apply and see where it takes you. As a Primary 6 student I did not know what I was getting into or what I was going to experience in SOTA, but SOTA has allowed me to have a very unique school experience and form many enriching relationships in my life!
Students specialising in Visual Arts will acquire knowledge, understanding, and technical abilities in a range of mediums, forms, and expressions. They will be able to create artworks ranging from drawing and painting, to ceramics and sculptures. Through experimentation and imagination, they will learn to harness their artistic impulses for creative outcomes.
Students will gain knowledge and understanding in the formal, theoretical, and historical aspects of visual arts, and expand their analytical and critical abilities in art practice, art theory, and art history. Students will also learn to investigate and document their reflections, interests, ideas, and art-making processes.
Find out more about SOTA at our e-Open House, held online from 10 April to 18 May 2021
HERE.
READ OTHER STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES.
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Photos provided by Natasha Ng