April 16th 2009
Pam breathes new life in to TAFE art courses
Pilbara TAFE art student Melissa Anderson
Pilbara TAFE's South Hedland campus is coming alive with creativity and colour, thanks to the arrival of celebrated artist Pamela Armstrong.
Pam, who returns to the Pilbara from Queensland after a year away, is looking forward to showing budding Hedland artists how to turn their talents into viable careers.
"Art isn't just about drawing," Pam explains. "Once you see beyond that aesthetic potential, there's money to be made in so many facets of art from media to graphics, sign-writing and web-page design."
"It's a multi-layered, multi-faceted industry with pathways that extend from all the way from high school, through TAFE and on to University."
"The foundation skills you learn in art classes translate across many vocations. For example some of the units in the Certificate III in Contemporary Craft and Visual Arts revolve around organising events so you learn how to operate within the formalities of the art scene from pitching your proposal to executing your idea and staging the exhibition."
Pam, who has created murals in public spaces from Ballina to Jurien Bay and Jigalong to Nhulunbuy, is living proof that art can sustain your finances as well as your creative spirit.
"I was self-taught originally, but once I started studying art in a formal environment, I gained a greater appreciation of the complexity of the craft."
"Contemporary art gave me an entirely different perspective on my work and I've never stopped learning the whole time. It's about giving your ideas focus so you develop a body of work from concept to creation."
Among Pam's students, Melissa Anderson, is thriving in the new studio.
"I am really enjoying the freedom of expression as well as the emphasis on technique," said Melissa. "We're a very diverse group from different age groups and cultures, so we really feed off each other's ideas and inspire each other. I'd recommend this course to anyone – whether you're new to art or continuing your studies – it's a great environment to develop as an artist."
Even students with no experience are welcome to attend Pam's art classes.
"Some students have only dabbled in art before while others like Owen Biljaba from Jigalong are already painting in public spaces and gaining national attention for their work. Whatever your skill level, the focus is on practical achievement so you can learn how to elevate your past time into a career."
To find out more about the Certificate III and IV in Visual Art and Contemporary Craft, contact Pam Armstrong on 9158 9427 or email: pam.armstrong@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au.
Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au