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Art and Design
Fine Art
Since the Stone Age, humans have been inspired to express their emotions, their religion and their moods - both dark and bright - in creative ways.
We have many examples of art which can be dated back 3-4000 years, and every subsequent century has been peopled with artists - men and women who have expressed themselves artistically through sculpture, modelling, carving, drawing and painting. Sometimes art emerges in the adornment or ornamentation of an everyday object, but often, hours have been devoted to major artistic works which stand alone as objects of pure enjoyment; creations which can inspire and uplift, or which can deject and incite loathing.
Works of art can certainly alter the mood of their viewer. Although the subject of the work and the medium used may vary (think of the ceiling paintings of Michelangelo; the prints of Andy Warhol; the dead sheep of Damien Hirst), the fme art is complete in itself, and makes you, as you look at it, react. This is one reason why great works of art are sought out, collected and studied, and why the work of some artists fetch such high prices at auction and in commercial art galleries.
Although painting, drawing and sculpture are the main media of expression, there are other activities described as crafts - printmaking, embroidery, pottery, jewellery making - inspired examples of which are classed as fine art.
Courses and Qualifications in Fine Art
There are courses at various levels. Many further education colleges run BTEC First level or Intennediate GNVQ courses in Art and Design for which only average GCSE or equivalent qualifications may be required. If, however, you want to go on to take a degree course at college or university, you will need to have followed an art foundation course, a BTEC National Diploma or Advanced GNVQ course or, occasionally, a combination of A level subjects. To study at this level, you will normally need a good basis of GCSEs at grade C, in five or more subjects. There are some courses called fine art which combine academic and practical studies, and for which an art foundation course may not be necessary.
To enter any higher education course in fme art, you will need to have assembled a portfolio containing examples of your work in order for interviewers to assess your artistic ability.
Working as a fine artist
Very few artists can hope to make a living trom painting or culpture alone. The chances of success are similar to those of becoming a famous sporting personality or a well-known actor - only a small proportion of people who start training in fine art will succeed in making a living at it. Those who succeed may exhibit in private art galleries, which sell their work and take a commission on the sale. Works can also be commissioned: perhaps a large finn wants a statue to humanise a concrete and glass slab, or a portrait of the chief executive of an oil company to hang in the boardroom.
Other openings
So what do fine artists do if they can't make a living purely by selling their work?
Teaching
Teaching in schools, FE colleges, adult education, art colleges and higher education is a major source of work for fine artists. Summer schools for amateurs are also run by some artists. Particularly for work in schools, a genuine commitment to teaching is necessary, in addition to artistic talent and, to work in state schools, it is essential to have undergone approved teacher training. (See later section.)
Art Therapy
Art therapists work with emotionally disturbed or noncommunicative patients, in child guidance clinics, psychiatric units and prisons. They try to develop a close relationship with patients which will help the patients express themselves through artistic activities and come to a better understanding of themselves. A patient's work is kept as a record of their development.
Art therapists work in private and local authority special schools, psychotherapy clinics, psychiatric hospitals, occupational therapy departments and prisons. Posts in art therapy are rather scarce, with part-time and sessional work being more usual than fulltime posts. Training is open to graduates in art and design or qualified teachers or therapists who have artistic ability.
Museum, Art Gallery, Art Dealing and Arts Administration Work
Although more removed from practising as a fine artist, these areas of work might be possibilities for a fine art graduate (see later sections).
Restoration and Conservation
Artistic skills and sensitivity are needed, combined with practical and technical skills.
