Finishing NAS

I’d never heard of the National Art School until one of my oldest friends told me I should apply for it after a few years of aimlessness after high school.

I applied on a whim and showed up to my interview with some old drawings, photos of my HSC major work and a painted leather jacket. I remember being intimidated watching all these people hauling huge portfolios and paintings up the stairs with them to their own interviews.

first year group drawing project in 2019 where we had to make a skeleton to scale. Made out of found materials. Done with Dani Becknell and Clementine McIntosh

I went into NAS with a decent talent for drawing and not much else. I had no idea how to paint or what the hell the difference between oil and acrylic were, and certainly nothing about ceramics or printmaking.

I quickly realised that ceramics held no interest for me and was surprised by how much I enjoyed carving in sculpture, however I couldn’t deny that I wanted printmaking to be my major.

playing in the darkroom during first year photomedia rotation, 2018

Every aspect of printmaking interested me, whether it was silkscreen, lithography or relief, however it was etching that held my attention. I fell in love with the unpredictable chemistry, the details, and even the necessary amount of patience and respect it requires to make an exceptional plate. Nothing is more humbling than spending countless hours on a plate and another hour printing it to then realise all the text is backwards. Most of all, I love the fact that even with the most painstaking planning, the plate will never turn out the way you think - for better or worse.

first year print project working in relief - what made me decide to choose print as my major. 2018

While COVID-19 was a very unwelcome surprise at the beginning of my final year in 2020 that made me defer, I can’t bring myself to regret the decision to hold back a year. That time cemented for me that this is what I really wanted to do. I came back in 2021 with a drive I didn’t have beforehand and I produced work I am extremely proud of - especially considering the demoralising second lockdown in the middle of the year.

my studio wall during my final year in 2021

As I think about it now, it wouldn’t have been nearly as good an experience if it weren’t for the incomparable teachers. I will always be thankful to the print department for instilling and fostering in me a passion for something that I am certain will last for the rest of my life.

I also know I have made friendships that will last just as long.

me and fellow print friend Bella La Spina bludging through drawing class at NAS in 2019

While I probably should have considered doing Masters a bit more seriously, I couldn’t resist the urge to move down the coast to the property my parents bought and attempt to set up my own studio.

I have made the big financial decision to spend every dime I have on a brand new printing press.

Hopefully after enough time suffering in hospo to save money, and calling on every one I know to answer my practical questions, I’ll achieve my dream to one day set up a successful etching studio that I can share with fellow printmakers from Australia and maybe even around the world.

While I am sad to be saying goodbye to NAS (for now), I know it’s just the beginning of something great.

She Quit copper plate during the aquatint stage, 2021