mairangiarts
We asked our tutor Belle H for an update on her class! Here’s some great insight and pics! Q: Could you tell us about your teaching approach?
In my class, Self-Expression, I focus on balancing foundational techniques with each student’s unique artistic voice. While I guide students through essential skills, I encourage them to interpret ideas in their own way. Our class works toward a group exhibition called Dreamworks, held every two years. Each exhibition is based on a shared theme, but every student expresses it differently, using their own style and perspective. Through this process, students not only develop their skills but also discover how they want to express themselves.
Q: What is your personal passion and purpose behind your art?
My purpose in creating art is to better understand myself and to express that inner journey visually. I am continually drawn to the idea of self-discovery—how making art can reveal parts of ourselves we may not have been aware of before.
Q: Why is making art important to you personally?
Beyond the visual result, the most meaningful benefit of making art for me is personal reflection and growth. The process allows me to connect with my thoughts and emotions in a deeper way, offering a quiet but powerful sense of clarity.
Q: How do you encourage students who might be struggling?
The biggest challenge many students face is a lack of confidence, especially when they first think about exhibiting their work. I focus on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment where the process matters more than perfection. Even contributing a single piece can be a meaningful achievement. As students continue, they often discover a new side of themselves and gain a strong sense of accomplishment.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Dreamworks Exhibition?
Dreamworks is a group exhibition held every two years, and the upcoming exhibition will be our third. Each exhibition begins with a central theme, but every artist interprets it in their own unique way, resulting in a diverse and deeply personal collection of work. Through this experience, they create meaningful memories—doing something they love, while sharing the journey with others.
