The Expression In The Paintbrush

By Sarah Nagel

Art. A foreign concept to most people. I most certainly am one of them. If you are like me, whose drawing skills have not evolved since your stick man phase, you might not stop to skim this article.

You might flip the page until you find something you are more skilled at, something that doesn’t cause jealously of those whose skills might be a little more defined than yours.

But what if I told you that, although you might not have the hand of Leonardo Da Vinci, or the eye of Vincent Van Gogh, YOU are still a part of the artistic community?

You are the audience, spectators who artists aim to please. So before you skip to the sports or entertainment section, why not take the time to read about our fellow student’s accomplishments? Why not gain a few ego points knowing that your critique does matter and your opinion is sought.

The artistic side of St Peter’s College is growing by the day. More and more students are stepping out and showing their artistic side.

St Peter’s College students are being recognised, not only for their successful sport victories or educational achievements, but also for their incredible artistic talent.

The College offers art as a subject (to Matric) and and extra mural.  The extra mural component is the Art Task Team. The Art Task Team brings life and colour into the College. From banners at sports events, to posters for dramatic productions, the art task team plays a big part in the community of the College.

“At St Peter’s the Art Department isn’t as big as some of the other activities, but it is very strong.” says Arisha Maharaj, deputy head of the Art Task Team. “A lot of art happens in the life of the College, as well as outside of the College.

We help at New Jerusalem, helping the kids mould clay, and painting houses. There is more artwork around the College, with art work on display, including the photo of the week seen outside the library.”

I, being a spectator to this world, find the world of art fascinating. How does someone get handed a paint brush or pencil, shown an object to use for inspiration and come up with something so beautiful?

It shows that it doesn’t just take a heavy maths equation to get the brain working; there are so many different parts of ourselves that can produce great things, it’s what we do with these gifts that define art.

St Peters’ College is enriched with talented artists. You may have seen their work on display around the school.

I am sure that most of you don’t know how many secret artists there are lurking in the corridors of the College. This article is a tribute to all you artists who draw purely for self-inspiration. I want to let you know that you have been noticed and that your talent is as worthy of recognition as someone who is in the Art Task Team.

So to all you secret artists who don’t take art as a subject or who are not on the Art Task Team, do not be afraid to stand up and say: “Hey, I am an artist.”

And to all of you, who are like me and might not be the world’s next artistic prodigy, don’t be afraid to express yourself artistically.

Just because you think you can’t draw doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.