Valerie Oliver

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Posted by in Education, Sharing Cultural Information

As a member of The National Association for Fine Art Education (NAFAE), I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the roundtable discussion with other NAFAE members. The discussion focused on collaboration between Mainstream and Alternative Art Schools. The discussion transcript is published in Chapter Four of the book: CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION, POLITICS, AND ART: Creative, Critical, And Community Resistance To Corporate Higher Education. Edited by: Richard Hudson-Miles and Jackie Goodman, published by Routledge Research in Arts Education 2025. Out Now!

Posted by in Artwork in Progress, Education, Outsider Art, Sharing Cultural Information, Youth Art

Since the end of March 2020 when the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic changed the way we were working with young people, I have used the given space created by the pandemic and acknowledged the ability to be aware. I have observed myself transcend deeper into a learning journey that covers all aspects of my chosen career path. With this awareness, it has enabled me to better my professional knowledge in order to take action and find solutions to keep learning alive, fun and achievable even through dark times. In this…read more

Time for Change

Posted by in Artwork in Progress, Sharing Cultural Information

I have decided to use Instagram‘s platform as a sketchbook. This idea is, I am, sure not new to people it is, however, new to me and the way I work. This sketchbook, as I choose to name it; will represent work in progress to coordinate with my website. It will reveal long breaks when I do not post; it will show no break. I will reveal other interests that intertwine with my art. You will figure out when I take a break from the action of creating or when…read more

Running Horse Roundabout Project

Posted by in Artwork in Progress, Sharing Cultural Information

There is always a beginning and this particular beginning transcended from a previous project, which I was lead artist and project manager. The concept for this project centred on how to change the use of uncanny space that was unloved. The question was then followed by another; how can people change space? The project’s aim was to take notice to an underused and unloved urban public area and focus on encouraging individuals to stay and visit the location for a longer period of time. This provided an opportunity for people…read more

ERASMUS+ KA104 “LA MIRADA INTERNACIONAL-THE INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK”

Posted by in Sharing Cultural Information

This story begins six years ago, when through the Tate Modern’s project: BP Art Exchange, I met Lourdes from CEPA Arcus y Firgas, a school located in the Canary Islands.This year at the beginning of October, we finally had a chance to meet in person! It would have not been made possible if it were not for the Erasmus+ KA 104 funding, where possibilities do exist in our uncertain world. Before Lourdes’ arrival, I was envisioning that her visit would change the way I look at myself and the work…read more

Planned Visit: National Portrait Gallery, London

Posted by in Art Exhibitions

My two students are learning the concept of drawing studies in preparation of their final piece of work, which is a self-portrait. This will be their first time to visit the National Portrait Gallery and their second venture into the world of art. The trip was centred on displays that were free to experience. These displays included: Antony Gormley Object (1999) installation Fall (1999) a selection of drawings Picasso (1881-1973) Spotlight A Century of Photography (1840-1940) 27 portraits Late Victorian Britain: Cultural Pioneers Small intimate oil and watercolour portraits of…read more

Inside: Artists and Writers in Reading Prison

Posted by in Art Exhibitions

  Introduction On Saturday October 8th, 2016, I ventured into Reading via train to visit, Inside: Artists and Writers in Reading Prison. I am tutoring two girls who are studying GCSE Art and to which I shared this experience along with one of the girl’s Mother. It was the girls first time to visit an art exhibition. The girls were instructed to bring their sketchbooks, which they had to use throughout their journey and during their walk through the exhibition space. I had them stop and draw certain aspects of…read more

Drawing Utopias

Posted by in Art Exhibitions

I am excited to announce that I am exhibiting in a group show: Drawing Utopias from the 1st to the 11th of November 2016. All are welcome to the private view on November 1st at 6pm.  The credit for the invitation belongs to Iklectik Art Lab. I have discovered along the way, that I identify with post-structuralist’s and existentialist’s ideals and philosophy. The area of displacement within society is of interest and is portrayed within my work. This particular artwork explores my processes, visually capturing the process of working through…read more