ISABEL GILL

As an art teacher, I aim to create a space where curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression are deeply valued. Art is a unique subject that engages both body and mind, fostering problem-solving skills and active learning through hands-on exploration. In my classroom, I strive to move beyond isolated concepts or rigid disciplines, embracing a cross-curricular, phenomenon-based approach where students see connections between materials, ideas, and the world around them.

​

Growing up in rural County Kilkenny, I developed a profound respect for the traditions, landscapes, and heritage of Ireland—values that influence both my artistic practice and teaching. Demonstrating to students that I am a practicing artist, I siphon activities from my own methods, adapting them flexibly to meet their needs and showing them that creativity thrives in experimentation. This flexibility aligns with the art curriculum’s inclusive potential, offering students a variety of ways to achieve success and find meaning in their work.

​

Grayson Perry once described the sound of a box of Lego as “creativity in aural form,” a reflection of the tactile, exploratory nature of making. I aim to replicate this energy in the classroom, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and develop their own voices as artists. Like my own practice, my teaching is interdisciplinary and catalytic. 

​

I like David Puttnam’s assertion that “teacher quality is the fundamental differentiator,” not just in education but in the success of a generation. Art offers a unique space for students to feel a sense of achievement and belonging—whether through mastering a technique, involvement in a collaborative project, or sharing their perspectives. Creative thinking is a skill, that stays with you your whole life.