Personal Statement & CV

Painting resonates throughout my work as I tend to focus on the human form. Oil painting is my favourite medium to use as the slow drying qualities and texture really suits my way of working. I am a very patient person and therefore I like to spend a considerable amount of time on a piece so that I can hone in on the small, but significant detail. Surprisingly, I have found working in swift, simplistic ways very exciting too. For example, in a recent Life Drawing class the model slowly walked around the room whilst I captured his form in a few swift strokes of a scalpel through black paper. Other materials used in life drawing involved charcoal, taking inspiration from artists such as Anita Taylor. I think this gave me a good focus in life drawing and allowed me to develop the character of the piece. My creative experience first blossomed through attending a Steiner school, where creativity is encouraged by looking at the world around us. A lot of time was dedicated to working with natural materials, whether this included pottery, woodwork or needlework. I have found that this experience has helped me to draw inspiration from my natural environment. Engaging in an activity such as walking through the woods, photographing interesting scenery, or singing in a field as loud as I can - helps me to feel alive and encourages me to work through an artist block. Reading also helps me to develop my thought process and imagination. It has always been a passion of mine, giving me a very reflective mind, which in turn helps me to solve problems. The aspect of studying Fine Art at university is an exciting and enriching opportunity to say the least, but also because I can devote all my time towards developing myself as a creative person. I am interested in exploring the concepts of psychology and emotions in the human character, in how they are received and responded to. My A-Level coursework really explores this concept, inspired by the work of Meghan Howland. I felt I could relate to her ideas of spirituality and struggle for balance in the world between man and nature, reflected in my own body of work. In other recent work, I have explored the significant issue of the Syrian refugee crisis through a series of portraits and paintings, using the work of photographers and journalists who have witnessed the crisis first-hand as a basis for my own work. I was inspired by Merrick Adams's strong approach in demonstrating the Syrian refugee crisis in printmaking, but also by Michael Carson's style and use of colour in his oil painting. I combined both artists' approach in exposing the urgency of this concealed reality to others. Translating global issues into art is a very effective way of navigating the reality of these shocking events to others, as well as giving the way art is made to have a certain power and quality for change. Making small changes has empowered me both as an artist and as a person. From raising awareness through powerful portraits of Syrian Refugee children to running an art club for Key Stage 3 students, I have begun to feel like my presence has the potential to make lots of small, positive changes to the world around me. Leading an art club as a volunteer not only developed my own confidence and leadership skills, but from start to finish it was clear that the club had helped the students and this really gave me a surge of pride and satisfaction. To find my individual style is my priority on the Art Foundation course I'm currently studying. Making the most of the facilities and materials provided to me is helping me to experiment and reach out of my comfort zone. For example, the printmaking studio or locally sourced chunks of charcoal. I want to grasp every possible opportunity available to me, which is the reason why I'm applying to university. Even though I am uncertain as to where my postgraduate life might take me, I can develop my skills, gain more knowledge and broaden my horizons through this experience.

Curriculum Vitae

Contact Details

Full Name	Georgia Aimee Griffiths
Contact Number	07454005636
Email Address	georgiagriffiths@outlook.com
Home Address	Weavers Cottage, Ludlow Green, Ruscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6DH

Employment

Place of work	Date	Job title	Job description
The Socialight, Stroud	Feb 2015 – May 2016	Waitress	Taking orders, welcoming customers, washing up, cleaning
The Woolpack, Slad	Sept 2015 – Sept 2016	Waitress/Bartender	Taking orders, communicating between staff and customer, preparing beverages, dealing with unsociable behaviour, cleaning
Star Anise Arts Café, Stroud	May 2016 – Current	Waitress/Barista	Taking orders, welcoming customers, preparing high quality coffees using professional training, preparing food, writing the menu, cleaning, washing up

 

Education & Qualifications

Place of Education	Date	Qualification	Grade
Archway Secondary School	2012 – 2015	GCSE English Literature GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Art & Design GCSE English Language GCSE Maths GCSE Sociology GCSE Additional Science GCSE History GCSE ICT	A A A B B B B C C
		FCSE French FCSE German	D* D*
		Duke of Edinburgh Award	Bronze
Archway Sixth Form	2015 – 2017	AS Level Photography	C
		A Level Fine Art A Level English Literature	B B
		BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies	D*
SGS College Stroud	2017 – Current	Foundation Diploma in Art & Design	Pending

Skills

  

·         I am a trained barista with the additional ability to create latte art. I have had multiple training sessions by professionals such as Extract Coffee to develop these skills. 

·         I have developed my skill in orienteering and map reading through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, enabling myself to navigate my expedition using only a map and compass. 

·         Leadership skills and working as part of a team have also been developed through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This role involved the ability to make quick, effective decisions and making sure the members of the team were in good spirit and health. 

·         The ability to study an object before me and record information through drawing or painting is considered as one of my skills, having been practiced through deep concentration and patience. 

·         I have a basic understanding of Photoshop.

·         I have a basic understanding of printmaking, whilst still in the process of learning, developing and experimenting with techniques such as mono-printing, open screen-printing, using stencils and block printing. 

·         I can use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Publisher

Hobbies & Interests

  

·         Drawing 

·         Painting 

·         Printmaking 

·         Knitting 

·         Sewing 

·         Baking 

·         Nature 

·         Animals 

·         Reading 

·         Travelling 

·         Psychology