Sep 8

Sep 8 Ask an Artist: Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden - Should I go to Art School?

Season 5, Episode 9: Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden - Should I go to Art School?

In this episode, Peter and Tom welcome back Dr Curtis Tappenden, this time to interview him in his role as Senior Lecturer in Art & Design.
In the first part of the episode, Peter, Tom and Curtis share details of their own formal training and qualifications. Curtis shares his passion for education, whether that be in institutions or otherwise. Curtis’s knowledge of how we learn and why we should always continue to is evident throughout the episode and in this first part he describes and discusses the formalised education system in the UK, outlines the different routes which can be taken, the different levels of qualification and how they build upon each other.

In the second part of the episode, Curtis shares more of his wisdom on the benefits of going to art school. He, Tom and Peter also talk about whether anyone can be taught art or is it a case of nature rather than nurture with the creative subjects. Curtis also gives some advice about what to look for in an art course or university if you are thinking about heading off to art school.

Peter, Tom and Curtis conclude the episode by talking about some of the key qualities needed to be a successful art student.

This week’s takeaway… if you are about to embark on your journey to art school, be aspiring, be positive and go for it! Stay curious and go change the world!

Since we recorded this episode, Curtis is now working as a Course leader in Art & Design at Reigate School of Art.

Photos courtesy of Curtis Tappenden