At Cobham Hall, fostering creativity and self-expression is at the heart of our educational philosophy. Among our talented student body is Year 12 student and Art Scholar, Bond, whose passion for Art has captivated both peers and faculty.
In this exclusive Q&A, Bond shares insights into his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his work, and how he visions art as part of everyday society.
Join us as we explore the story of a young artist shaping his vision for the future.
How have you found your transition into Cobham Hall, what is your favourite thing?
The transition into Cobham Hall gave me the opportunity to meet with a very small community which is quite new to me. I feel like everyone looks after each other and treats everyone like we are a family. My favourite things are the Steinway piano and Art room which is big, and it has enough room for me to work. If I could place my bed within the Art room, I might do.
What inspired you to pursue art, and how has your journey shaped your creative vision?
From the beginning, I was inspired by watching various animations, which motivated me to start creating 3D models using the Maya app. As I explored this, I realized I also had a talent for drawing, so I began creating cartoons. Later, when I started working on my GCSE project, I decided to experiment with oil painting. I discovered that I was able to use oil paints, but I knew I still needed to improve my skills. Since then, I’ve been practicing regularly, and oil painting has become one of my strengths.
Can you share a specific project or piece that you’re most proud of? What does it represent to you?
SELF-PORTRAIT
This painting represents a significant achievement in my artistic journey as it is the largest piece I have undertaken, measuring A2 in size. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I invested substantial time and effort into its creation, dedicating over a month to its completion. The work highlights my focus on intricate detailing and the nuanced interplay of lighting, which stand out as the defining features of this piece.
POWER
This final oil painting, completed as part of my GCSE coursework, explores the theme of Power. It examines how clothing and uniforms contribute to identity and authority. Personally, the school uniform symbolizes my sense of self and position, with the badge serving as an emblem of my role as a student council member. This piece reflects the strength and confidence derived from wearing attire that signifies both identity and responsibility.
Do you see art as part of your career and future goals?
I have been planning to establish a large restaurant and gallery in the same location. However, before moving forward with this project, I am considering pursuing a career as a freelance artist to gain more experience and expand my portfolio of artwork.
What role do you believe art plays in society, does your work contribute to that role?
I believe art can be a spiritual anchor for people. When I look at old drawings I’ve made, I can remember the good memories and the feelings I had when I created them. It’s like the atmosphere from that time comes back to me through those pictures.
When I think about art in society, one thing that stands out is the national flag. It’s an abstract form of art that many people connect with, especially when they see it abroad. For a lot of people, seeing their country’s flag while far from home brings a sense of comfort and reminds them of home.
Due to this year, I have been focusing on quality of work instead of meaning. However, last year I did focus very deeply on interpretation. ‘POWER’. This project allowed me to express how Power manipulated person and how Power influences a person’s thought. Whether ‘Hidden power’, ‘Thorne’, ‘imitate power’. These paintings have a hidden meaning that let viewer interpret the meaning by themselves.
How do you approach challenges or creative blocks in your artistic process?
At the beginning of my artistic journey, I was comfortable working within the confines of pencil drawings. However, during my GCSE studies, I made a conscious effort to step outside of my comfort zone. Adapting to new artistic methods proved challenging, and I struggled with the notion that adhering to a structured approach might limit my creativity. I found myself facing a creative block, which restricted the flow of my ideas. Additionally, I came to realize that the art world is highly competitive, with everyone possessing their own unique talents, which at times led me to doubt my own abilities and even consider giving up. However, my mindset shifted when I accepted that I may never be the best, but I can always remain true to myself. This change in perspective enabled me to focus on developing my own distinct style, rather than attempting to emulate the work of others.