When Robinson entered the Fine Arts Diploma program, her experience included photography and drawing, but her knowledge of other mediums was limited.
“I did photography and pencil drawing,” said Robinson. “And in the realm of drawing, I wasn’t even exploring different mediums yet.”
Robinson thought it was important to discover different forms of art during her diploma and dove into every opportunity she could.
“I was exposed to pretty much everything they offer,” said Robinson. “Video, sculpture, analogue photography, screen-printing. The dark room and the screen-printing facilities are so important since these are not things you would be able to independently explore.”
Robinson was impressed with the range of art she was able to explore, along with how supportive the faculty and staff were.
“The connection is so strong between students and teachers,” said Robinson. “They are so supportive and they provided so many great opportunities like exhibitions and volunteer and work experiences.”
During her time at NIC, Robinson also took an opportunity to tutor other students.
“I’ve had multiple volunteer experiences, but they also provided me with a work opportunity to tutor for art history,” said Robinson. “It was really wonderful to be able to support other students and give back.”
After graduating from NIC and receiving the Peter Robinson Award of Excellence – Graduating Fine Arts Scholarship and the UVic Transfer Scholarship, Robinson entered the University of Victoria as a full-time student in her third year.
Third year allows for further exploration into meaning and style in students’ personal art practices, she noted.
“Right now, I am exploring a balance between high realism and abstraction within my paintings,” said Robinson. “Having detail in the areas that matter, and in less important areas—instead of continuing with realism—having it be aesthetically pleasing and be more abstract.”
For Robinson, the Fine Arts Diploma was full of eye-opening opportunities she didn’t expect.
“I basically knew nothing when I went into the program,” said Robinson. “There are so many things that art school teaches you probably wouldn’t think to have taught yourself if you would have been learning on your own. I would recommend anyone interested in art to come to NIC.”
Course registration is open for individual NIC Fine Art courses for January and applications are open for the full Fine Arts diploma, which begins in September.
For more information, visit www.nic.bc.ca/fine-art.
