Chloe is one of TLC’s youngest students, currently studying onsite at Level 5. Through TLC, she has found confidence, freedom, and a supportive creative community.
We chatted with Chloe about leaving school and studying at The Learning Connexion.
Kia ora Chloe. What made you decide to start studying at The Learning Connexion?
I first heard of TLC though my Ouma (grandma). At the time, I was really struggling with my mental health, and going to school was becoming a task I couldn’t cope with. My attendance was under 20% and my grades were going more and more downhill. I was also spending way too much time alone in my room at home during the days I was absent from school, which was basically every day. My mum eventually came to me and asked me two things “What do you want to do? And how can I help you do it?”. That was, not only, the first time I realised I could find a way to drop out, but also that there was an option for me to study something I love and open up the opportunity to find a career in art later in life.
What was it like first starting at TLC?
At first, it was pretty nerve-wracking personally, but also really exciting! I was a bit anxious to be the youngest in my class, but everyone was really welcoming. I was also worried that I would get the same anxiety I used to get when going to college, but to my surprise and joy, I didn’t. It felt like a weight was lifted off of me.
I felt seen by the community and student body, as well as the Creativity Kaiako and Toi Kaiako (Tutors and Mentors).
What did you enjoy most about your first term here?
Getting to know everyone and connecting with my classmates, which I never thought I’d say, as I’m quite the introvert and usually keep to myself in classroom environments. I also loved learning more about the classes and trying out all of the different art forms in Karla’s Level 4 Certificate programme! But the biggest thing for me was the environment and overall vibe at TLC. In my first week, I was greeted by more people than I had ever been at my old school. As a pretty socially anxious person, getting a “Good morning”, “Mōrena”, or “Kia ora” with a smile from people I didn’t even know yet was kind of eye-opening and felt really good, like I didn’t need to hide myself or dim my ‘sparkle’ because everyone is so unique and open-minded.
Can you tell us a bit about your art and what you are enjoying?
My art is a bit all over the place; whether it’s the style, medium, techniques, or vibe, it’s constantly changing. I love making and learning new things about my core drivers through my own choices in my art because, although there are a lot of common themes and styles, most of the time, my art might look like a different person has made it every time. But if I had to give a sort of ‘base theme’ to it, I’d say my art is always a peek into my mind and soul. It’s my emotions and mental state (at the time) put on display, not to be understood or figured out, just to be viewed, and hopefully loved.
I’m really enjoying printmaking and working in the 3D classes. I never really gave 3D a chance in college because I’d always been a 2D artist, but I surprised myself more and more with my love for it. It’s definitely something I want to explore more, and I’m so grateful to the mentors who gave me the chance to give it a go in the first place.
I would like to eventually form a “base style” for my works, but for now, I’m happily having fun messing around and playing with the skills I’ve learned so far at TLC.
How does creating art make you feel?
Free, to put it simply. Art and creating are my way to let out all of the thoughts thrashing around in my head. Whether they’re random thoughts, heavy emotions, or simply being excited about a certain thing or person. It’s my way of displaying and sharing the feelings I keep inside most of the time. The ability to let go of all of those thoughts was something I fell in love with in Primary school and keep falling for every day. It’s my way of putting it all out there for the world to see and feeling unashamed of doing so. Sure, art can be the reason for my frustration at times, but in the end, it’s the thing I love doing the most. And the best part to me is that you can always do it… It became my way of life at some point, one that makes my world more colourful and my heart fuller than ever.
I’ve always loved the feeling I get during the process, like a million tiny stars in my hands that shoot up my arms and set off a kaleidoscope of supernovas in my brain.
If you could describe your creative style in three words, what would they be?
Eccentrically humorous introspection.
Have you faced any challenges, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my creative processes and time at TLC was feeling inadequate or not like a “Real artist”.
I never felt like I was “worthy” of the title. But in my first week in Level 4, Karla basically demolished that viewpoint. She taught us about the “inner critique” and “inner coach”, and it blew my mind. Yes, at times I still find myself weighed down by my inner critique, but now I have the skills to shut it up, becoming my own positive reinforcement and reminding myself that as long as I’m making something creative and original, I am a real artist.
If you could give advice to other students who might be considering studying at TLC, what would you say?
Give it a go, mess around, and go in with an open mind.
TLC might focus on art, but at some point, it’ll start to boost your confidence not only in your creative choices but also in your own skills and abilities. An open mind, creative ideas, and a desire to play with new mediums and techniques are all you need.
To find out more about enrolling in Level 4 contact us at 0800 278 769 or email info@tlc.ac.nz
