“My creative skills have grown so much it’s immeasurable. At the beginning, I never thought that I would be in an exhibition in my third year. Since then, so many opportunities have opened up for me, including an art residency at Corban Estate, and working as art assistant on a children's television show. Enrolling as a distance student with TLC is one of the best decisions I've ever made."
No matter where you live in New Zealand, you can study The Learning Connexion's Creativity programmes through distance delivery, meaning you learn to draw, paint and create from the comfort of your own home. With one-on-one tutoring from one of our mentors, distance delivery gives you the flexibility to maintain your current lifestyle without the pressure of travel.
We spoke to Kelly Reichardt, a Level 5 distance delivery student based in Auckland, who has been studying with The Learning Connexion for two and a half years.
Tell us about your art. What media do you like using, and what themes/ideas do you explore in your work?
My preferred media are creative photography and watercolour, although I am dabbling in jewellery-making and am thoroughly enjoying that too. I am exploring the ideas around using art as a therapy tool for myself, and my work carries a strong realism theme.
I was recently involved in an exhibition based on mental health. I am also adding to a body of work based on organs in the body and how they relate to emotions and trauma.
How did you discover The Learning Connexion (TLC) and why did you choose to study with us?
I discovered TLC through a good friend of mine who had just finished Level 7 and she encouraged me to apply for a scholarship, which I got! I decided to study at TLC because I liked their teaching style and wanted to tap into my creativity at my own pace, in my own time – but with my mentor’s support. My experience as a distance delivery student has been really great, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
What are some of the benefits of being a distance delivery student?
You can study in your own time in your own space, with the added bonus of a mentor who is only an email or phone call away. I communicate with my mentor Rachel Astbury via email and phone several times a month.
How has your art and creativity grown since studying as a distance delivery student with TLC?
My creative skills have grown so much it’s immeasurable. At the beginning, I never thought that I would be in an exhibition in my third year. Since then, so many opportunities have opened up for me, including an art residency at Corban Estate, and working as art assistant on a children's television show. Enrolling as a distance student with TLC is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Another thing about being distance delivery is, you learn to be very good with time management, as you don’t have a set structure of classes to attend. I am very good with managing my time now and have started jewellery and watercolour classes in my own community here in Auckland.
You can see more of Kelly’s work on Instagram or at www.kellyreichardt.co.nz.
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