The joy of painting: Art Metro
An art school, gallery and supply store, Art Metro helps make Canterbury the creative place it is. Metropol sits down with Malene Reynolds Laugesen to ask a few questions about her teaching role at the Papanui studio.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT ART METRO, AND WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOB SATISFACTION?
“About two years ago. I mainly teach oil and acrylics and teach three adult evening classes and one children’s afternoon class. Seeing the boost people get when a painting they’ve been struggling with starts to fall into place gives me the most job satisfaction.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE ROOM WHEN EVERYONE’S BUSY AT THEIR EASELS?
“It’s very relaxed. People chat amongst each other, and long-time students are really good at encouraging new students, who are often trying painting for the first time.”
WHEN NOT TUTORING AT ART METRO, YOU’RE FULL-TIME STUDYING AT UC, AND HAVE STARTED THE THIRD YEAR OF YOUR FINE ARTS DEGREE – WHAT’S AHEAD IN FURTHERING YOUR PASSION FOR ART?
“I’ve become fascinated with art history and the idea of curatorial work. I’d like to find a way to continue pursuing these and to find a balance between teaching and my own art practice. I think the two things feed into and complement each other. Painting, for me, creates a deep sense of joy, which I try to bring into teaching. Teaching also compels you to look more closely at your own practice and technique, which is a good challenge.”
