Sixth Form A Level Art students are being pushed out of their comfort zones, as they experiment with the techniques of renowned artist, Carne Griffiths.
Practical workshops in College alongside Griffiths have introduced them to his signature style, blending ink, fountain pen, and tea to create expressive, free-flowing artwork.
Students began by experimenting with drawing techniques, layering ink, tea, and water to create unexpected textures and forms. They quickly discovered that this approach, challenged their usual artistic habits and steered away from perfection, making them reconsider their approaches to creativity.
Second Year A Level Art student, Angelica, reflected on the experience, saying: “His artwork is really good because it’s putting me out of my comfort zone. At first, I was a bit uncomfortable about making some with imperfections, but I like the results it’s giving. It’s a completely different way of working than what I’m used to, and it’s making me think about art in a whole new way.”
Isabel, also on the Second Year of the A Level Art course, added: “Learning how he uses ink, tea, and fountain pens has been eye-opening. At first, it felt completely unfamiliar, but the more I experimented, the more I understood how freeing his technique can be. I love the pigmentation of the ink and the different effects it gives on the paper.”
Griffiths, who has been a full-time artist for 14 years, spoke to the students about his journey into the art world. Originally trained in illustration at Maidstone’s Institute of Art and Design, he spent 12 years as an embroidery designer at M Hanger Company in Soho, collaborating with the fashion industry as well as film, and theatre. Eventually, he returned to painting, developing his now-distinctive method of combining drawing with unconventional materials.
His use of tea as a painting medium came about thanks to experimentation. Originally using brandy for its ink-dispersing qualities, he later switched to tea, which allowed for even greater depth and control.
Reflecting on his experience with the students at the EKC Canterbury Sixth Form, Carne said: “It’s great to work so closely with everyone today. I work alone in the studio now a lot of the time, and I quite miss the energy of other creatives around. Workshops like today are really refreshing.
“I’d really encourage careers into the creative arts. I gave myself a year as a full-time artist to see what would happen and instantly started combining all the things I was really passionate about, such as, a little bit of calligraphy, portraiture, and floral elements from my embroidery experience.”
Speaking about the impact of the workshop, Lecturer, Simon Caddick shared: “Seeing the students engage so closely with a professional artist has been truly inspiring. I think for most of them it’s been eye-opening to broaden their understanding of what a career in art can look like.
“We’ve worked with Carne before, and each time, students get to see his creative process as well as his own experiences into the industry.”
At EKC Canterbury Sixth Form, our learners gain practical experiences, expert teaching and inspirational workshops like this one that inspire them to think differently about their futures.
You can explore some of the finished artworks below:
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