Echoes - Q + A with Grade 12 Artist, Ella

We are still glowing from the success of "Echoes" - our 2025 Diploma Programme Art Exhibition showcased at Gallery Different in Fitzrovia.

The exhibition featured the hard work and talent of our Grade 12 art students who contributed photography, oil painting, mixed media, digital art, sculpture and 3D installations. Although it was their final art project at Halcyon, it represented a first step in their artistic careers, offering the opportunity to exhibit at a public gallery for the first time.
We spoke with Grade 12 student Ella about her journey through art at Halcyon, the process of showcasing at Fitzrovia, and her plans for the future.

Q: What inspired the central themes or concepts explored in your exhibition work?

A: My work represents the psychological harm caused by sexual violence and misogyny. This theme resonates with me on a deeper level, as like every woman I have ever met, I have faced misogyny from a young age. Aiming to alter the way society views and treats women through my work, to  fuel my creativity, I visited pop-ups and galleries, including Tracey Emin at the White Cube.

Q: Could you describe a particular technical challenge you faced during your creative process and how you overcame it?

A: During my DP Art course, a technical struggle I faced was working with latex for my piece that incorporated snake sheddings. It took a lot of experimenting and changing the medium to something that was easier to manipulate with snake sheds. However, I learned a lot from experimenting with it and I hope to continue trying to use latex in my artwork as it's a medium I've never used before and that was very exciting to me. 

Q: How has your artistic style evolved during your time at Halcyon, and what influenced these changes? 

A: My artistic style has been able to evolve during my time at Halcyon because of the comforting environment of the art room. I felt able to express my emotions and creative vision while being supported which allowed me to push my boundaries within my body of work. The art exhibition also encouraged me to further understand my own artistic style more and evolve it. 

Q: Can you share your experience of taking art at Halcyon? And also the opportunity to present at Gallery Different? 

A: Taking art at Halcyon has helped me come out of my comfort zone by giving me the choices to express myself without limitations, especially through the task of creating my exhibition pieces. What made my experience at Halcyon unique was the support from Ms Dever and Ms Ahmad who have guided me throughout the two years, assisted me in conveying the message I wanted to and gave me good creative insights to refine my technical skills. I have become a more well-rounded artist during the DP Visual Arts course as I have explored different mediums and ways to create art which I will take with me at university.

Q: Which artists or art movements have had the most significant impact on your work, and why?

A: The artist who has impacted my work the most is Tracey Emin.  As my artwork is confrontational, I was specifically inspired by Emin’s evocative pieces that instantly evoke a reaction from her viewers and I hope my art does the same. 

Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision incorporating art into your future educational or career plans?

A: I am pursuing art at University, specifically a degree in fashion design. I've always imagined having an artistic career and I feel really lucky that I have been able to experience this at Halcyon.