This week the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) caught up with Paige Jordison, recipient of the NGCI Visual Arts Scholarship. Every other year NGCI awards a four-year scholarship to a student who wishes to pursue an undergraduate degree in the visual arts field. Scholarships are worth US$20,000 per annum for up to four years of study. The scholarship is administered by NGCI with counsel from the Education Council of the Cayman Islands.
Paige is a full time student at Appalachian State University studying Studio Art, Art Management, and Non-Profit Management.
- Tell us a little about yourself?
My love for the arts stems from my childhood and has been consistent throughout my life. This is my third year here at Appalachian State, and because of the dual majors and minor, I have two more to go. I get “the best of both worlds” going to a mountain school with unpredictable cold weather, while getting to go home to paradise. I am interested in all aspects of the arts, from creating to exhibiting and managing. I have a lot of love for my home in Cayman, but look forward to exploring the world. - What has surprised you the most about your programme?
There are a variety of courses required for my majors and minor that I wasn’t expecting, but they are giving me a good general knowledge of all aspects in my field. In one class, I was able to experience working with molten metals to make sculptures. I am also currently in a class called Organizational Psychology where I am learning scientific studies of workplace behaviour. Not knowing much about the topic before taking the class, it proved to be more interesting than I imagined as well as critical for my field. - What has been the most challenging thing so far?
Being in my third year, I have learned how to manage my time. Art requires a lot of out-of-class work but if you are interested and enjoy what you do, it won’t feel like work. - What have you enjoyed the most about your studies?
I like the range of classes I have been able to take: from marketing, to yoga, to photography. I also enjoy the freedom that is given in my art classes to try new things and put your own artistic style into it, as well as mixing media which is something I enjoy doing. - How has the NGCI Visual Arts Scholarship assisted you?
The scholarship has helped and will help greatly with tuition, among many other things. Art supplies add up, and I am grateful to have help affording those. It also helps with plane tickets so I am able to go home to see my family. - What inspires you?
I let many things inspire me: what’s around me, the people I meet, the things I read, and also my family. I am lucky to have a family that has always been very supportive of my dreams. - Any plans for after you graduate?
I plan to return to Cayman to work in the arts for a few years, and to also explore places overseas in Europe that also have great art scenes. I would love to visit Tate to see their historical representations of art. - Describe your desk to us. Do you have any fun/quirky items to help you study?
My desk isn’t very exciting. I have my computer, a cactus plant, a candle and speakers. I usually listen to music while studying or working on art to help me focus. Now that I have my own desk, I don’t work on the floor to work on art (usually), which was something I did when I lived in a dorm. I am also lucky to have a comfy chair to help my back when working, which is something artists will understand.
For details about the NGCI Visual Arts Scholarship programme email info@nationalgallery.org.ky or call (345) 945 8111.