在 Surval, art transcends traditional academic boundaries to become a profound journey of creativity, expression, and shared inspiration. This philosophy is vividly brought to life through the dedicated work of Tanya Tsipysheva, the school's talented art teacher, who has been guiding students for the past three years during both the academic year and the vibrant Summer and Winter Camps. Tanya's approach centers on hands-on exploration, encouraging each student to discover their unique artistic voice while fostering a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes through shared experiences. Her role extends beyond instruction; she actively draws inspiration from her students' projects, demonstrating that the artistic process is a continuous, reciprocal journey of growth for both teacher and pupil.
During the academic year, Tanya provides a structured yet exploratory foundation in essential artistic principles. Students delve into drawing, perspective, and color theory, experimenting with a diverse range of materials including watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, ink, and mixed media. This technical grounding is complemented by studies of various artists and movements, such as Impressionism and Expressionism, where students learn to interpret and apply these styles in personally meaningful ways. For instance, last year's cultural theme project focused on women and fashion across different cultures, allowing students to explore identity and global perspectives through art. This year's culminating project, titled 'City Soul,' challenges students to synthesize their skills in perspective and color to narrate the story of a city that inspires them, blending technical proficiency with emotional expression.
The artistic experience at Surval extends into its camp programs, where projects become even more varied and immersive. Camp activities include ceramic painting, textile decoration, small pottery work, and creating needle-felted toys and landscapes. A highlight is plein air painting, where students engage with the stunning natural surroundings, translating the beauty of the outdoors directly onto their canvases. These hands-on projects are enriched by regular art excursions to esteemed cultural institutions like the Fondation Pierre Gianadda in Sion, the Museum of Vevey, and the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne. These visits provide students with the invaluable opportunity to view art up close, gain new perspectives, and create original works inspired by their experiences, thereby connecting classroom learning with the wider art world.
Parallel to her teaching, Tanya continues to evolve as a professional artist, embodying the school's ethos of lifelong learning. Having painted since childhood, primarily in oils, she actively participates in exhibitions and has sold several of her works. A recent significant achievement was receiving 3rd prize in the 15th edition of the Gustave Courbet Art Competition. Her award-winning painting will be exhibited at the MAG Montreux Art Gallery, a notable honor accentuated by her being the youngest participant among more established regional artists. This professional dedication not only enriches her teaching but also serves as a powerful inspiration to students, showing that artistic passion and professional growth are intertwined. The 有创意 environment at the school ensures that art is not just a subject but a living, breathing part of the educational experience.
