Head of Art Mr Lax was delighted to reveal the winners of this year’s annual Art Competition during a whole-school assembly
Before the winners were announced, students were invited to think differently about creativity. In an assembly titled ‘Embrace the Shake’, Mr Lax discussed the idea that creativity does not belong to a gifted few, but to anyone brave enough to begin. Too often, he suggested, we quietly tell ourselves that we are ‘not artistic’ or ‘not creative’ and that belief alone can stop us from ever starting.
He spoke about the fear of ‘getting it wrong’, overcoming the embarrassment of mistakes, and the powerful but misleading idea that we must already be good at something before we are allowed to try. In reality, creativity is not about avoiding errors, but about being willing to experiment, to play, and to learn through the process.
Drawing on stories of poet Allen Ginsberg and artist Phil Hansen, students were encouraged to see limitations not as obstacles, but as opportunities. Hansen’s advice to ‘embrace the shake’ – to accept imperfection rather than fight it – became a powerful metaphor. Students were reminded that creativity flows best when we stop fearing mistakes and start using them. As Mr Lax put it, “believing you can comes after you start, not before. The magic catches up later.”
This year’s competition challenged students to create artwork inspired by the colour of the school houses: Victoria (purple), Jephson (green), Clarendon (blue) and Beauchamp (orange). The brief provided a boundary, and as the assembly suggested, creativity often flourishes most when working within limits. Rather than limiting ideas, the single-colour focus pushed students to find inventive solutions.
The standard of entries was, once again, exceptional. Staff faced the difficult task of selecting winners based on creativity, effort and technical skill, and were impressed by the range of ideas, media and interpretations on display.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Caspian A (Year 1) Working in rich purples for Victoria House, Caspian created a vibrant mixed-media underwater scene. With swirling painted lines, carefully placed shells and layered textures, the piece captures a wonderful sense of movement and imagination.
Maya Y-M (Year 4) Representing Clarendon’s blue, Maya produced two beautifully textured paintings: a delicately rendered bird and a striking flower. Built up with layered paint to create texture and depth, the pieces feel both calm and powerful.
Daya J (Year 6) Daya’s detailed 3D model of Jephson Gardens, created in honour of Jephson (the greenhouse), stood out for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. From carefully constructed trees to textured pathways and landscaping, Daya’s piece captures the character of our much-loved local landmark.
Sophia M (Year 7) Sophia embraced the bold orange of Beauchamp House with a striking fox portrait. Set against a dark background, the vivid fur and piercing eyes immediately grab your attention. Her confident brushwork and careful blending of warm tones bring the fox vividly to life, full of charisma and presence.
Mollie W (Year 8) Working in blue, Mollie created a dynamic watercolour of a dolphin in motion. Fluid washes and splattered textures give the piece energy and movement, while the limited palette and carefully controlled gradients demonstrate technical sensitivity.
Fay S (Year 9) Fay’s atmospheric landscape, painted in shades of blue for Clarendon House, draws the viewer into a sweeping mountain and lake scene. Through expressive brushwork and subtle shifts in tone, she creates depth, light and a strong sense of space.
Overall Winner: Sophia M
In addition to winning the Year 7 category, Sophia was awarded the overall prize in recognition of the bold creativity and commitment she invested in this piece. She was willing to take risks, to push her ideas further, and to pursue her vision with conviction. Through careful refinement and sustained focus, she transformed that ambition into a work of real impact. The finished painting reflects both imagination and discipline, a combination that truly embodies the spirit of this year’s competition.
Dr Howling presented certificates and prizes: art materials to inspire further exploration and experimentation. Reflecting on the competition, she commented: “This celebration of creativity reminds us that whether in art, in ideas, or in action, creativity is not about avoiding mistakes, but about having the courage to begin. The imagination and commitment shown by our students truly embody the spirit of Kingsley.”
As we celebrate another year of artistic achievement, we’re reminded that creativity isn’t about feeling ready or getting everything right the first time. It starts when we’re willing to have a go, to experiment, and to stick with it when things don’t quite work straight away.
