Virtual Masterclass with Visual Artist Kate Mercer

Art students from NPTC Group of Colleges (@NPTCGroup) were given a snapshot of what it’s really like to be a practising artist in Wales when visual Artist Kate Mercer gave a virtual masterclass.

Kate Mercer is a visual artist from Newport that works across a range of media including photographs, video, collage and textiles, to explore cultural uses of photographs, particularly focusing on memory, identity and perception. Using found and self-sourced imagery as starting points, her work explores the role of photography as a document and self-constructed record.

Her work is held in both private and public collections including that of Amgueddfa Cymru (National Museum Wales in Cardiff).  She continues to develop and exhibit work on funded projects throughout Wales and the UK.

On top of telling her story of how she came into the industry, Kate passed on her inside knowledge of being an artist, her work and community projects and gave tips and advice.

Kate also set a task which was about using the senses of touch, sound, taste and feel to come up with new ways of thinking about art projects and how they may be perceived or interacted with by the audience.

The A Level Fine Art and Graphic Communication students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive masterclass. ‘’This workshop has been very interesting and has enabled me to adapt my project, Thank You!’’ said Alicia Alsop-Butler

Others added:

“Thank you for today I learnt a lot”

“Thank you, it’s been really interesting seeing things from a different perspective”

Ben Meredith Art & Design Lecturer from NPTC Group of Colleges was delighted that the College was able to hold talks virtually said “It is so important for students to have the opportunity to learn from people who have succeeded in industries and I’m so pleased that over 50 students took part. It is vital to communicate with other established creatives especially after a period of isolation for many students. These experts reinforce learning, expand creativity and enhance employability.”