Edgware artist spends week as 'artist in residence' at Barnet school

Simran Kumar championed the creative life at Queen Elizabeth’s School writes Linda Appiah-Spick

A man in a t-shirt painting at an easel as four school students look on — Edgware artist Simran Kaur leading an A-Level art workshop – (Credit – Queen Elizabeth’s school)

Artist Simran Kumar, whose studio is based in Edgware, recently spent the week at Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet, as an ‘Artist in Residence.’

QE pupils had the opportunity to see a professional artist at work and hear about his unconventional journey from studying physics to pursuing a full-time career in art.

Simran’s work explores culture, identity and spirituality; and his current paintings draw inspiration from the story of Krishna and Arjuna, as well as Christian religious art.

He explained that he initially studied and painted Christian imagery to develop his technique and artistic style before moving into Hindu art and exploring his own cultural and spiritual interests. Pupils were able to see him live at work with a Krishna and Arjuna inspired painting unfold from a sketchbook in front of their eyes.

Through leading year nine, GCSE and A-Level workshops and a lunchtime lecture, Simran spoke about the importance of experimentation in developing creativity, encouraging pupils to discover their interests, find influences, play with ideas and create something new.

His favourite artist is Vincent van Gogh, particularly for his use of light, while he also admires William Blake’s belief in the importance of poetry, painting and music to a flourishing society.

Simran’s central message to pupils was that creativity is not limited to a particular career. Reflecting on his own journey, he explained: “Creativity is a habit. It is not just a job title.”

He encouraged pupils to see creativity as a transferable skill that can benefit whatever career path, adding: “Creativity will help you to excel in whatever you choose.”

Simran’s story demonstrated that career paths do not always follow a straight line. Sometimes, an interest that begins as a hobby can develop into something much more, if you give yourself the opportunity to explore it.

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