With the school year coming to an end, we will lose a lot of familiar faces. One of those faces is Mrs. Preston, Oratory Prep’s art teacher. She will retire next year and leave Oratory Prep. So join me as I interview her the very last time:
1. How long have you been teaching at Oratory Prep?
For 25 years.
2. What are some interesting facts about you?
I lived in Mexico for 3 years studying art. I worked in NY as a textile designer and I started a business as a fashion designer prior to me coming to Oratory.
3. What made you get into art?
My aunt was a toy designer and she inspired my interest in art as a very young child. Art would always bring me to another world. My brain would always be designing and painting.
4. What is your favorite type of technique to make?
My favorite technique is Batique, which is from the country of Java and it’s when you paint boiling wax on fabric and dye it. It’s a way to decorate fabric by taking hot wax and dying it. However, I adore making pottery and also painting.
5. Is there any artist that made you pursue art?
I just love all artists. Usually, I like most artists’ styles because they somehow inspire a;ll my art and my travels. My hobbies would be travel, going to museums to learn about history, and cooking.
6. What was your favorite part about teaching art?
By seeing a smile on a student’s face when they finished a project that surpassed their initial goals.
7. In your opinion, what’s the most interesting project you’ve done with a class?
Creating the ceramic teapots because it entails a deep understanding of ceramics, engineering, and design.
8. Do you prefer clay or do you like painting?
I love them both. Since Covid, I have been studying under a master Chinese painter and learning how to paint in very traditional style techniques.
9. If you had to do one final project with your last class ever, what would it be?
I taught impressionism that took place in Paris, France in the 19th century. Really, everything I teach, I enjoy.
10. What would be a final message to leave to any up and coming artists here at Oratory Prep?
Buy a sketchbook and experiment in that sketchbook everyday for 10 mins. Whether it be in pencil or pen, go into that sketchbook to try new things. Go on the internet and there are so many tutorials that are such a gift. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because sometimes those mistakes are a gift.
And that’s it. This was probably the last interview for Mrs. Preston. I wish her well and I hope she enjoyed her time here at Oratory Prep.
