A visual artist from Kiama is making her mark on the Illawarra arts scene and beyond, thanks to the skills she gained while studying at TAFE NSW – her first foray into a classroom.

It’s estimated the cultural and creative arts industry contributes more than $120 billion per annum to Australia’s economy and, over the 10 years to 2033, Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts visual arts roles will grow by 1,400 jobs. TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to this industry through the Diploma of Visual Arts.

Charlie Owens had been homeschooled her whole life, but when she decided to follow her dream of becoming an artist and enrolled in the Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW Wollongong West, it was her first time in a formal educational institution.

“After being homeschooled, I was used to having to drive my own education and do the work to learn and succeed. When I enrolled at TAFE NSW, I was nervous about entering into a formal place of education for the first time, but I found it to be a great experience,” Ms Owens said.

“Having been used to self-directed learning, I adapted well to the style of education TAFE NSW offers, and I loved being in a classroom and having teachers and fellow students around me. This environment pushed me to learn, but I always felt comfortable because I was in an artistic community surrounded by other creative people.”

Since graduating earlier this year, Ms Owens has been using her new practical skills to launch her career as a professional artist. She has exhibited her work at local Illawarra galleries, taken commissions, and started an online business selling her art.

“My studies covered everything I wanted to learn, and the course really helped me grow as an artist and pushed me outside my comfort zone as a creative,” she said. “It helped me develop new practical skills in other techniques likes print making and lino cutting – all skills which have helped me evolve into a more well-rounded professional artist.

“Having the opportunity to exhibit my work in local galleries has boosted my confidence too. It’s reinforced that I have the skills I need to succeed in this industry. The connections of my TAFE NSW teachers helped open doors for me and enabled me to develop valuable professional relationships in the Illawarra artistic community and explore ways to grow my career.”

TAFE NSW Media, Arts, Design, and Entertainment Head Teacher Mary-Jane Griggs said the organisation’s visual arts courses empower students to pursue their career goals.

“TAFE NSW has a long history of delivering talented artists to the industry through courses like the Diploma of Visual Arts, which provides students with the skills they need in a variety of mediums to make a strong start to their careers,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see Charlie succeeding in the Illawarra arts scene thanks to the skills she’s developed by coming to TAFE NSW. She has a bright future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing where her career takes her.”

Ms Owens said she wants to keep exploring new ways to express her creativity.

“I’m now planning further works to exhibit, while also taking commissions and selling my art online – including having my pieces screen printed onto shirts that I sell,” she said.

“I’m passionate about making visual art my career and will look to explore new avenues and ways to showcase my skills and share my art with the world.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au