Island artist Emily displays her ‘Tree of Life’ at Quay Arts

By Press Release Jul 7, 2022

Island student Emily Mills has been given the opportunity to display her final GCSE piece at Quay Arts.

Emily has been studying on the GCSE Fine Art course at the Island Learning Centre for the past 18 months, and is going on to study art at the Isle of Wight College later this year.

Her piece ‘Tree of Life’ will be free for all to see at the Quay Arts daily until 14 July.

Emily made a three-dimensional sculpture using wood, copper and found materials.

She said: “There has always been a bond between humans and the symbol of the tree.

“My piece represents the power of the four elements, earth, wind, air and fire.

“Copper-flamed leaves for fire, tumbled sea-glass that represent water, swirling wind depicted by copper spirals and collections of dandelion clocks and feathers, bottles of soil, fur and plants to represent earth.

“My tree is both darkness and light, representing the sun and the moon and grows up through the geomantic symbol for the earth.

“The piece is an expression of me and my self-journey: the growing of the tree represents me growing, and opening up new doors.

“I think this piece is done, but I’m definitely going to do more in the future.”

Juliet Lainson, art teacher from Island learning Centre said: “I am very proud of Emily overcoming some of the barriers she struggled with at the beginning of her ILC journey.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to observe the personal growth, commitment and maturity of Emily over the last year.”

Quay Arts was approached by the Island Learning Centre on behalf of student Emily to showcase her GCSE final piece.

Ian Whitmore, Quay Arts Visual Arts and Education Manager said: “We are committed to showcasing great art from a wide range of makers and especially pleased to host work by young artists.

“As a result of displaying the ‘Tree of Life’, Quay Arts will be exploring options with the Island Learning Centre to provide additional opportunities for nominated students to exhibit in the building.”