Lessons from 18 years at OCA, assisting numerous pupils: personal insights
Hey There! 👋
Join Me on a Journey of Lifelong Learning, Arts, and Creative Growth
Spanning over 18 years at the Open College of the Arts (OCA), I've found my students to be an integral part of my creative evolution. Let me share a few pearls of wisdom I've gathered together along this incredible journey.
Though I didn't pursue a degree after high school, working 16 years in computing, my passion for the arts was undeniable. I felt captivated by creative projects, seeking solace from work and daily life. It wasn't until I ventured into professional photography for the University of Manchester that I contemplated returning to academia, this time with an MA in Photography at De Montfort University.
What initially drew me to the OCA was its inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility for both students and tutors. That flexibility enabled me to provide tailored support to each student, guiding them from where they were to where I thought they could be ambition-wise – always aiming to push them forward.
The diversity among the students was astonishing, ranging from 16-year-olds to octogenarians, those without formal qualifications to a few with PhDs. I appreciated the opportunity to engage with their perspectives, as they came from a plethora of backgrounds, and, although most were from the UK, I had students from 22 different countries. The discussions about storytelling, passion projects, and visual forms transcending borders were fascinating.
Witnessing students' practice evolve and grow as their confidence and knowledge expanded was truly rewarding. Prior experience as a mentor for disabled and dyslexic students (at MMU) proved beneficial when assisting neuro-diverse learners. In 2012, I embarked upon a practice-led PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University, investigating movement within architectural spaces using 'still' images, a part of an ongoing creative practice focusing on photography's unique challenges in representing time and space through static media.
Selecting standout students to highlight is difficult, but Jane Weinmann demonstrated that finding an unexplored topic is even more reasons to pursue it. Anna Sellen has gained international recognition, while Amber Houbara created an impassioned piece about women's inclusion in the male-dominated sport of surfing.
Now, with retirement on the horizon, I look forward to focusing on my own projects. If I were to impart one piece of advice to students, it is to understand their experimental work as 'work-in-progress': it doesn't have to be complete or perfect; just start. Take enough steps to provide a jumping-off point for discussion and feedback. Discussions are the most constructive part, aiding in deciding why a method or style works, or which enhances storytelling. Explaining and defending your work enables you to evaluate its value for yourself and accept, or reject, the suggestions of others, accelerating the research and practice process.
Remember, Always Be Open to Growth, and Embrace Change! 🚀
Happy Creating!
Derek Trillo
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- Derek Trillo's journey with the Open College of the Arts (OCA) has been a testament to lifelong learning, personal growth, and education-and-self-development, as he has guided students towards creative and ambition-driven pursuits.
- Through his experience at the OCA, Derek Trillo has learned that embracing change, taking the first steps in experimental work, and engaging in discussions are crucial for learning, fostering the spirit of exploration, and furthering personal growth.
