ZUCCOLO, Michelle
Degree
Master of Arts
Graduation year
2007
Current position
Secondary Senior Teacher - Visual Arts, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Year 11 and 12
Employer
Sophia Mundi Steiner School
What are some of your career highlights?
Receiving the 2013 Italian Services Institute International Fellowship sponsored by Sir James Gobbo. Recent highlight include winning the Rick Amor Self Portrait Prize, Montsalvat, being a semi-finalist in the British Portrait Award, National Portrait Gallery, London and a finalist in the Portia Geach Memorial Award, E H Erwin Gallery, Sydney. Also curating “Paper Walls” at Glen Eira City Gallery, Caulfield, featuring drawings by renowned artist Pam Hallandal (1929-2018), accompanied by over 40 artworks from former colleagues and students celebrating her legacy.
Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job
Being in a position to introduce visual art students to practical experiences and new artists is always rewarding. One of the challenges is encouraging visual art students to see the value in visiting galleries and museums rather than researching artwork on the internet. Reproductions of art work provide some insight, but don’t necessarily engage the viewer in the true aesthetic experience and meaning of the art work.
What are your strongest memories while you were studying at the University?
Discussions with well-informed university staff and other art students. Enjoying the close proximity to the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?
Believe in your own convictions, personal journey and trust your own judgement. Nurture your passion through further study and investigation. If you love visual art, see it firsthand! Be knowledgeable and maintain an ongoing interest in contemporary and global activities.