Teachers as Arts Practitioners (TAPs) Project: Marie-Claire Redman, Secondary School Art teacher

Purnima Ruanglertbutr | TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher

In this edition, I interview Marie-Claire Redman, Secondary School Art teacher and practicing artist, about her latest series exhibited in Patana Canvases and the programme’s impact on her growth as both an artist and educator.

1. Your artist statement highlights your belief that ‘effective art speaks to all people’. How do you ensure your art speaks to all people and connects across cultures?

I am a strong believer that effective art speaks to all people and that there is no correct reading of any one particular piece; therefore, what I make aims to create links across cultures and refer to a variety of cultural touchstones. I experiment with mixing popular culture with what’s considered ‘high art’ to achieve this connection.

2. How has your exposure to different artistic traditions influenced your approach, particularly in the way you incorporate cultural imagery and styles?

Living in Southeast Asia has inspired me to explore similarities and differences between this context and the Western canon that I grew up with. I respectfully play with local visual language, and I love that I am beginning to recognize and understand how the use of color, symbols, and style trickles from Thailand’s rich art heritage into the work of contemporary artists here.

3. How has teaching and working with students shaped your artistic direction?

My background is in printmaking and oil painting in the style of the European masters, but working in teaching has meant that my daily work with students often leads me down creative pathways that I may not have explored otherwise. For example, right now I’m working on painting (of course), lino printing, and bookmaking.

4. What have you chosen to exhibit for Patana Canvases? Can you share the inspiration behind your work and the process of creating it?

This current Artefact series explores society’s relationship with popular culture and how this impacts our roles and understanding of the world. The pieces are inspired by found paper objects and aim to challenge the digital flattening of aesthetic communication through commodification.

5. Can you tell us more about yourself and how you are navigating the balance between artistic practice and your professional responsibilities at school?

I am currently a Teacher of Art, Tutor to 13R, and Curriculum Leader for the IB Extended Essay at Bangkok Patana School. I frequently draw on my experiences—especially the challenging ones, like taking part in major exhibitions and completing my Master’s—to solve problems creatively. When I am active in my practice, I sometimes feel like I am working two jobs, but they complement each other enough to make it more than worthwhile. It just takes a bit of careful time management!

6. How does it feel to see your artwork exhibited in this space? Have you received any interesting reactions or feedback from viewers?

I had a beautiful discussion with some of my Tutor Group who I bumped into at the TAPs Exhibition. Given that I exhibit fairly regularly, it surprised me just how much it meant to me that they liked it! I enjoy discussing art with young people because they are honest and unafraid to share their opinions and questions—they are the voice of the future.

7. How has the TAPs CPL programme influenced your creative journey and approach in the classroom as an artist-teacher? What was the most valuable part of this experience for you?

This opportunity was great motivation for maintaining my practice, even during busy work times—it’s my self-care. When I was younger, I used to hate writing artist statements, but now I really enjoy the focused task of reflecting on my experiences and how they have shaped me as a person. This process also prompts me to interrogate my practice and the creative decisions I make. Understanding different cultural contexts and their effects on creative practice is something I emphasize in my teaching—my IB students are well aware of this!