The heart of an artist is a force to be reckoned with and Year 12 student, Lucy Perdon, says she is just loving being able to study two art subjects—Art Fashion and Art Making + Exhibiting—alongside Maths and English.
With a plan to go to uni to study fashion design when she finishes Year 12, school is a place where Lucy has been able to experiment with textiles and expand her creativity.
She joined BSSC via enrolment with NETschool after a few truly challenging experiences during her 7-10 years. In fact, at times she wondered if she would even complete her secondary education.
“By the time I was in Year 9,” Lucy remembers, “I had been struggling with both my physical and mental health for a long time. I had major spinal surgery that year and it took almost 12 months to fully recover.
“I had also been badly bullied, so even if I was well enough to go to school, I didn’t want to.”
Then, a whole lot of positives began to come together and she’s now thriving.
If Lucy could go back and give her 12-year-old self some advice she’d probably tell herself, “don’t listen to the haters.”
“I’d say, ‘You’re actually cooler than them. Everything will eventually fall into place and you’ll do awesome stuff’.”
While her surgery mostly addressed her spinal issues, other change began when she saw a new GP.
“For the first time my mental health symptoms were taken seriously and I was referred to someone whose treatment basically changed my life.
“Then I found out about NETschool through a friend enrolled there. When we went to check it out I thought it was so unique—different to anything I had ever experienced—but I knew straight away this was for me.
“It was like love at first sight!”
Lucy couldn’t start at NETschool straight away because the campus was already at capacity. However, within three months they were able to find a place for her.
“If I ever become a rich and famous textile artist I will buy NETschool ten buildings because I know how good the program is and there is such a need for more NETschools.”
Lucy initially found it both daunting and full of exciting possibilities when she took up subjects on the main campus.
“It was so much bigger than anywhere else I’d ever been. But once I found my way around, I realised how non-judgy it was. I definitely recommend BSSC.
“No other school I’ve attended offered the creative opportunities I’ve had here. Nowhere else made me feel like students really were the main focus.
“I watch students who come to senior really prosper.”
If Lucy could change one thing about BSSC, she’d love to see new equipment that would enhance the options and capabilities for Art Fashion students.
Her love of art means it’s not just a subject at school—nor is it confined to textiles. She enjoys making art whenever she can using a variety of media—including print-making and gouache.
Reflecting back across her development as an artist, Lucy is grateful to, and impressed by, all her art teachers. She says they have not only had great artistic skill, but also an incredible capacity to teach.
“Teaching is a totally different skill and they’ve been fantastic. They work so hard and are so supportive.”
Music is also big part of Lucy’s life and she listens to everything from pop to metal to country. Asked to name a favourite band, Lucy says she has listened to Evanescence all her life and continues to be a big fan. She also enjoys singing.
When she sits down to study, there is always a video or show playing and she sets a timer—usually for around an hour—then takes a break.
“I use flash cards and posters preparing for SACs, and then use them again when exams come up.”
Getting a few friends over for board games is a great way for Lucy—and her friends—to de-stress. They enjoy Mah-jong and Monopoly along with numerous other games.
It’s being together that matters most and Lucy says that, while she doesn’t so much worry about big issues, she is always concerned about the wellbeing of her friends.
She’s also working part-time at Gallo Coffee Co. in Golden Square which allows Lucy to meet lots of new people. She enjoys looking after her customers—and doing something that’s completely different to the rest of her life.
Despite the significant challenges Lucy has dealt with—and continues to manage—she says she remains grateful for the way all the bad stuff has helped her grow as a person and an artist.
“Of course, it’s been really hard sometimes, but it’s also taught me how important art and textiles can be. This journey has made me realise I’m good at stuff, and awful things can be overcome.”
