SPOTLIGHT – NATALIE CLARKE
The spotlight shines a creative light on our new Artist in Residence, Natalie Clarke.
Natalie was born and raised in South Africa. Her immediate family live in South Africa and the rest live in the UK as her father is a Scot and maternal grandfather is British. She spent every second year visiting family in the UK before her own family moved to the UK 7 years ago. Natalie has an Honours degree in Fine Art and has taught in 3 independent schools during the course of her career and previously was a Head of Art for 3 and a half years.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
My family have lived in the hive of Warminster for close on 3 years. This is my first term teaching and I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity.
What’s the best thing about your role?
Working and making with young, curious minds. My dream is to expose, inspire and draw out the innate creativity in young people. The world is in need of creative, hungry minds.
Describe a typical day?
Every day starts with a snuggle with my 8 year old daughter and 3 year old son at 6am. I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical day in teaching. You really do learn something new every day.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The people for sure. Everyone is so warm and eager to help. It’s great to be part of a competent and friendly team.
What would surprise us about you?
I was a national swimmer in my last few years of school. I competed in the Queensland Championships in Brisbane, Australia when I was 17. From the age of 11 I trained every morning from 5.30-7.00am and 4.00-7.00pm every evening. I covered 9km, roughly, every day.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
To be part of the grounds team. I am always in awe of the beautiful gardens and the gardeners are always hard at work. I love the smell of freshly cut grass in the summer and am taken by the beautiful flowers so I would be in my element mowing the lawns.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Marine Biologist (who doesn’t want to swim with dolphins?) or an Art teacher.
What did your school reports say about you?
I was quite shy at school and very keen on my swimming. My parents would not have let me swim so many hours in the day had I not worked hard at school. So, quiet and diligent.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t worry what other people think of you. Share your talents.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
‘Every child is an artist.’ Pablo Picasso
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
I am fortunate to have achieved many of my ambitions in life. Besides the continual challenge of achieving balance in my daily life, I strive to be a good mum. My ambitions are for my children to achieve happiness and success in their lives.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
Nothing is more important than my family and my dog. I would grab them first. My wedding and family photo albums are stored in a bookcase close to the door, just in case!
Biggest bugbear?
Untidiness.
Favourite musician/group?
Florence and The Machine.
Guilty pleasure?
Pizza and a good movie.
MasterChef Signature dish?
My berry pavlova.
Favourite TV programme?
The Mentalist.
Last book you read?
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Last movie watched?
Passengers.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Aniston.
Favourite tipple?
Hot chocolate or red bush tea.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Knysna in South Africa. Its beautiful beaches, lagoon and scenic views are heaven on earth!
Twitter or Facebook?
Neither!