In 2022, Anne-Marie Hamilton knew she was ready to embrace change and try something new after a ten-year stint with St John Ambulance. Having worked on the road as a Paramedic and Station Manager, then an office-based role supporting the district managers, Anne-Marie realised “I needed to regroup... I had always wanted to focus on making art, so, I decided to use the three years of regrouping to gain a Bachelor of Screen Arts (BSA).”
Anne-Marie’s artistic abilities have been evident for most of her life. She won the Telecom Art Awards in 1993, and had some of her artwork gifted to Invercargill's Japanese sister city, Kumagaya. She also spent a number of years teaching art at Aparima College.
Having first studied at SIT in the early 1990s, and as a Southland local, Anne-Marie was aware SIT offered interesting courses, and she could have access to the SIT Zero Fees Scheme. And it was only through the Zero Fees Scheme that Anne-Marie has been able to gain her degree. “Without this, it wouldn’t have been possible,” she says.
Anne-Marie found some of the learning challenging when she started her studies. “I thought the many new applications were quite difficult to learn without any prior knowledge... and required some extra work to keep up.” However, the tutors were supportive, and as she progressed through this beginning phase, it became much easier. “I believe SIT offers a quality course that has definitely met my expectations,” she added.
The group work has been so valuable. “Sometimes it was hard as you work[ed] through situations but overall the feeling of group achievement has been a highlight for me.”
“The course has built into it the opportunity to tackle group projects every year, so by the time we get to third year, we are getting to know our peers well. It’s a pleasure to see how people grow into roles, take on new responsibilities and become proud of what they can accomplish.”
People engagement matters to Anne-Marie; she’s very much appreciated the generous support from everyone. “Meeting classmates, students from other year groups, and tutors has been an enjoyable experience.” But it also challenged and extended her. “There was a time where I felt my age played a part in how some students treated me. I worked through this by adopting a grateful perspective and adding kindness to that.” Admitting it was hard at times, perseverance and digging deep helped to keep Anne-Marie on track. Receiving good grades helped as well. “It has kept me motivated throughout the three years,” she says.
Alongside gaining the course content, Anne-Marie acknowledges “I learned a lot about myself, which was really what this journey was about”. She made a decision to glean as much as she could about the young people she saw every day. “I learned to listen more.”
Anne-Marie says gaining the BSA has increased her confidence. “[It’s] allowed me to realise the skills I have, and to appreciate the new skills I’m always learning.” She describes the new technology as “exciting”, and is something not to be afraid of. “It’s where we are heading as a world, so just jump on-board where you can.”
Anne-Marie has also made the most of the facilities at SIT’s contemporary learning space Te Rau o te Huia - Centre for Creative Industries, from enjoying a morning coffee at Kahu Ariki café, to spending some quiet time in the church pews at the former St John’s church – now a gallery and performance space within the complex. As an artist she has appreciated the new building and architecture.
During her time at SIT, Anne-Marie has held a part-time position with the Southland Art Foundation (SAF) and has also worked with the SAF William Hodges Fellows.
“I have managed to work [this] in with classes and at times, the tutors have allowed me time away with the option to catch up using the Hyflex system.”
Anne-Marie acknowledges the significance of gaining her degree. “I can now stand with some personal pride that I know I have the courage and tenacity to have completed the course.” Describing the opportunity to study as a privilege, she expressed her gratitude to SIT and “all who have helped along the way. There have been many highlights”.
Anne-Marie plans to continue with making art works for exhibitions, working with SAF, and her teaching skills have come to the fore again. “I enjoy teaching part-time, printmaking to adult students.” She acknowledges the real sense of purpose she has moving forward. “I know for certain I’m stepping into where I need to be; I look forward to seeing where the journey takes me.”