Hildur is Iceland's representative at the Nordic Painting Competition
Hildur Magnúsdóttir Eirúnardóttir is a fan of the project-based learning at the Technical College of Reykjavík and is aiming to take her journeyman's examination and matriculation examination around the New Year. Iðan went on-site and spoke with Hildur and Halldór Benjamín Guðjónsson, a teacher at the school, about studying the painting trade.
Hildur is the Icelandic champion in painting and is nineteen years old. At the turn of the year, she will take both her matriculation and journeyman's exams from the Technical College of Reykjavík. This morning, the Nordic Painting Championship began at Reykjavík City Hall, and Hildur is representing Iceland. She says she is full of anticipation and has gained valuable experience from participating in the Icelandic Championship last year. The competition will be somewhat more difficult, as she is competing against the best from the Nordic countries, and the time frame for the tasks is tight.
Had enough of books
Hildur began her studies in painting at the age of sixteen, coming straight from the 10th grade at Austurbæjarskóli. “I had had enough of books and wanted to do something with my hands,” says Hildur, adding that she needed a creative course of study. “The studies here are project-based; there are no exams, and we are assessed on our performance in projects.” She says she wants to work for at least a year after graduation and plans to take her time to consider her next steps. One thing is certain: Hildur has many options to choose from, whether it's work or further education in trades, crafts, design, or arts, as the painting program is built on a broader foundation than many realize.
Rewarding to teach in a project-based program
Halldór Benjamín Guðjónsson, a master painter and teacher in the painting program at the Technical College of Reykjavík, talks about the program and says it is rewarding to watch students flourish in the project-based painting studies. The program is in high demand, and fewer are admitted than apply. An increasing number of girls are applying to learn the trade, and in the Nordic countries, the gender ratio in painting is rather balanced. Halldór says the program is diverse and creative. Students learn not only traditional house painting but also about the preservation of houses and craftsmanship. He points out that painters have long decorated the country's churches, including walls, windows, and objects.
Iðan will be following the Nordic Painting Championship, which is taking place at Reykjavík City Hall. The competition began this morning and will conclude on Friday. Five Nordic nations are participating.
