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VISUAL ARTS / Artist / Educator - Alexandra Hirtzel née Musker OM 1985
Tell us a bit about yourself…
On the whole I love my job, though, it can be a bit lonely at times pushing and working on your own for yourself, one needs to be ridiculously organised, jumping in and out of projects. Alongside teaching in Museums I have been lucky enough to exhibit in different galleries and locations around the world. I was artists in residence at the Royal Parks in London and exhibited at St James’s Park Duck Island Cottage. I have been working with scientists at Bristol University and exhibited at the Botanic Gardens in 2021. I use augmented reality in my work to describe scientific phenomena. I’m working towards an exhibition starting next month and another in a year’s time, at Cambridge University.
What is your profession?
The title I give myself is always tricky. I have at various times thought of myself as an Artist, artist educator, art historian and or teacher.
What was your journey to that career path?
I went and studied history of art and education at Cambridge and then decided I wanted to go to art school, even though I had already started teaching. During art school I got married year, and we had a yearlong honeymoon travelling around the Middle East in a van. There I started working with Archaeologists and continued to do Projects for the next 20 years. I was also lucky enough to work in many of the best museums around the country, mostly London (Wallace Collection) and Cambridge (Kettle’s Yard.) in the education department.
What inspires you?
So much, the list grows and flexes every year. The relationships of different organisms and complexity of eco systems are what I am absorbed by.
How did Monkton help prepare you for your chosen career?
Mr Gorrie was a WONDERFUL art master, creatively inspiring and purposeful, he expected a great deal. I loved my time in the art block. Monkton was an incredible place for me. The teachers were extremely generous, I wish I had thanked them more. So thank you, you gave me a great future.
My top tip for current pupils is…
A creative life is incredibly rewarding and varied, just don’t expect huge financial rewards at the same time, it can be a slow start. If you go to art/music school retain your connections, I regret not doing that enough!
