Selecting a theme for CSEC Visual Arts

So you’re planning on doing CSEC Visual Art. You probably chose the subject because you like it… or because another subject area was full… or because you’d rather “ fail Art than (insert name of subject here)” OR just for argument sake, you selected Art because you thought it would be easy.

Just so we’re clear, Art is fun. Pursuing this subject, may very well provide you with a lucrative job option once you’ve finished high school ( see our post on Profitable jobs in Art) or even a business you can start right now. However, it is by no stretch of the imagination EASY. Once you accept this, your journey will be a lot less complicated.

Condition your mind from here on in, that this subject will require at most, some work. If you’re the lazy type, we here at Student Canvas JA can help to make the load manageable but the rest is up to YOU.

Your teacher would have indicated that you must select a theme, which will be what your works of art and Reflective journal will be based around. But what is a theme?

A theme is a central message or idea that your works of art will be based on. Themes are usually very wide, so you must narrow your theme down when you’ve selected one. For example your theme is Flowers, there are millions of ways to investigate flowers. Think about what aspect of flowers you’d like to explore. You could narrow the theme flowers down to” Indigenous Flowers in the Caribbean” or focus on a specific flower “The Hibiscus as an art form”.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a theme:

Can you think of subject matter? i.e. things to draw, paint, sculpt etc

Will the subject matter look appealing?

Is the theme one you have a personal connection to i.e. something you have experienced?

Can I produce original images for this theme? i.e. source your own images to help you without using images from the internet

Is it a theme EVERYONE seems to be doing?

Is it interesting?

Does my Art teacher approve or support my selected theme?

Can I find information to support my theme?

Once you answer these questions honestly, you’re on your way to selecting a theme. Often themes such as Nature and Beauty are overly selected by students and they find half way through their art work and journal they no longer wish to continue. This is due to the fact that their themes are too wide and very vague. Another way to help narrow your theme down is to consider- Who, What, Where, When, How

Who-Could the theme be based on a person? e.g. The life story of Marcus Garvey

What- Could your theme be based on an object? e.g. Coins and currency

Where- Could your theme be based on a place? e.g. History of Rose Hall Great House

When- Could your theme be based on a time period or event? e.g. Childhood memories, the 90’s in Jamaica

How- Could your theme be based on how something is done, a preparation or process? e.g. How an athlete prepares him/herself

We should point out that Narratives make great themes as well. Check out our article on Making Art based on Narrative .

Try and keep your theme simple and manageable. Your aim should be to produce pleasing works of art with an understandable and relateable theme. Being too complex will not only confuse you but your teachers and sometimes even the examiner marking your journal.

Here are some themes to get you started. Remember to narrow your theme down so it is manageable. Remember to select a theme you will like, as to avoid having to choose another later. If you find you are still having trouble selecting a theme. Feel free to leave us a message or a comment.