An Edinburgh College Graphic Design student is set to challenge Scotland’s young people to delve deeper into the relationship between art and science at the first ever TEDxYouth@Glasgow event tomorrow.
Natalie Loh will be giving a talk on ‘Art or Science?’ to encourage the audience to explore new ideas, consider the other option and discover their full potential during the ‘Open Mind’ themed event.
She will join nine other inspirational speakers, including Outlander and The Hobbit actor John Hunter Bell and the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest Mollie Hughes, who will give talks during the one-day event at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.
Before beginning her studies at Edinburgh College, Malaysian-born Natalie received her primary and secondary education in her country of birth, and moved to England to undertake further education.
She then went on to study Veterinary Medicine. After qualifying and working as a veterinarian, Natalie, having always had an interest in the arts, applied for the Visual Communication:Graphic Design course at Edinburgh College.
Natalie, who still works as a locum veterinarian alongside her studies, was selected to talk at the event after some persuasion from Edinburgh College lecturer Helena Good.
Natalie said: “I was inspired to put in an application to speak at the event by Helena, she encouraged me to tell my story and share my experience of art and science as a collaborative concept. Having previously enjoyed listening to TED talks, I thought that it would be a great experience.
“My talk will focus on how art and science are a part of everything we see and do in our daily lives – everything around us has been through both creative and scientific processes. Too often we’re told to follow one education or career path or that ‘you’ll never get a job in the arts’ – which simply isn’t true. I want to inspire people to value art and consider how it links with science. I’m looking forward to getting up on the stage and sharing my experience, although I’m slightly terrified about speaking too. If I can inspire just one person to think differently or encourage the audience to discuss what I’ve spoken about after they leave then I will be happy.”
The event will be hosted by STV presenters David Farrell and Jennifer Reoch and will welcome more than 2000 young delegates (aged 12-26 years). Young people across the world will also be able to stream the event online.
Edinburgh College Graphic Design lecturer Helena Good said: “Natalie is a fantastic student and has a really inspirational story to tell. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to watch her share her experience with Scotland’s young people and the rest of the world via the live stream.
During her time at college she has worked as a Graphic Design Ambassador which involves going in to local schools to inspire pupils to explore their creativity and think innovatively about art, she’s a brilliant advocate for the college.”
The new standalone TEDxYouth@Glasgow event was developed as a signature event in the Scottish Government’s 2018 Year of Young People programme and has been designed by and for young people in Scotland to showcase their talents, whilst providing them with a unique platform upon which they can share and access diverse and revolutionary ideas.
TEDxYouth@Glasgow is happening at the SEC Armadillo tomorrorow (Thursday) from 11am to 3.30pm.
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