Program Highlighted | Fine Art History
Introduction by | Professor Michael Koortbojian
Interview with | Duncan Hill
Date | July 2000

Interview | Jason Smit

Duncan is an Innis College fourth year Fine Art History student.

Innis: Would you like to introduce yourself to other students?
Duncan: My name is Duncan, and I am majoring in Fine Art History and graduating this year.

Innis: How did you find the University of Toronto and its environment?
Duncan: Well, I really enjoyed being here. It was good.

Innis: What attracted you to study Fine Art History? Given that there are so many programs offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science, how did you decide to pursue this program? What role did advice/influence from peers, mentors, relatives, and others play in your decision?
Duncan: None. It was mainly the only thing which interested me. Arts and the way it has been developed has always inspired me. I was interested in drawing. In first year I took an introductory art history course and a couple of other courses, just to see how I liked it, and I found out that I wanted to be in the art history program.

Innis: How would you rate the facilities and opportunities offered by this program in the University of Toronto?
Duncan: Well, I won't comment on that very much. The faculty is great. All my professors have been very intelligent and knowledgeable. There is some equipment available in the audio-visual library, however, additional equipment is needed to meet the demands of all students. The problem has always been with the tutorials and the equipment. It is really bad. There are hardly any tutorials. The only class that I had tutorials in was the first year art history course. After that if there was a T.A., it was only a marking T.A. We didn't have T.A.'s to give us person to person answers. Classes would always be full and it seems that the program is under-funded.

Innis: What aspect(s) of this program do you find fascinating or inspiring - curriculum, professors, practical experience, field courses, etc.?
Duncan: There were never any field courses or practicals. There was one program in Italy, which of course can prove valuable in understanding the history of Fine Art. Some of the faculty members were inspiring.

Innis: Of all the courses in this program that you have taken so far, which one did you enjoy the most, and why?
Duncan: I really enjoyed the fourth-year seminar course on "Problems in Canadian Arts from 1900 - 1940", by Prof. Dennis Reid and the reason was that the class was of a small size and we had enough opportunity to pose questions on the spot. It was based almost entirely around one research paper. It was indeed a good experience. It again pertains to my earlier comment about the lack of tutorials, so this small class was really helpful to me. It is the discussion which brings up questions.

Innis: Are there things that you might have done differently while completing this program? Would you have chosen another area to complement this one? What are some things that you wish you had known before?
Duncan: I stopped doing a double major in Fine Art History and Visual Studies in order to graduate sooner. I enjoyed the Fine Art History Program more. I probably would have taken a program in Cinema Studies, because it is very similar to Fine Art History in terms of the history, the theory and the types of questions you ask. There weren't really any surprise in Fine Art History. Once you take the first class, you know what to expect in the rest. I learned how to write papers as I went along. I would have taken more fourth-year seminar courses.

Innis: What suggestions do you have on how this program might be improved for other students?
Duncan: I think the tutorials should be improved. Even for the students who can do well in small group classes, tutorials are encouraging. It seems to me that art history is especially in dire need of tutorials. For example in that class we are only taught about some paintings, their artists, and the dates they were painted. In that case, there is no need for the class as a whole. What are the museums for? One can get that information simply by reading a textbook. The biggest part is to discuss the historical aspects. I would suggest tutorials could improve the course. But if it is a question of money, I guess the Faculty of Arts and Science needs to further concentrate on this program.
Apart from tutorials, I guess they need to improve the opportunities in terms of research and fieldwork. Prof. Reid has helped the art history program in the past four years, by introducing the Krieghoff Art Exhibit which has provided some positions for the Research Opportunity Program (FAH299Y). This gives students an opportunity to get involved in the research. That's an excellent step forward. You need more stuff like that for the art history practical application.

Innis: What is the one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is interested in pursuing this program?
Duncan: Don't get to hung up on the surface information. It would be much more advantageous to get the bigger picture. For example, if you are looking at Medieval Art, don't worry so much about whether something was in 1182 or 1183. Think about the broad picture, how does it fit into the whole context. If you take a cathedral, you have to decide how the cathedral fits into the picture. It's not to say that specific details aren't required, but try to concentrate on the concept itself.

Innis: As a student in this field, I am sure you have researched the job market. What kind of employment opportunities are there? What types of jobs are you interested in obtaining in the future? What steps are you taking to assist you in achieving these goals?
Duncan: Well, I didn't do much research at all. Basically, as I understand it and it is written in the Fine Art History handbook, if you want to get a job, generally you have to get a Master's degree. You can work in a gallery and I know people who have been working for auction houses and things like that. I know one person who was lucky enough to get a job in an art gallery right after getting his BA. A lot of students who graduate from this program and continue their studies will lik ely become academics.

Innis: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Duncan: In terms of the program, it has taught me to look at art and appreciate it in practical and theoretical aspects. It also gives you support in terms of research skills. I talked about my research papers. If anybody is reading this and doesn't like research papers, then art history is not program you would like. If you enjoy the research then it is the program for you. For me it has been really interesting as I like research.

Innis: As I understand it, you didn't apply to the program for professional and employment purposes. Now what are your plans for employment?
Duncan: Again I took Art History because of personal interest and if I could get a job in an art gallery that would also be nice. I spoke with a couple of people about art restoration, which is another good application of the program. But for me, I want to graduate soon. That was just for me personally. This has been the greatest experience of my life.

Thank you once again for being with us and we wish you best of luck in your upcoming endeavors ...

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