By Eric Zhao
“Everyone is an artist.”
Art and history, whether in the modern days or in the past, have always been tied closely together and exerted great impact on each other. As one would expect as a European history teacher, Robert Sword is passionate about reading and learning about everything "yesterday". As well, and little known to his peers and to his students, however, is the fact that Robert Sword is also a novice artist, and a photographer.
Growing up in West Vancouver, Robert Sword studied at Hillside High School. He went on to complete his History and Geography Bachelor’s degree at UBC. After he finished his teacher-training program, Robert Sword started teaching at Collingwood in 1991, marking him as one of the “veterans” at school.
“Everyone is an artist.”
Art and history, whether in the modern days or in the past, have always been tied closely together and exerted great impact on each other. As one would expect as a European history teacher, Robert Sword is passionate about reading and learning about everything "yesterday". As well, and little known to his peers and to his students, however, is the fact that Robert Sword is also a novice artist, and a photographer.
Growing up in West Vancouver, Robert Sword studied at Hillside High School. He went on to complete his History and Geography Bachelor’s degree at UBC. After he finished his teacher-training program, Robert Sword started teaching at Collingwood in 1991, marking him as one of the “veterans” at school.
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For hobbies, Robert Sword takes a strong interest in music. During his free time, he likes to play guitar and to listen to music, especially tunes from the 60’s and classical ones. Being a self taught guitar novice, he also had the chance to try the sitar in India, though it “was not a very successful [attempt].” Besides music, Robert Sword is also keen to promote fitness. He does biking and yoga, goes to the gym and loves to travel.
Having only started taking photos for a year, Robert Sword may not be the expert in this field. Nonetheless, his view on the arts is still very inspiring and enlightening. “As far as art is concerned, we have to be open to things that amaze us. It is the expression of people’s souls and everyone has different interpretations.” Robert Sword continued on, using the painting of Mona Lisa as an example; everyone has different opinions on whether she is smiling or not. “Art is something spiritual and beautiful and allows everyone to be an artist.” Bringing himself into the context, Robert Sword said, “Taking pictures just makes me happy, satisfied and relaxed.”
Having only started taking photos for a year, Robert Sword may not be the expert in this field. Nonetheless, his view on the arts is still very inspiring and enlightening. “As far as art is concerned, we have to be open to things that amaze us. It is the expression of people’s souls and everyone has different interpretations.” Robert Sword continued on, using the painting of Mona Lisa as an example; everyone has different opinions on whether she is smiling or not. “Art is something spiritual and beautiful and allows everyone to be an artist.” Bringing himself into the context, Robert Sword said, “Taking pictures just makes me happy, satisfied and relaxed.”
Robert Sword started taking pictures when he received an iPad from his wife as a gift. Soon, he was amazed at how much he was interested in photography, just with one small tablet. During his young career as a photographer, Mr. Francis seems to be a source of inspiration for him. When Robert Sword was just starting to take photos, Mr. Francis, being the head of the art department, suggested the valuable advice of “take a picture everyday.” And this was exactly what Robert Sword did. Having always been conscious of light and interested in how light plays into people’s choices and minds, most of Robert Sword’s works take place when it is sunny and he focuses on how light reflects on objects. “Light determines what you can do.” He also likes to play around with light. Using apps and technologies, Robert Sword adjusts the lighting and contrast of the pictures to provide a brand new perspective to the viewers.
When asked about his future pursuit of photography, Robert Sword described himself as just scratching the surface, with lots to learn. For his future goals, he said, "learn the art of photography, learn the craft and just have fun."
When asked about his future pursuit of photography, Robert Sword described himself as just scratching the surface, with lots to learn. For his future goals, he said, "learn the art of photography, learn the craft and just have fun."
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