VISUAL ARTS

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOPS IN YEAR 10 CERAMICS DURING LOCK DOWN

In the midst of the lockdown, various ceramics workshops provided an opportune moment for creativity and excitement. Run by our Artist in Residence, Vivian Qiu, we spent five double lessons exploring new mediums and getting resourceful with limited supplies. Using rice clay, which we made from cooked rice and finely shredded paper, we made small containers, hand sculpted various bowls, or simply whatever we desired. The following week we explored using aluminium foil to create small trinkets and bowls. The next session we used paper to create paper sculptures. We spent a lesson “decluttering” an artwork of our own choice into its basic elements, which was really fun and interesting. In our final workshop we explored the theme of Fashion to Clay and created abstract designs using imagery from an extraordinary Fashion Parade.

This was a unique experience that allowed us to gain insight into an artist’s journey from concept ideas to trials and projects in addition to sharing the joy of a meaningful project imbued with interesting artistic ideas. Simple to make and usually environmentally friendly, these workshops provided an opportunity to learn new techniques while getting creative and experimental in a hands-on application. Working around the material constraints of each task, the finished projects were varied and unique in style. Having free reign over the direction of our designs, this was a relaxing, enjoyable experience and a fun way to get our hands dirty and make art. 

Thanks to Vivian Qiu and Ms Kuriata, for making these fun activities happen. 

Emily Chang

Year 10 Student

ART IN ISO

Creating art in lockdown has been a bit of a challenge, finding inspiration, not having the right supplies, and of course, just not feeling like it. However, for me, it has proven to be a great opportunity to improve my skills by trying new things and also passing the abundance of free time that I seemed to have. I have created some of my best artworks in lockdown, unbelievable as it may seem, fuelled by my desire to do something productive with my time.

It got me experimenting with different styles and mediums, from watercolour to sculptures, and, of course, it significantly improved my online shopping skills. My greatest challenge in making art in lockdown has been to find the motivation when I’m unable to go outside and socialise, but overall, I think it has been a very rewarding experience.

Madhav Gokulanathan

Year 8 Student