From the Visual Arts Department

Stage 5 Bundanon Art Camp

On Wednesday the 26th of July, Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts students packed up their bags and headed down the coast to spend a thrilling two days learning and making art at Bundanon, the home and studio of artist Arthur Boyd, located on the Shoalhaven River. We were delighted to enjoy clear skies and warm weather!

Year 9 participated in a Plein Air painting experience learning how to paint on a easels outside working directly from the landscape. Year 10 participated in a Gallery Visit and made artwork in response to the work exhibited. This is the first step into making more conceptual art.

Our favorite part of the trip was the second day (Thursday) Year 9 did large scale charcoal drawings while we Year 10 visited Arthur Boyd’s homestead and studio. The studio had been preserved perfectly as Boyd had left it. We were able to view both Arthur’s and many of his family members' works, as well as participate in a workshop inspired by the incredible landscape around us. We particularly enjoyed seeing some of Merric and Doris Boyd’s (Arthur's parents) pottery that were on display in his home and hope to take inspiration from them in our own ceramics work. 

Another highlight of the trip was the photography workshop, which Years 9 and 10 came together to collaborate in recording a light performance. Notable Australian night photographer, Peter Solness held a after dinner workshop. We trekked out into the cold with our cameras and various photographic tools including bright lights on strings and glowing wands, and hula hoops, to capture many long-exposure photographs.

The workshops we participated in through this art camp used a range of techniques that many of us would never have the chance to try otherwise, we are especially grateful for the experience. We are also very grateful for the incredible educators at Bundanon led by Penny, as well as our guest artist Peter Solness for sharing his invaluable expertise. We are sure that all those in attendance will try to use all that they learnt in their future artmaking. 

Thank you Mrs Herron, Mr O’Keefe, our fantastic bus driver Michael and all others who were involved in organising this trip, allowing us to have this wonderful opportunity!

By Clem Macarthur and Toby Aitken, Year 10