Visual Arts & Technologies

Junior School Sculpture Artwork

Throughout Junior School, students from all year levels explored three-dimensional sculpture, experimenting with a variety of materials, techniques and creative processes.

Prep students learnt how to create a hanging clay sculpture, drawing inspiration from texture and nature. They explored artworks by First Nations Australian artists and discussed the differences between the natural and man-made environments. Students created clay discs by cutting around circular templates and used natural materials to press patterns and textures into the clay. They also rolled clay beads, which they painted alongside their discs to complete their sculptures. These pieces will also become part of a collaborative artwork to be developed later in the year.

Year 1 students created three-dimensional sculptures using wire and foam. They were introduced to the work of artist Wassily Kandinsky, focusing particularly on his use of concentric circles. Students explored line, pattern and repetition while developing their understanding of space. They also discovered how a three-dimensional artwork can appear different depending on the viewer’s perspective and angle.

Year 2 students created clay dog sculptures using a variety of materials and hand-building techniques. They began by drawing and exploring different dog designs before selecting their favourite to develop into a three-dimensional sculpture. Using a clay slab as their foundation, students built up layers and added detail and texture using a range of hand-building techniques. They then carefully considered their colour choices, using oil pastels and paint to bring their final designs to life.

Year 3 students explored Peruvian culture while creating colourful fabric and fibre sculptures inspired by llamas. They began by sketching a llama in their sketchbooks before using a clay slab and a range of hand-building techniques to construct their sculptures. Students painted their llamas using bright colours and patterns, then created a loom structure across the clay slab and selected colourful fibres to weave into their designs. This project was a particular favourite, with students enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to experiment, weave and create vibrant artworks.

Year 4 students created clay sculptures inspired by the architectural designs of Antoni Gaudí. They explored architectural forms, pattern, nature and texture, incorporating a combination of organic and geometric shapes into their designs. Students used clay slabs and a variety of hand-building techniques to construct their sculptures, then used specialised tools to incise intricate patterns and textures into the clay. Finally, they selected bright and expressive colours to paint their artworks, creating unique and eye-catching finished pieces.