Visual Arts Focus
Working with Clay
Clay modelling is our major focus for term four.
Our kiln has been serviced and it’s ready to be fired up to cater for the clay models our artists will be constructing this term.
We have been:
- Investigating all the ways to handle, manipulate, model, build and sculpture with clay.
- Squeezing, pinching, tearing, hitting, stretching, flattening, and rolling clay.
- Making balls, coils, pinch pots, tiles, and slabs.
- Adding, subtracting, incising, and joining clay.
Foundation Artists
As Foundation artists we are touching, squishing and modelling clay, loving the tactile experience of this natural material. We are rolling balls and coils, we are forming our own pet rock and making an initial tile.
Year 1 & 2 Artists
As Year 1 & 2 artists we are creating textured tiles as a puzzle robot in relief as well as decorating a pinch pot with balls and coils.
Year 3 & 4 Artists
As Year 3 & 4 artists we are sculpturing a dragon and forming a coiled pot.
Year 5 & 6 Artists
As Year 5 & 6 artists we will paint our fired busts in the image of ourselves.
Some of our work will be painted and glossed, whilst the rest will be left in its natural terracotta state. We have so much fun working with clay. We want to keep our models forever!
What home still doesn’t have a clay pot or sculpture sitting on a shelf as pride of place?
Textile Art
Our Senior artists have also been investigating textile art!
Year 6 artists – ‘Parenthood’ has arrived as they gave birth to their baby bear by cutting, stuffing, and sewing up this special bear. They will design and make clothing /decorations for their loved one!
Year 5 artists – slow stitching has become a way of stitching for decoration on a sampler and to personalise their cushion.
ART FOR ALL
This term also features ART FOR ALL, 17, 18 & 19 November.
ART FOR ALL, however, is more than an art show. It also presents many learning opportunities for our students, in the Visual Arts areas and BEYOND.
In Visual Arts learning, students have the advantage of being part of an art gallery, understanding the dynamics of an art show and feeling pride in seeing their work displayed for all to view. They created a work to be included in a group exhibition.
This year in the spirit of Leonardo Da Vinci, each level has created a mechanical design on old fashion paper which was accomplished by a coffee wash. Cogs were collaged on to add automated reality.
Each level designed distinct inventions:
- Foundation: Mechanical Machines
- Level 1 & 2: Mechanical Humans
- Level 3 & 4: Mechanical Animals
- Level 5: Mechanical Portraits
Beyond the Visual Arts learning, our Year 6 students have the option to apply for leadership roles as hosts for the ART FOR ALL Gala Evening, and, as sous chefs, prepare the food for the same event.
What a chance to be part of such an occasion, where they prepare food or host the evening – as the only children present.
To be included as hosts or sous chefs, they must write an application, providing evidence as to why they would be ideal for the role. They, as sous chefs, learn about what is needed to plan for the food organisation for the Gala Evening. As hosts, they assist with the serving of the food, greet the guests, and help at sales.
In appreciation for their work, the teachers provide for them a special supper.
Such personal learning is invaluable.
We would like to thank the students who will give up their time to be part of ART FOR ALL. They are exhibiting traits of character that will serve them well in the future. We are proud of them as they should be of themselves!
~ Marjie Tkatchenko, Visual Arts Teacher