Library News

During Book Week our Year 7 English students participated in an engaging presentation by the book Illustrator Ben Wood who is well known for the “Real Pigeons” series. Students learned that illustration involves much more than producing a finished drawing- it requires observation, planning, experimentation and repeated drafting.

Ben Wood’s pigeon drawings were a memorable part of the presentation. Blessing from 7E was fascinated by the way the pigeons’ body language and expressions communicated different emotions. She also reflected on how artists find inspiration and how individual illustrators develop their own distinctive ways of drawing.

Liam from 7E was surprised by the time and preparation involved, observing that it could take an illustrator an entire day to produce only four finished works. He noted that the illustrator studied real live pigeons before drawing them, helping the images appear more accurate, realistic and recognisable to readers.

The incursion helped students see how facial expressions, body language, colour, lighting and setting can communicate ideas that are not always stated directly in words. It also encouraged them to think carefully about the relationship between written and visual storytelling.

Some of the Book Week activities included art and music at both campuses. A big thank you to Lillian for her drawing lessons and Shyla for her beautiful singing in Terry Feely Library while in the Discovery Centre we enjoyed outstanding musical performances by Jianna and Sienna.

Jennifer Bleakley

Library