Art News

Year 10 House Extension

Students were given a brief where the client required an extension to their existing house. Plans had to be drawn to scale and a three-dimensional building produced using SketchUp. Students then had to market the property by producing a Real Estate flyer. 

Year 11 Unit 2 Outcome 3

Students examined the role of visual communication in shaping positive interactive experiences, and in catering for the diverse needs of users when interacting with devices. They applied the VCD design process to design an interface for a digital app for GEC’s Year 7 students.

Year 8 VCD Futuristic Apartment

The twentieth-century Australian Dream of a detached house in the suburbs – while still alluring - is increasingly out of reach. With the impacts of global urbanisation becoming increasingly more pronounced now is an opportunity to imagine alternatives worth working towards. Using everyday items students were asked to design a Futuristic Apartment building.

Year 9 Expressive Eyes

You have probably heard the phrase: ‘The eyes are the windows to the soul’. Portrait artists throughout history have tried to depict a glimpse into the soul of their subjects using a variety of expressive styles. Students have explored a range of media and techniques to create an expressive artwork based on the subject matter of ‘Expressive Eyes’. 

Year 9 3D Visual Arts: Crazy Cactus Gardens

In the Year 9 Ceramics course, students embarked on an imaginative project titled 'Crazy Cactus Gardens'. Tasked with crafting their own distinctive terracotta pinch-pots, students expertly applied texture, adding depth and character to their creations. Additionally, they meticulously sculpted small individual cacti using raku clay. Through skilful assembly, these components converged into remarkable sculptures. The resulting artworks reflect not only the students' technical proficiency but also their creativity and attention to detail.

Year 8 Visual Arts: Lino Printing

Year 8 students have been exploring the art of lino printing, inspired by the iconic works of Australian artist Margaret Preston. Drawing on Preston’s use of texture and her celebrated depictions of native flora, students researched her woodcuts before creating their own designs. Using photographs of Australian native plants as a reference, they developed original compositions in their sketchbooks, incorporating textured areas into their designs.

The chosen designs were carefully transferred onto lino tiles, with students employing precise carving techniques to prepare their prints. After printing their designs in black ink on white paper, students enhanced their work with hand-applied watercolour, adding vibrancy and personal expression. The final prints, signed and framed, reflect not only their technical skill but also their creative interpretation of Preston’s legacy. This project allowed students to engage deeply with a rich Australian art tradition while mastering the challenging process of lino printing.

Bernadette McIvor: Head of Visual Arts & VCD Teacher 

Ben Wickham: Art Teacher

Karyn Lindner: Art & VCD teacher