Art

This year all the students have begun the term by studying contemporary Aboriginal artists. Grades 3 – 4 investigated the art of Sonia and Elisa Jane Carmichael who are Ngugi woman belonging to the Quandamooka people. The mother and daughter pair collaborate to create large cyanotype textiles that comprise of handwoven forms, string and found objects belonging to their country. 

Inspired by the Carmichaels, the students have been having a go at making their own cyanotype prints, using natural and organic items that have been found at school or brought from home. These natural items such as leaves and flowers were thoughtfully placed on top of the cyanotype paper which is coated in a mixture of two iron compounds. A thin sheet of perspex was placed on top to flatten the leaves and to keep them in place in case of wind. Students also had a collection of shells that they could place on top to create further interesting shadows. 

Next the paper and natural items were placed directly in the UV rays outside, depending on the time of day the chemical change to the paper occurred between 5 – 10 minutes. 

The paper was then brought inside and the chemical was washed off in water.

The students noted that the paper had turned from blue to grey when outside, but once the chemical is washed off the paper turns a bright blue (cyan), leaving only white shapes where the leaves and shells had cast a shadow.   

Charlie 4K

Henry 4K

For the final step the students added colour using watercolour pencils and added highlights and outlines using markers and white paint pens. The students have really enjoyed creating this multi layered artwork combining science, nature and art. Here are a few of the completed artworks:

 Tilly 4K

 Sebastian 3M  

Charlie 4K

 Hailey 3M 

 Henry 4K