Art @ PSC
Indigenous Artist in Residence - Sam Richards
We are thrilled to welcome back Indigenous Artist Samantha Richards, who is working with our Art and Food Technology classes in 2025. A descendant of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes of the Melbourne and Bendigo regions, Sam brings a wealth of experience and cultural storytelling to our students.
Samantha has produced extraordinary artwork for institutions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, the AFLW, Fire Rescue Victoria and the University of Melbourne. She is also the artist behind the breathtaking four-storey mural on the façade of Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
This term, Year 8 students are creating sculptures inspired by Dreamtime stories, bringing to life animals such as bearded dragons, bunyips, emus and lyrebirds. Through this hands-on project, students are not only developing their artistic skills but also deepening their connection to Indigenous culture and storytelling.
We look forward to seeing our students’ sculptures take shape and celebrating their creative interpretations of these Dreamtime stories!
Sam has also been working with our students on the Indigenous Seven Seasons, a concept drawn from various Indigenous cultures across Australia. These seasons are based on the natural environment and ecological cycles, rather than the European calendar, and reflect changes in weather, animal behaviour, plant life and more. Sam has been explaining the differences between regions, with the Southern area of Australia having seven seasons and Northern Australia sometimes having six seasons - due to their differing weather patterns.
Our Year 7 Art students are currently designing their own interpretation of what these seasons mean to them and the drawing will be the inspiration for one giant calendar that the students will be creating.
Today, our Year 9 Art students took a walk through our beautiful bushland, with Sam sharing insights on the various Indigenous uses of many plants and trees, including their roles in medicine, tools, food, or sometimes a combination of these. This was followed by a more in-depth discussion from Sam on the plants in our area and their specific uses.
Prior to meeting Sam Richards, our Year 9 Art students worked on botanical drawings with their teacher, Ms Sloan, as a starting point for their Indigenous Flora Lino Print Unit.
Our Food Technology students will be working on a native edible garden, exploring the journey from plant to plate.
Helen Timbury Artist Workshop
Printmaker, Helen Timbury visited Pakenham Secondary College last week to run an artist talk and workshop. During the session, Helen discussed her life as an exhibiting artist and the process she uses to create her art works. Students participated in a printmaking workshop, where they learned how to create a reduction lino print, the same process Helen uses in her practice.
Here is some beautiful work that our Year 10 art students have created in their class with their teacher, Ms Rhodes-Anderson.
Year 9 Digital Art
Year 9 Digital Art and Design students have been studying the vibrant work of digital artist David Hockney. Students used Procreate to depict scenes from their daily lives. Inspired by Hockney’s bold style, they embraced bright, oversaturated colours, expressive sketchy line work, and a variety of digital brushes to add texture. By focusing on highlights and shadows, they created depth and dimension, bringing their everyday moments to life!
Year 7.7 Artwork in College Foyer
If you are visiting our College Reception you will see some stunning artwork created by our students in Year 7.7. They have been studying the work of artist Yellena James and using her work as inspiration for their own paintings with excellent results!
