Student Reflections

In making that Desert Flower costume, the punctured brown packaging papers were all in different pieces and we had to spread the papers, staple them, and then stick them together with tape to make them into a bubble skirt. The pattern showed like a snakeskin and I also glued the mirror side of broken CD bits onto the top and bottom. I made little flowers out of coloured papers and put them all around. Greg helped me with making the skirt, and Jacky showed me how to do the paper flowers and stick them into the skirt to look more colourful. Then I made a crown with the same process with the CDs and the paper flowers. To me it looked puffy and playful with Niniesha modelling it for the show.

Kyhona Fraser, Year 12

My piece, the Bush Chook, was made with a large piece of thick brown paper that was carefully folded to create a 3D skirt. At the ends of the skirt we glued authentic feathers from the wings of a bush turkey which was caught near the school and plucked locally at the Yiramalay Spring. The feathers were also used for the crown, neck-piece, and arm bands. I modelled the piece myself at the Worn Art performances and felt a rush of adrenalin and nerves as I went on stage on the catwalk. We did have some low times, but we bounced back from them and I really liked the experience. Can’t wait for next show! Hopefully in two years I can participate once again.

Hiki-Lee Kinley, Year 11

I arrived back to Yiramalay two weeks later this term and so I was watching the artists Jacky and Greg design and make the Worn Art costumes. I thought they were pretty cool! Everyone here encouraged me to model one of the student’s work for the Te Kore show. At first, I was nervous and scared, and then the other girls and the staff encouraged me by giving me inspiring speeches. After doing the show I realised I felt good about myself because I experienced something new. I had done something like this before in Melbourne, but this time there were more shows and more build up. It was good meeting the other models and talking with them. I really enjoyed every one of the costumes and enjoyed modelling other people’s clothes. I would like to do more of that in my future.  

Niniesha Norman, Year 10

I saw Jacky and Greg with the students folding some papers to make costumes with flowers on it. I was inspired to do a large painting on canvas of Wandjina figures from my tribes, Ngarinyin, Worrorra and Wunambal. Later on Jacky and Greg offered me some modelling in the show to join with the bride. I was covered in white paint, and was wearing a nuga loin cloth. When I first started modelling I was a bit nervous with the first show and Jacky and Greg told me ‘all those people will love your costume, and as soon as you step on the stage they will holla at you’. I kept on practising my movement on the stage and I got better and better, and by the third show I was feeling more comfortable dancing with the others. When the last show came my nerves just faded away and I was happy and proud of myself.

Kelwin Unghango, Year 10