wallpaper
This year we undertook an exploration of the meaning and significance of culture through our unit, Future Artefact. Analysing the works of artists such as Ah Xian and Yinka Shonibare, we were able to reflect upon our own culture and implement both theirs and our own ideas into our art making. We began by creating a wallpaper, by which we sketched, digitally translated and refined before printing. Following this, we explored an issue that sparked and sustained our interest. Using photos that we took, we hand drew graphite self-portraits with a range of drawing techniques that we upskilled in. To complete the work, we then used Adobe Photoshop to merge our crafted slogans with our drawings into a finished poster. The final unit of the year provided us the opportunity to deepen the concepts explored in our previous artworks by working with clay to create hand-built ceramic vessels. Our class was fortunate enough to finish the unit strongly despite the time pressures and limitations presented to us by COVID-19.
Combined together, the wallpaper, propaganda poster and ceramic vessel, displayed strong elements of our individual cultural contexts and identities and what we were passionate about exploring.
Written by Rebecca Nebenzahl and Jayda Abrahams
future artefact- ceramic vessels
The last body of work that formed the Year 11 course consisted of the class creating a ceramic vessel as a continuation to our learning and exploration of personal and cultural identity. Throughout the preparation process we were taught a range of skills to be used in the making of our own vessels. We learnt two crucial methods of construction, coils and slabs. Research, thumbnailing our designs and giving and receiving feedback were all pivotal parts of our process prior to the making. This task allowed the class’s creative sparks to flow as each individual’s vessel held different personal connections and meaning. Our class overcame difficulties along the way, collectively helping one another and creating a safe and encouraging environment to work in. The refined colour palette created aspects of limitation, forcing us to be innovative and original in our decision making. The results of the final products were enhanced as both the colour and form of the vessels complimented each other greatly. During the glazing and “slip” painting process, there was more difficulty as there was less room for error in erasing our mistakes. Our lunch times were spent together making our vessels, giving each other feedback and support. With a limit of time due to Covid 19, this extra time spent together not only made each student more devoted to their pieces, but we grew as a class together. The growth of each art student was evident through their hard work and dedication throughout their artmaking process. From watching the progression of a simple idea turn into a physical vessel, this task was incredibly rewarding.
Written by Saya Oshlack