Diving into the Wonders of DCSZ Artwork

Ms Connie Turner, JS/SS Art Teacher

Art is not just a subject; it’s a vital part of a student's education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. At our school, the art curriculum is a dynamic tapestry, continually evolving to incorporate new techniques and inspirations that resonate with our diverse student body. The art room is a vibrant space where every brushstroke, pencil line, and pastel mark is made with intention and purpose. Through various projects, students are encouraged to think outside the box, explore different mediums, and express their unique perspectives.

 

Year 3

In Year 3, students embarked on an exciting journey inspired by the work of renowned artist Sandra Silberzweig. They delved into the world of abstract portraits, focusing on patterns and lines to create stunning mixed media pieces.

Y3 art work

The creativity of Year 3 students reached new heights as they designed installation artwork for the Sodexo coffee shop. 

They investigated the journey of coffee from bean to cup, crafting coffee bean mosaics and even painting with coffee itself. The culmination of their efforts was showcased in the form of beautifully decorated coffee cups, now proudly displayed in the coffee shop, allowing the students to see their work appreciated by the school community.

Year 4

Year 4 students took their artistic skills to the next level by focusing on watercolour techniques, experimenting with wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and salt effects. 

3

Inspired by artist Hélène Baum-Owoyele, they created beautiful watercolour letters and characters, and moved on to explore marbling and ink spray. Their efforts culminated in an underwater collage influenced by WWF campaign posters, transforming their experimentation into a cohesive piece that reflected their understanding of environmental issues.

The focus on innovation continued as students used recycled materials to craft artworks, engaging in discussions about pollution, particularly in oceans. 

Collaborating on a sculpture inspired by Dale Chihuly, they envisioned inventions made from waste, incorporating AI technology to visualize their ideas. This project blended creativity with environmental awareness, highlighting the importance of sustainability in art.

Year 5

In Year 5, students began their journey with monoprinting inspired by Gerd Winner, exploring the relationship between art and transport. They created 3D sculptures of jingle trucks that emphasized craftsmanship and artistry.

6

The next project involved students selecting one of three artists to reinterpret their work in a free studio style, leading to a rich exploration of artistic expression. 

Inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s iconic use of colour and polka dots, some students began to think outside the box, incorporating repetition and pattern into their creations. 

The influence of Bhajan Hunjan further encouraged others to experiment with the intersection of visual art and language, resulting in pieces that reflected cultural narratives and demonstrated how art can convey complex ideas. 

Additionally, the compelling photography of Charlie Phillips, which vividly captures community life, prompted students to recreate their interpretations of community through various mediums, allowing them to express personal experiences and connections that deepened their understanding of identity and belonging.

Year 6

Year 6 students focused on developing foundational sketching skills, tackling the challenge of recreating a dinosaur skull using the grid method. This exercise not only honed their technical skills but also instilled perseverance and focus.

In the latter part of the term, students explored textiles from around the world, participating in workshops on block printing and screen printing. This hands-on experience allowed them to create prints inspired by the countries they studied, showcasing their creativity and newfound skills.

Later, we will showcase the artworks of our Senior School students.

As we reflect on the artistic journeys undertaken by our students, it is clear that the art program plays a crucial role in their development. Through diverse projects and mediums, students are not only honing their artistic skills but are also learning about the world around them, making connections between art, culture, and the environment. The vibrant creativity nurtured in our art room will undoubtedly continue to flourish, enriching the lives of our students for years to come.