Domain - Arts

It is well known that Inspiration awakens us to new possibilities and that the arts have long sought out stimulus from a range of places. However, it is safe to say that the natural world and our beautiful settings here in Belgrave have been a keen source of inspiration this year. How lucky we are! For a number of students from right across the school we have seen so many divine photos in a range of competitions and classes.

In addition to this, students made recycled art, and industriously created face marks for all. They transformed from being instructed learners to seek out, adapting and developing their own aspirations within the arts. Many have demonstrated a burning to explore new methodologies and patiently worked through fostering these skills. It has been a delight to watch many follow their own objectives and set personal goals. In senior art a number of students have relished the challenge of portraiture. While the Senior Visual Communication students set about to satisfy a variety of client briefs, some being architectural and others communication design such as new uniforms, web design and advertising. Our Year 10 students have specialised in the study of flora and leant drawing techniques and mandala designs, finishing with a personal project inspired by Catholic theology. Year 8 students started with landscapes and then created oversized self-portraits and Year 7 used waste to create 3d monsters and creatures before completing a unit on printmaking.

In Performing Arts, students were busy creating, performing, analysing and reflecting. The new subject of Performing Arts at Year 7 combining the focusses of dance and drama was met with energy and enthusiasm by students. Performances of dramatic fractured fairy tales and narrative group dances were a highlight along with the mini monologue film task ‘Sam Shovel’. Year 10 Dance and Drama produced original performance pieces expressing chosen intentions drawing inspiration from the world around us. Skills were developed online and in class and brought to fruition at the end of the semester. The VCE Dance students engaged in choreography of their own dance works while also learning from a professional choreographer (alumni Ruby Winters) where they developed Jazz technique in the group dance ‘Too Darn Hot’.

In finishing, the light has shone brightly for the arts this year, providing time, inspiration and perseverance while watching these students create their own florescence.

Caroline Wareham Arts Domain Leader