How To:

Level 5

This exhibition comprises a series of art works from Year 9, 10 3D and Studio Art Unit 3 & 4.  The subject Three Dimensional Studies is taught from Year 8.   At this level I lay down the foundations of materials and techniques.  For example, wood burning, glass mosaics and a variety of painting techniques.  Even at this level students are encouraged to work at their own pace and problem solve (creates a challenging environment).

At Year 9 (elective subject) I still have a structure in terms of subject matter; the shoes, corset and torso shown here are all part of this program.  Students have the option of choosing an object, eg shoe that already exists and re-interpreting it – to still have the essence of the shoe (like an abstract painting) and still identifiable as a shoe.  This exercise stretches the boundaries and encourages independent thinking.  I love the fact that I can throw out one idea and get 25 totally different responses in return.

I am really interested in materials and techniques.  The majority of the work here comes from Year 10 3D classes.  We have one double lesson and 2 singles over a semester.  The first topic is Metal Exploration; the design brief stipulates the model must be 90% metal the rest is up to them.  A few years ago one of my Year 12 Studio Art students made a dress based on leaves, many of which were metal embossed.  As often happens what I do (and the students see) at Year 12 filters down to the other classes.

The examples here reflect the student’s confidence to experiment with metals to create aesthetically pleasing pieces.  They have the skill at this level to work independently.  I am the facilitator, we work collaboratively and they often amaze me with what they have created.  Problem solving at its best!   The second topic is Clock Design and some students continued to use metal in this project.

This confidence in the use of materials and techniques can be seen in the two butterflies.  This student excelled in 3D and created a 3D piece for her Year 12 Studio Art folio.

By building up skill levels as students progress through the subject is incredibly rewarding!  Every year we explore a new medium and technique.  This year was our metal, wire, embossing and constructing phase.  I look forward to 2009 as a new challenge!

I hope you enjoy the work on display here, we had a great time creating it!!

Robyn Pryor

3D and Studio Arts Teacher

McKinnon Secondary College

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