It has been a fantastic start to the year for the Visual Art department, with exciting things happening across all studio areas. Here is a snapshot of just a few of the exciting projects students have been involved in recently.

Visual Art 2 (Mixed Media) - Scratchbaord

In Mixed Media level 2 students have created some intricate and detailed designs using Scratchboard (an ink coated board designed for scribing). Students learnt about traditional techniques such as hatching and crosshatching to inform their mark making. These techniques and marks are used as a foundation to create interesting and varied lines. These lines can be used to create the illusion of tone, contrast and texture. Students had great success with this project!

Visual Art 2/3 (Ceramics) Handbuilding

Ceramics students have been busy creating unique and innovative sculptural pieces this term using a range of construction methods including coils and slabs. There has also been a strong focus on exploring and documenting decorative techniques, including carving, slip trailing and glazing. There have been some fantastic results, from hybrid creations and functional vessels to sgraffito tiles.

Life Drawing (Enrichment course)

We are very excited to be offering Life Drawing as an enrichment course this year in Visual Art. It has been fantastic to see so many students engaging with this opportunity. Life Drawing gives students the chance to develop their observational drawing skills as they study the human form. Students have produced some great results, exploring and experimenting with a range of art mediums, and styles. We thank our wonderful models and look forward to seeing our students develop their skills further as the year progresses.

Visual Art 2/3 (Digital Art)

During the first term in Digital Art, students have been exploring a range of digital art software and techniques, including photo compositing, painting, 3D and animation. Some of the excellent work produced during the first term is currently on display in a pop-up exhibition near the ‘Break Café’. Stay tuned to see what these talented students make later in the year!

Art Theory & Criticism

During Term 1, Art Theory and Criticism visited two fantastic exhibitions around Hobart. At the Rosny School House Gallery, students discussed the aesthetic qualities of how different mediums can represent landscapes. They also explored notions of connection to place and the relationships between humans and the landscape. Students also attended Tomás Saraceno's exhibition at MONA, where they discussed the curatorial decision-making and environmental concerns addressed through art.

Art Studio Practice

Art Studio Practice students have also had a busy first term planning major artistic bodies of work. To support them in developing their own practice, students visited galleries at Salamanca to talk to curators and artists about their current exhibitions.

Evelyn Murray

AST of Visual Arts