While the Primary School was busily preparing for its annual Bush Dance last Thursday, students from years 8 to 11 were also out under the autumn skies, transforming the School grounds into an outdoor art gallery, as part of the High School's annual Site Day. This year’s event was titled Ephemeral Earthscapes: Pathways Back to Nature and was a celebration of autumn, art and nature. The rain held off and the sun shone, for the first year in memory.
Students created artworks across a range of mediums and within a variety of subject areas. There were animals made from recycled materials in a science class; blue and gold Art Nouveau-inspired shapes twirling in the wind; a giant mathematically-constructed geometric shape made from rope; a bamboo screen overlaid with a stencil design; a series of playful miniature worlds in hidden places, and some breathtaking works made entirely from natural materials, including plaited reeds, threaded leaves and flowers stuck to the muddy bank with tiny sticks. The knighted land art sculptor Andy Goldsworthy would have been proud.
Congratulations to all the students who worked so hard to bring their vision to fruition. In this technological time when we are often alienated from nature, it is important to have moments of connection with the natural world. At the end of this year's event, with dirty feet, sore legs and blisters on our hands, we were filled with gratitude for this place we are lucky enough to work and learn in every day.
Anna Delzoppo
Visual Art and Design Teacher