Buckley House celebrates creativity through
Art & Verse Dreams of magical places. What things the mind can see. The beauty, the surreal and the bizarre. JOURNEY AUSTRALIA THROUGH THEIR EYES
Dreams of magical places
Have you ever felt utterly captivated by the vast beauty and enchantment of the Australian wilderness, the ever-changing colours that grace the skies, bushlands, and the outback? Have you ever stood beneath the gum trees at night, gazing at the star-studded heavens, been amazed by the sparkling glitter on the ocean? Has it triggered your imagination to run wild? Have you ever dreamed of magical places?
Acknowledgement of Country Wominjeka boorndup wun bik ba Wurundjeri baluk. Hello, I respect the land and the Wurundjeri people. These Woi-wurrung words, spoken for thousands of years throughout the country that the campuses of Ivanhoe Grammar School stand, were provided to the School by Wurundjeri Elder, speaker of language and keeper of knowledge, Aunty Zeta Thomson. 2 | BUCKLEY HOUSE ART SHOW
ELC ART & VERSE One wet and stormy morning in the art room, the students reacted to the thunderous crashes and the gentle rain with creativity. They used shiny blue ribbons and crackling paper to capture the enchanting moments of the storm. Later, they explored the raised surface on the back of their artwork to create texture rubbings, resulting in unexpected patterns on fabric and paper. Drawing inspiration from Henri Rousseau's painting, 'Tiger in the Storm,' our youngest artists intertwined their interpretations with the tiger's fierce elegance, imagining where this majestic creature might take shelter during a storm. This creative project not only developed the children's storytelling skills but also established a strong connection between literature and visual expression.
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FOUNDATION & YEAR ONE HOPE IS THE THING ‘Hope is the Thing,’ a beautifully illustrated picture book written in 2019, was inspired by the bushfires that swept through Eastern Victoria. This book offers a profound journey through the resilience of Australian birds, introducing the Foundation students to a diverse array of species and their unique habitats and traits.
ART MARK–MAKING BIRDS Drawing inspiration from the captivating collage illustrations in the book 'Hope is the Thing', students delved into the world of mark making, employing various tools, generous paint, and a hint of controlled chaos. Through these techniques, they learned to express emotions and infuse their paper birds with vibrant personalities, bringing them to life with boundless creativity. Can you spot these creations flying around the Innovation Centre? 4 | BUCKLEY HOUSE ART SHOW
VERSE Through rhyme and playful language, these young learners were encouraged to appreciate the beauty, strength, and character found in nature's feathered creatures. This book served as a springboard for collaborative creativity, as students came together to craft a delightful, whole-class poem, before channelling their understanding of hope into heartfelt lines of their own.
FOUNDATION WHIMSICAL BIRD BOXES Foundation students used oil pastels, Posca pens, beads, and wire to craft vibrant artboxes that house imaginative and enchanting birds inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
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YEAR ONE ABSTRACT PAINTINGS ART
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Paint brushes danced in an explosion of colour, shape, and line.
Through keen observation, Year One peered into abstract canvases, to find vibrant objects.
Layer by layer, the students developed their painting skills and understanding of the key elements of art through these lively, joyous abstract paintings. Each is a unique masterpiece just like the artist.
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Learners enthusiastically wrote short verses using their imagination. They played with words, carefully selecting the perfect touch to bring the vivid colours and the geometric and organic shapes to life.
YEAR TWO PAINTING, FELTING AND STITCH ART In this project, Year Two students expressed and dreamed of their magical places through painting, stitching, and felting. Drawing inspiration from artists like Alice Kettle and painter Ken Done, the students collaborated to weave a tapestry of stories, landscapes, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful world we inhabit.
VERSE Sometimes I feel like… For Year Two students, embarking on a journey of imagination and connection with nature was a delightful adventure. They set out to discover the enchanting and special treasures that nature holds dear to their hearts. Through Danielle Daniel's picture book ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a River’, the students found joy in discovering magical places among our natural environments. They ventured to put their own spin on the text, crafting imaginative verses that painted vivid portraits of their bond with nature.
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YEAR TWO AUSTRALIA FROM THE SKIES The recent exhibition at The Lume, 'Connection,' which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, was the inspiration for the Year Two students. Exploring how the artists often use aerial perspectives to map out their country in their paintings, Year Two students collaborated to create their own artwork. They used acrylic paints, sponges, and squeegees to capture the intricate hues, patterns, and marks that reflect the beauty of Australian landscapes as seen from the skies.
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YEAR TWO & THREE INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE While journeying through the Buckley House gardens, students discovered that inspiration is everywhere if we only remember to look. Armed with cameras and sketchbooks, they embraced a variety of art materials to observe and draw nature, effortlessly bringing the outdoors into their art studio .
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YEAR THREE ART ART WEAVING PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN The Erub Art Collective and their response to environmental issues affecting our oceans was a starting point and remained a consistent thread throughout this project. Discussing these issues with Year Three students helped us identify environmental problems in our own surroundings: pollution in our local waterways, plastic usage, and its impact on our ecosystems. Students responded by using a collection of recycled materials and plastics found in school to weave our own fabric or ocean floor that highlights the importance of looking after our environment.
VERSE OCEAN CRYING 'Ocean Crying' is a heartfelt project undertaken by our Year Three students. They embarked on a mission to discover the splendour of our oceans and confront the devastating truths about the pollution that threatens to destroy them. Engaging in impactful slam poetry and literature, these students were inspired by the strong messages conveyed. Using rhyme and playful composing, the Year Three students crafted their poems for the purpose of projecting this important message. They celebrated the magnificence of our oceans by using descriptive language and verse to paint vivid portraits of our marine world. Simultaneously, their poetry urged readers to take action in safeguarding our precious seas.
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YEAR THREE & FOUR CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
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In the 'Cultural Connections' project, Year Four students dove into a captivating exploration of cultural identity, global citizenship, and the art of batik silk pattern design. Inspired by the vibrant works of contemporary artists, students weaved together patterns, prints, and symbolism to communicate their understanding of being citizens of the world.
Year Four students embarked on a wonderful journey of self-discovery through the enchanting world of poetry. After reading exerts from George Ella Lyon’s poem, 'Where I’m From' and using the powerful tool of metaphor, students conveyed ideas about their identity with expression and creativity. They reflected on the places and things that make them who they are and fostered a deeper appreciation for their roots and personal stories.
YEAR FIVE COLLABORATION
Planting a seed and watching it grow Our collaborative projects have often taken on a life of their own, evolving and growing as the day progresses. Working with black and white in a variety of mixed media, including charcoal, paint, and oil pastels, Year Five's garden mural is a prime example of this phenomenon. What started as a seed of inspiration from Karl Bossfelt's pods and seeds blossomed into a sprawling, dynamic creation that adorned our studio wall.
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YEAR FIVE FANTASTIC AND STRANGE
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In this immersive project for Year Five students, embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of dreamy, thought-provoking art. Throughout this exploration, they were introduced to the whimsical, sometimes bizarre and always fascinating world of Surrealism Inspired by the king of Surrealism, Salvador Dali and the endless possibilities of collage, Year Five take us on a journey of fragmented faces, flying rats and enchanted worlds. Their imagination ran wild.
After producing their own surreal creations, the students embarked on a poetic adventure. Through verse, they wrote intricate stories, unlocking the hidden narratives within and offering a glimpse of the depths of their imagination.
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YEAR SIX AUSTRALIAN WILD LIFE ART
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Join our Year Six students on an amazing adventure as they delved deep into the world of Australian wildlife through the mediums of art and poetry.
After reading through various styles of poems in a beautiful anthology, 'Tiger Tiger, Burning Bright,' students had the opportunity to let their creative voice flourish.
The Year Six students individually responded to these majestic creatures by using oil pastels, paint, and mixed media. This approach enabled the students to explore their creativity through various materials and techniques, helping them develop a wide range of skills and establish their unique creative styles.
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The students selected a style of poetry that resonated with them to breathe life into their chosen animal, and to capture the distinctive features, natural habitats and the unique traits that define them. Throughout this immersive experience, students not only gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse and fascinating Australian wildlife but also developed their artistic and poetic voices. They learned to blend creativity with observation, turning their interpretations into eloquent expressions.
YEAR FIVE & SIX COLLABORATION
Guided by our resident artist Michaela Ferrari, Year Five and Year Six students honed their acrylic painting skills, inspired by the artist's unique style. They collaboratively crafted vibrant, blended paintings, each brushstroke reflecting the individuality of every student. Year Five students dedicated a full day to create a large-scale masterpiece using the 'wiggle' technique. Working on the floor to capture a bird's-eye perspective, the evolving artwork showcased their creative collaboration. Year Six took their art to the next level by transforming their brushstrokes into delicate paper gum leaves. These leaves were intricately woven together with native foliage from the Buckley House gardens, creating a 'Dream Wreath' that beautifully blended the students' dreams and artwork.
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A MESSAGE FROM MISS FULLWOOD I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderfully creative students at Buckley House for sharing their dreams, creativity, and imagination with us to create this truly inspiring showcase. I am blown away by the talents and limitless imagination our students possess. It has been a very fun, messy, and creative year in the Buckley House studio, where I have seen students grow in confidence, make creative decisions, solve problems, and find their unique creative style. The magic of art lies not only in the finished masterpiece but also in the countless moments of growth, reflection, and inspiration that lead up to it.
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A MESSAGE FROM MS HARTNELL This year at Buckley House, students have embraced the powerful synergy of poetry and visual art, employing their vivid imaginations and exploring an array of poetic styles to breathe life into their creations. When embarking on the journey of combining art and verse, we were not entirely sure of what to expect. What transpired has been nothing short of magical. It has been my privilege to guide the students through this transformative process and to witness the passion, creativity, and zest for expression that has been truly inspiring. The seamless marriage of these two mediums has unfolded before us, creating a natural combination that surpasses our initial hopes and expectations. The students' ability to intertwine their visual creations with poetic expression has been a testament to their talent and the boundless possibilities that arise from creative collaboration. It has been an absolute joy to witness this harmonious collaboration of artistic endeavors, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this enriching experience.
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Ivanhoe Campus The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe 3079
Plenty Campus
730 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda 3754 www.ivanhoe.com.au info@ivanhoe.com.au +61 3 9490 1877
University Campus
Terrace 1 & 2 Terrace Way, Macleod 3085