Monday, November 1, 2010

Serpentine Primary School Workshops




Gloria introducing Serpentine Primary School year 1 students 's to the project



Gloria and I completed the first series of project introduction workshops with the students from Serpentine Primary School on October 21st , another 2-3 series of design and art making workshops will be facilitated with them, the introduction workshops were very successful and productive.

The intent of the workshop series has been to engage the students in a process of enquiry into the cultural and environmental values of the Serpentine Cemetery and town locality. Gloria had identified a number of traditional bush medicines and tuckers that are growing within the Serpentine Cemetery and presented examples of these to students (the presented plants came from other places) and explained their uses.

The plants included Bourn – a slender and sometimes tall above 1mt bulbous plant with an appearance similar to an orchid (flower is totally different). The plant is believed to contain anti cancer qualities and has been traditionally used in the treatment of body and stomach pain. Students were also shown a live Bardi grub as Gloria explained how to identify them in their habitat. A short film titled “Karla” (meaning fire in the Nyungar language) produced by Karri Ann was also shown to the students, helping them to better appreciate traditional Nyungar culture and the cross cultural importance of the cemetery.

Several students expressed they had family and relatives whose deceased remains now reside in the cemetery, and it was timely that their comments and sentiments reminded us of the importance of the task at hand. All were enthusiastic about being involved in the project and I believe the project introduction provided the students with a considerable amount of new information and successfully achieved our aim in highlighting the cultural and environmental value of the cemetery. I’m certain the newly acquired information will combine with their creative imagination and act as a spring board in helping them to generate sensitive and colourful artworks.

Gloria Kearing and I will facilitate the student engagement process and guide them through the development of their designs and drawings which they will then translate onto ceramic tiles. These tile artworks will later be incorporated into larger artworks that may be installed within the Serpentine cemetery, Primary school and town environs. Karrie–Ann Kearing Salmon (project cultural consultant) is collaborating with the Council of Traditional Land Owners and SWALCA and will assist the project with further information of Aboriginal cultural value as the project unfolds.


Umm....................that smells like Eucalyptus

Hmm..........I think you are right!

Wow .............a bush fig flower.

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