ANAM:

Documenting the student’s work

During this residency a key theme that we were working with was landscape.

This started with an exploration of geometric drawing looking at colour and shape and working in a very controlled was with compass and ruler. From that starting point we opened to an exploration of landscape. Using the camera on their phones the students went on a walk to the local river and took many photographs of the landscape and their surroundings. These images were then worked with back in the classroom, exploring the various ways to manipulate the images using an application called ‘snap seed’. Digital manipulation of the images including playing with light levels, contrast, vibrance, shadow, changing colour balance and focusing in on key areas in an image through cropping. The students were also encouraged to take photographs at home of the landscape where they live. Using these images then as a starting point we introduced a variety of drawing techniques to look at their landscape images in different ways. Approaches included doing timed drawings in charcoal, using coloured pastels, paint, collage, tissue and pencil.

Exploring the conceptual aspect of landscape, students collaborated together to develop ideas and ways of looking at landscape including considerations of heritage, nature, agriculture, sustainability, climate change, creative engagement in the landscape and architecture. Stories were also developed using loose imaginative drawings and drawing on each student’s creativity.

Sound recordings were made in the grounds and surroundings of the school building. These sounds were edited together with a selection of images created by the students in the short film below documenting the project.

Thanks also to all the students for their enthusiasm and openness to explore ideas and creativity together during this project. Many thanks also to Alfreda Courtney the art teacher for her encouragement and support.

Finally, some of the student’s work was exhibited in the school hall with the above film shown on a screen in their school foyer.