visual arts

Sculpture collaboration makes stewards of the ocean

A people’s choice award – and a cameo on Sunrise – have highlighted the creativity and environmental consciousness of a visual arts collaboration between five Sydney Catholic Schools.

Students made coral-coloured ocean landscape Revived Reefs at a series of workshops for the Sydney Catholic Schools Visual Arts program, Sculpture by the Schools.

The sculpture received the People’s Choice Award in the 2024 Volvo Ocean Lovers’ Festival’s Litterarti Waste Art Competition. A handful of students involved in the collaboration shared the rationale for their work live from the event ahead of Sunrise’s weather report.

Stewardship in action

Students learned about marine ecosystems, biodiversity and the impact of waste on ocean habitats before creating the sculpture with Sydney Catholic Schools’ artist in residence, Joshua Byrne.

They used 80 per cent recycled materials, including plastics and metal cans, and recyclable paper mache to craft the vibrant artwork.

“The project not only highlighted the artistic talents of the students but also underscored the importance of sustainability,” said Education Officer: Creative and Performing Arts: Helen Landas.

“The sculpture served as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on preserving our planet’s natural beauty.”

“By repurposing waste materials into a meaningful work of art, the schools demonstrated their commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling.”

Students also wrote a ‘message for the ocean’, noting it was home to an awe-inspiring diversity of creatures.

The letter also pledged to protect the ocean and its delicate ecosystems by advocating for sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste.

Students wrote:

“We must heed the call to be stewards of your vast blue expanse, for in doing so, we safeguard the future of life on Earth…we pledge to change our ways, to cherish you as you deserve, and to revere the incredible life that …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 11, 2024|

ARTEXPRESS: Record success for Sydney Catholic Schools

A record 14 Sydney Catholic Schools graduates have earned a place in HSC visual arts showcase ARTEXPRESS this year, with another eight nominated for the prestigious exhibition.

The selected artworks embrace mediums including ceramics, sculpture, photography, drawing, painting and mixed-media to provide an emotive and considered look at themes including childhood, cultural identity, literature and a rare neurological condition.

Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton graduate Krovanes Nico’s photomedia series O le a fuga mai (Come into bloom) acknowledges her growing connection to her Samoan heritage.

Aquinas Catholic College Menai graduate Alyssa Cavallaro’s work, Chiese e cattedrali, is an ode to old-world architecture.

“By using coloured pencil in a realistic style in my body of work, my intention is to represent the incredible detail of the old world, detail that our new world is quickly forgetting,” she said.

De La Salle College Cronulla graduate’s Sienna Salvato’s charcoal drawings of drama students modelling Shakespeare’s Desdemona and Othello presents “a whimsical take on the idea of Shakespearean tragedy”.

Marist College Kogarah graduate Cristian Varvakis used graphic design and mixed media to represent his emotions around the experience of the rare neurological phenomenon, visual snow. It includes seeing static, coloured dots and auras.

“My work is intended to demonstrate the beauty within the disorientation of my experience of visual snow while challenging perceptions of normalcy, vision and reality,” he said.

“As an educator, it is incredibly gratifying to see so many students from our system selected for such a celebrated, high-calibre showcase.” – …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 11, 2024|

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

Performing and visual arts present so many opportunities for students to experience, discover, experiment, and learn.

Here are four ways to nurture your child’s interest as they develop a passion for creativity – and the life skills and confidence that come with it.

Build their confidence

Whether their curiosity leans towards drama, art, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression, there is great value in helping children to embrace their natural talent.

Manager of Creative and Performing Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Danielle Fuller, has worked in the creative and performing arts industry for more than 30 years as an educator, director, musician, and performer.

Danielle said the best way to encourage a child who shows an interest in the arts is to encourage them to get involved in creative activities, giving them time and space to develop their confidence within their chosen activity.

“Children are innately curious and will enthusiastically engage in creative play if given the opportunity,” she said.

“It is through creative expression that a child’s emotional wellbeing is supported.” – Danielle Fuller

Lead with positivity

Communication and expression are two ways children react to what they see, hear and experience.

As they develop their thoughts, feelings and ideas it is important that they receive positive feedback from those around them.

“Praising them is important and enabling them to find the area that they feel most confident in is also important,” Mrs Fuller said.

“Parents can support this at home through positive language, listening and discussing the challenges.”

“One of the best times to encourage children to continue learning is at the times when they are unsure about their skills. Talent helps them to build resilience and …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auNovember 27, 2023|

GALLERY: 2023 HSC Visual Arts Showcase

Some of the Sydney Catholic Schools’ best artistic talent was put on display at Australian Catholic University’s McGlade Gallery in this year’s HSC Visual Arts Showcase.

The showcase was an opportunity to celebrate and be inspired by the world class artistic talent in our 2022 HSC cohort.

From paintings and sculpture, to hyper-real drawings and multimedia projects, a range of incredible artistic pieces from a variety of mediums were on display.

See below for some images from the opening night of the showcase. The Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools

AdminMay 8, 2023|

2021 HSC Virtual Showcase: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) celebrates the final selection of students who have been included in the 2021 HSC Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts Showcases.

Following a rigorous selection process by an experienced panel, 72 students were selected in the showcases after demonstrating outstanding talent in creative and performing arts. Click here to view the showcase selection list

These students were selected from 173 nominations submitted by schools for exemplary work in their practical components of the HSC courses.

The HSC Creative & Performing Arts Showcases provide a professional platform to celebrate exemplary students of Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts while also serving as a benchmark of excellence for younger emerging talent.

Although the showcases were planned to be unveiled in a series of in-person events, COVID disruptions mean that this year they will be presented virtually.

https://vimeo.com/694170049/21d437958f Click here to view the performing arts program Click here to view the Visual Arts Showcase Click here to view the visual arts program

Eva Spata, Supervisor: Creative & Performing Arts at SCS, praised the cohort for producing some exceptional artistic pieces in what was a difficult year for students.

“Congratulations to the students who have been included in the showcases as well as those who were nominated by their schools,” Ms Spata said.

“This has been a challenging time for all students, particularly those completing the HSC but we were extremely impressed with what our students submitted” – Eva Spata

“The showcases are a wonderful way to celebrate their tenacity, commitment and talent,” Ms Spata added.

domenictrimboli01March 31, 2022|

Bethany College pair celebrate short film success

Bethany Catholic College Hurstville students Tea Leone and Eden Fernando have been named winners of the junior category of ProPsych’s 2021 Mentalicious Film Competition.

The Year 9 students took out the category with their short film Can I Talk To You? impressing the judges and scoring the pair $500 in prize money.

The Mentalicious Film Competition is the brainchild of ProPsych, an initiative that focuses on mental health in schools.

The competition is open to Australian and New Zealand students in Years 7-12 and aims to showcase the filmmaking talents of students while raising awareness and eradicating stigma surrounding mental health.

No substitute for the real thing

As young adults who have grown up in the digital age, Tea and Eden said they wanted to highlight the importance of real, human connection in their film.

“Our film draws attention to the importance of human connection and relationships, even as technology becomes increasingly present in our society,” Tea explained.

“Though technology can make some aspects of life easier and more convenient, it can’t replace everything” – Tea Leone

“Ultimately, as shown in our short film, a conversation with a robot isn’t half as helpful or effective as a genuine conversation with another human being,” Eden added.

Talking about a revolution

Tea and Eden said they hope their film helps to spark change in the way humans interact with technology.

“With the theme being Imagine a Mental Health Revolution, we were really drawn to the word ‘revolution’, and this was what sparked the final plot of the film,” said Tea.

“We thought about a futuristic revolution and the possibility of technology, for example robots and AI (artificial intelligence), taking over society.”

domenictrimboli01November 30, 2021|

Revealed: Lockdown Arts Festival Winners

We’re excited to share with you the winners of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival.

Themed Looking outwards from a life in lockdown, the festival celebrates the joy, creativity, optimism and resilience of our Sydney Catholic Schools’ community during the pandemic.

Launched during lockdown, our Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff submitted more than 900 creative works showcasing their incredible creative talent.

Please CLICK ON THE CATEGORY NAMES BELOW to see, hear and read the amazing works of all our category winners and highly commended artists.

Dance

CONTEMPORARY Classical

Painting and Drawing Photography Sculptural

Drama

Monologue/Duologue Scenes from a Play

Literature

Poem Short Story

Music

Original Composition Performance

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

AdminNovember 10, 2021|

Song of hope proves a lockdown winner

An original song by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Mt Pritchard’s Year 3 Green class was one of the standout category winners of the Lockdown Arts Festival.

Written by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Mt Pritchard music teacher, Samantha MacBride, and performed by the school’s Year 3 Green class, Windows is an emotive ballad about being hopeful for the future that lies ahead.

The song speaks about Year 3 Green’s own experiences of life in lockdown and was also influenced by Miss MacBride reflecting on the recent loss of her mother.

Performed virtually by Miss MacBride and Year 3 Green, Windows was one of 900 creative works submitted by Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff during the festival.

The song was awarded first prize in the Music – Performance, Primary Class category of the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival.

The bright side of life

Before writing the song, Miss MacBride said she asked Year 3 Green to reflect on their experiences of life in lockdown.

“I decided to ask the children about the things they missed, the things they were looking forward to, how life has changed and how they were feeling about getting back to normal,” Miss MacBride said.

“I used some of their reflections, words and phrases to then put the lyrics of the song together, with some of my own thoughts intermingled as well.”

Miss MacBride said she also set out to have the song speak about God’s role in helping us overcome adversity.

“In school, we talk about our strong faith in God to see us through tough …

domenictrimboli01November 9, 2021|

Online HSC Masterclass a big hit

More than 500 creative and performing arts students and teachers from Catholic dioceses across NSW took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural four-day Arts Virtual Masterclass.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ creative and performing arts specialist, Eva Spata, said the HSC exam preparation courses were taken online due to the current COVID-19 climate.

According to Ms Spata, the online program was a resounding success and will be repeated in 2022.

“We look forward to providing these again next year!” – Eva Spata

“We have decided that every September holiday the masterclasses will be on zoom, rather than face to face,” said Ms Spata.

Online HSC Arts Masterclass

“With the current conditions, the ability to provide them virtually meant that we could share with our counterparts across the state,” Ms Spata said.

“We were fortunate to have industry experts and arts practitioners delivering each workshop, to prepare our HSC students.”

These included literacy consultant Dr Trish Weekes who delivered a workshop on HSC Music 1 aural exam and Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer Mary-Anne Boutros who delivered a workshop on the HSC Visual Arts written exam.

Indigenous Australian dancer, television presenter and choreographer of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain, Francis Rings, was among the workshop facilitators for the HSC Dance written exams.

“It has been a marathon for our Drama students, covering six plays,” said Ms Spata.

The facilitators were:

Illuminate Educate’s Anne Wilson (presented on Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz)
Laurence Coy (presented on Norm and …

AdminOctober 5, 2021|

Students shine at ArtExpress

Nine students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have been chosen from 9,000 entries to have their works displayed in the annual ArtExpress HSC showcase exhibitions.

“This year has seen the most HSC bodies of work included in ArtExpress for the (Sydney) Archdiocese,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ Specialist: Creative and Performing Arts.

She said the number of Archdiocesan inclusions had more than doubled compared to the previous year.

“I am extremely proud of all the hard work of the 2020 Year 12 students, along with the support of their teachers in such a difficult and unusual (COVID-19) year” – Eva Spata said.

ABOUT ARTEXPRESS

Each year, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) celebrates exemplary HSC Visual Arts bodies of work with exhibitions in various major venues across Sydney, including the Art Gallery of NSW, called ArtExpress.

Out of 9,000 entries, only 50 outstanding bodies of work were selected by NESA for this year’s exhibitions.

FEATURED WORKS

Among the works featured in this year’s exhibition is a film, titled Intrusion, by Marist College North Shore alumnus Maxwell Partridge.

Maxwell Partridge

“I wanted to make a film that demonstrated that emotions, feelings and mental states can be shown through dramatic techniques, such as form and structure, rather than telling the audience,” Maxwell said.

Settling on a body of work was not as easy as it first seemed, however.

“It took a while to pick a concept that I was set on, but from there I worked on the project for about six to seven months with a few re-shoots which are important to the whole process,” Maxwell said.

American TV show Mr Robot was among the influencing factors in his project.

“Inspiration definitely came from the show Mr …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 11, 2021|

Sculpture collaboration makes stewards of the ocean

ARTEXPRESS: Record success for Sydney Catholic Schools

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

GALLERY: 2023 HSC Visual Arts Showcase

2021 HSC Virtual Showcase: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts

Bethany College pair celebrate short film success

No substitute for the real thing

Talking about a revolution

Revealed: Lockdown Arts Festival Winners

Dance

Visual Arts

Drama

Literature

Music

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

Song of hope proves a lockdown winner

The bright side of life

Online HSC Masterclass a big hit

Students shine at ArtExpress

ABOUT ARTEXPRESS

FEATURED WORKS

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