‘Science is now discovering what artists have long understood: that nurturing our feelings is vital to the quality of our lives and that intellect and feeling are intimately connected.’ – Sir Ken Robinson At the start of a new year I, like many others, reflect on the environmental, social and economic changes our world appears […]
Educational
Who Would Have Imagined?
Just in time for Christmas! I have been pleasantly surprised to find this recording by a young friend who I am watching grow. Creativity has been highly valued in her family and is nurtured daily alongside her academic and social growth. I first met Lilia as a budding visual artist when she was only 8 […]
Education Evolution
Are education systems adapting to meet the needs of students? In the words of arguably, the most famous Aussie political slogan of all time… It’s Time!!! Recently I asked a group of preschoolers to pretend they were taking a photo of each other. Every one of them confidently held their pretend camera away from their […]
Changing Paradigms
RSA Animate – Sir Ken Robinson Sir Ken Robinson, the world’s leading authority on creativity, is still questioning the methods born out of the industrial revolution that we continue to use to educate our children. Recently a friend sent me the video below! Hallelujah! Sir Ken speaks AND I am given visuals! I could ask for no more… I am a […]
New Life
“Dubito ergo cogito; cogito ergo sum. (I doubt, therefore I think; I think therefore I am)” Rene Descartes Is it Art? Science? Creationist? Fantasy? How can it help us? What can we learn? Does it have an educational purpose or is it purely for entertainment? I find Theo Jansen’s creatures clever and mesmerising but is it an animal? It doesn’t reproduce […]
Sculpture By The Sea
Sculpture monumentalises everyday life. 28 Oct – 14 Nov 2010 ‘Bondi’s spectacular coastline is transformed into an interactive canvas as an estimated 400,000 visitors engage with more than 100 sculptures.’ Dr Andrew Bell SC I love this annual exhibition because it’s always exciting to see how the artists use this extraordinary exhibition space. Which […]
Creation
Vik Muniz ‘Creativity is how we cope with creation’ – Vik Muniz Born in Brazil in 1961, Brooklyn-based fine artist Vik Muniz has exhibited his work all over the world. He is a great observer of life and uses unexpected materials to create portraits, landscapes and still life works which he then photographs. This creative thinker […]
The Heart of Operation Art: Lilia’s Story
I hope you enjoy Lilia’s Story. This is the speech from my last formal function to officially open Operation Art at Maitland Regional Art Gallery: Sometimes in life we just get lucky, well I really landed on my feet the day I started this job. I’ve received the utmost pleasure from being the Coordinator of Operation […]
17th Biennale – a Gift
I like to live in the present… especially on my birthday! So today I took myself to Cockatoo Island to see the more outstanding part of the 17 Biennale of Sydney/2010 So I wrapped myself up and stepped out into a soggy, soaked Sydney. I love being on the harbour at anytime and today […]
We need to look at the bigger picture
WAKE UP AUSTRALIA!!! Sometimes a journalist write gold! The following article was published in the Sydney Morning Herald – 7 June 2010 and is probably the most enlightened and well researched article I’ve ever seen written about how visual arts education is being left behind in Australia… even though the rest of the world has recognised its […]