Both Art and Design have the power to challenge and transform the individual in profound ways. To truly connect with a work of art or a design the audience needs to savour the details, unravel the stories and explore the possibilities inherent within the art and design fields. The more time the audience devotes to contemplation and reflection, the more dynamic and intimate an experience becomes, grounded in the way it stimulates our imagination, intellect and at times our emotions.
Students are encouraged to explore their creative and academic potential through a range of artmaking practices, design processes, theory, and opportunities. Exploring the works of other artists and designers is a valued and integral part of this process.
The uplifting and lasting benefits of Visual Arts and Design and Technology cannot be underestimated. It has the capacity to transform students’ perspectives on the world prompting them to participate in open-ended discussions of relevant topical and contemporary issues and give study in them the confidence of agency to articulate complex abstract concepts. Visual Arts and Design and Technology teaches students to think independently, to reflect on their ideas and engage with new ones. It reinforces the value of difference and the importance of embracing multiple perspectives to enrich and expand their thinking of all of which are highly transferable competencies that will serve them well in their future careers. Beyond enhancing their creative and aesthetic sensibilities, studying VADT subjects contributes to significant personal growth during adolescence, a time when our young people are forming their own sense of identity, beliefs, and values.
The VADT elective subjects provide opportunities for students to build on prior skills and to take risks to be more independent in exploring development of their individual style as emerging artists and designers. This can be seen in the range of high-quality work across the faculty from photography, life drawing, sculpture, jewellery design, timber, textiles, digital design, laser cutting, resin work to skateboard art.
In Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts and Design Technology, students have developed a diverse and impressive collection of works portraying personal messages from each artist and designer which draw upon creativity, resilience, compassion and investigation of the complex world and times in which we live. The high quality is a true reflection of skill, dedication, determination, and hours of focused attention the girls have given to their work. Senior studies bring out the very best in students’ creativity.
Ms Tina Bramis
Dean of Accreditation & Registration