Louise Heilpern – Visual Arts Teacher

Community Threads exemplifies creative collaboration and authentic engagement with our broader community. It is also the title of a collaborative artwork by Year 3 students from 2018, now on permanent display on the eastern wall of the Innovation Building.

Working with twine, thread and assorted textiles, students have responded to the aesthetic and structural qualities of an ancient but more recently celebrated artform, the Aboriginal basket or carrier. Traditionally made by women, a diverse range of baskets were exhibited in 2007 at Object Gallery in Sydney. The exhibition, “Woven Forms: Contemporary basket making in Australia” was trail breaking for its time because it elevated the once considered common basket to an object of beauty in its own right. Both contemporary and traditional basket makers recognised the sculptural qualities of the basket and celebrated fibre art as a valid art form.

Once the Year 3 students learnt to identify a range of design qualities and practice new techniques for themselves, they soon realised the difficulty in creating a symmetrical carrier. Following a series of clearly defined steps, students made their own basket and subsequently designed and constructed handles using wire and rope.

The bower bird approach by artist Christine Dyer, and her use of found rope/ nylon, was the catalyst for the project extension – the embroidered artworks. As students learnt to sew, the repetitious act of embroidery encouraged conversation and students happily shared ideas and taught each other new colour combinations and stitches. Displayed collectively, the dots and dashes of coloured thread formed lines and patterns, creating a singular artwork.

When differences are celebrated and knowledge is exchanged, individual expression is valued, and respect is mutual. Definitive, diverse and celebratory, Community Threads showcases creativity amongst students at Emanuel School.

To view a full range of learning in our Visual Arts Department visit emanuelschoolvisualarts.com