With the support of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation), students from Hospital School at the WCH recently had the unique opportunity to combine art and environmental education in a two-day workshop led by renowned community artist and educator, Deb Twining.
The workshop was part of the inspiring Great Southern Reef installation, ‘We Speak for the Seas’, and brought together creativity, learning, and a shared passion for protecting our oceans.
Junior and Senior students engaged in cross-curricular activities, exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Southern Ocean while learning printmaking techniques using recycled materials. Printed sea creatures were created using recycled Tetra Pak milk cartons, transformed through scratching, tearing, inking and repeated printing using the traditional intaglio process. Marine plants were formed using leftover paint, scraped and collaged into layered compositions.
The result? Stunning collaborative collages that now proudly adorn the corridors outside the Hospital School.
One student shared, “This art represents the love and care for the sea,” with another sharing that “The art makes me think that I can help look after the sea and the animals that live there.”
Deb Twining, an established artist with a background in visual arts and installation work, is known for her thoughtful and nurturing approach to creativity. Her passion and expertise shone through as she guided students and teachers in creating meaningful art that speaks to the importance of ocean conservation.
This workshop, proudly supported by the WCH Foundation Arts in Health program, not only allowed every student to contribute to the collaborative artwork but also left a lasting impression on the Hospital Community.
The completed collages are now on display in the Blue Gallery at the Hospital, located on the Ground Floor outside Hospital School.
A heartfelt thank you to Deb Twining for sharing her skills and passion, and to the students and teachers who brought this project to life.
To learn more about the Galleries or to purchase an artwork head to www.wchfoundation.org.au/galleryprogram or email artsinhealth@wchfoundation.org.au.
