ARTIST RESIDENCY: STILES BE

I am currently serving as the resident artist at Edmund Rice FLEXI School Davoren Park, and this project has been a dynamic and evolving journey since its inception in mid-2022.

Our project initially kicked off with an exciting venture: the Aerosol Art Wall Project. Collaborating closely with the students, we embarked on the creation of a captivating mural within the school premises. This mural was not merely a piece of art but a profound representation of the school's core values, beautifully expressed through the medium of aerosol art.

As we witnessed the enthusiasm and creativity flourish among the students during the mural project, we realized the potential for a more structured educational experience. This realization led to the introduction of the 'Aerosol Art and Design' subject. Within this subject, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of design and explore the intricate techniques and artistry involved in spray can art. It has become a cornerstone of our project, fostering artistic growth and nurturing the talents of budding artists.

In the process of our collaboration with the school, we also identified a group of students who exhibited a strong inclination and aptitude for pursuing careers within the creative industries. To cater to their aspirations, we introduced 'Industry StART.' This specialized program is dedicated to mentoring and guiding a select group of students as they embark on a journey to explore the vast landscape of the creative industries. Through this initiative, students engage in projects that not only hone their artistic skills but also provide them with opportunities to generate income from their talents.

Our project at Edmund Rice FLEXI School Davoren Park is an ongoing and multifaceted endeavor. It encompasses artistic expression through aerosol art, structured education via the 'Aerosol Art and Design' subject, and the empowerment of aspiring creatives through the 'Industry StART' initiative. Together, these components create a holistic approach to fostering creativity, skill development, and potential career pathways within the realm of the arts and creative industries for the school's students. We are dedicated to continuing this transformative journey, nurturing the next generation of artists and creatives.

BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH ART

 In 2024, I had the privilege of collaborating with Blair Athol North (BANB6) to support a group of Year 5 students, many of whom had endured significant trauma. Known for its commitment to helping young people overcome adversity, the school invited me to develop a program in response to a study highlighting low resilience levels among these students.

Under the guidance of Sam Anderson, Senior Leader of Innovative Pedagogies, I designed a 10-week art-based program focused on building emotional resilience. The initiative aimed to foster creative expression as a tool for problem-solving and self-discovery, helping students gain control over their emotions and personal narratives.

The program began with group activities that emphasized creativity in problem-solving, followed by discussions on using art for self-expression and emotional release. As confidence grew, students engaged in free creative sessions, using art to share their feelings and experiences. The program concluded with a public exhibition at Erb’n’Flo Café, where the students proudly displayed their work. This event was both a celebration of their creative journey and a testament to their growth, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The results were remarkable. By the end of the 10 weeks, all participants reported feeling more resilient and better able to manage their emotions. The exhibition showcased their transformation, with each piece representing a unique story of empowerment and personal development.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this program possible, especially Sam Anderson for her leadership, the students for their dedication, and Joshua from Erb’n’Flo for hosting the exhibition and amplifying these young voices.

This residency was more than a success—it was a transformative experience for the students. The resilience, creativity, and emotional skills they developed will serve them well beyond the classroom. I look forward to continuing this work with schools committed to fostering emotional well-being and artistic expression.

Quotes from participants:

“I tried to paint the weirdest thing I could. I used t& think I wasn’t creative so working on this piece helped me challenge myself to think differently about my abilities”.  Ryan

“When creating these artworks, I felt my emotions coming out - this was a good thing as I don't always express my emotions. When working on this project, my brain found peace”.  Atal

“I like the contrast between the red and the blue - makes me feel like I can go for it, and not be scared. I would love a dog, but I’m not allowed to have one, so this painting makes me feel happy”.  Shureym

“There are so many ideas from so many people - it’s important to choose the ideas that are important to you, even when other people are putting pressure on you. We need to be resilient!”  Fidak

“Sometimes we can feel like we are trapped in an endless loop - this artwork represents how I feel as it reminds me to have hope and to know that there is always a way out”. - Layla

“Knowing yourself is an important part of existing in a world of chaos... “  Rwen

SCHOOL MURAL

During two enriching terms at BANB-6, I had the privilege of collaborating with a handpicked group of 12 students spanning from year 4 to 6. 

Together, we embarked on an exhilarating journey to craft an awe-inspiring abstract expressionist mural that now graces the school's front campus.

In the initial term, we embarked on a creative odyssey, employing a series of engaging exercises tailored to nurture the innate artistic talents of these young minds. Through exploration with various artistic mediums, these budding artists gained invaluable experience, enabling them to uncover their artistic identities.

As their confidence in artistic self-expression flourished and their individual styles and techniques evolved, I transitioned our focus to the art of collaboration. Guiding these students through the intricacies of producing a large-scale mural, we fostered an environment where teamwork and creativity seamlessly intertwined.

Our journey was not limited to the confines of the classroom. We embarked on inspiring excursions to the Art Gallery of South Australia, allowing the students to draw inspiration from the vast world of art. Additionally, they had the privilege of exploring my solo exhibition, 'Actuality,' which was on display at the time, providing a firsthand glimpse into the realm of professional artistry.

The pinnacle of our collective effort materialized in the form of a 'freestyle' masterpiece. Guided by their burgeoning artistic intuition, the students painted with a sense of freedom and authenticity, layering their diverse flows and forms to construct an exciting and contemporary artwork. It's a testament to their growth as artists and their ability to bring their imaginations to life on the canvas.

Our time together at BANB-6 encapsulated the transformative power of art in education, fostering creativity, self-expression, and collaboration among these young minds. This experience not only adorned the school's front campus but also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all involved.

MURAL

In 2019, I had the privilege of collaborating with Playford International School and Northern Sound System (NSS) to create a vibrant mural on NSS’s exterior wall. This project was a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community, bringing together students in an immersive, creative experience.

During the residency, I led on-site drawing workshops where students were encouraged to express themselves freely. From these sessions emerged a collection of unique characters, each reflecting the individuality and diverse cultural backgrounds of the participants. These characters became the heart of the mural, telling a powerful story about embracing differences and fostering a sense of belonging.

The process was more than just about creating art—it was about teamwork and communication. The students worked together to bring the mural to life, learning valuable collaboration skills while gaining confidence in their artistic abilities. Many discovered hidden talents, while others found joy in seeing their ideas take shape in a public space.

The finished mural became a source of pride for both the students and the local community. Beyond its visual appeal, it sparked conversations about diversity, inclusion, and unity. It stood as a vivid reminder of art’s ability to connect people and inspire dialogue.

Throughout the project, one thing was constant: fun. The energy and excitement the students brought to the process made it a truly joyful experience. Looking back, this residency was much more than a mural. It was a transformative journey that showed the power of art to build connections, celebrate identity, and leave a lasting impact on a community.