Rise
Make sure you see this before it finishes!
If you are inspired by some of the artists who use stencils try having a go yourself with. Use a photo without much in the background for the best results.
http://stencilgraffiticreator.com

EXHIBITION RISE 20 DECEMBER 2013 - 23 MARCH 2014 CANTERBURY MUSEUM Proudly supported by the Canterbury Community Trust, Mediaworks, CPIT, Creative New Zealand, Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Awesome, Total Property Services and YMCA, RISE profiles the best of street art from around the world and New Zealand. Leading international artists Banksy, Ian Strange (kid Zoom), ROA, Thom Buchanan, Beastman, Berst and Milton Springsteen to name but a few, all have their talents on show alongside reputable urban artists from New Zealand such as BMD and Christchurch’s own Wongi. For more information see www.oiyou.co.nz &rarr

Welcome back

Welcome Back and Happy New Year

Look out for 
Extension Art Application sessions for year 8s
Art Monitor opportunities
notices will be sent out soon.

Art Club will start Wednesday week 2

I am back from my travels in the UK.
Those of you I have already taught will be familiar with the name Paul Klee ( "A drawing is simply a line going for a walk." & " Art does not reproduce what we see; rather, it makes us see." ). The Tate Modern in London is currently showing an exhibition of his work entitled
 ' The Ey Exhibition : Paul Klee - Making Visible ' 
Click on the title of the exhibition above for a brilliant explanation of the exhibition.

Did you know that Paul Klee's work was banned by the Nazis, and that it was considered 'degenerate'?
Also at the Tate Modern was an impressive exhibition entitled
Poetry and Dreams
This show included an incredible array of major art works. Click on the title above to see some of the works.

As I left the Gallery , having spent much longer that I had meant, and agonised in the book shop, I walked out onto the South Bank of the Thames and felt uplifted by the changes. I was born in London and one would think that there was little room for development. However, there have been significant enhancements of the old and completely new buildings that seem to sit happily along side those from the past.
The South Bank used to be quite dull once darkness had fallen. Now it glitters with lights, trees, cafes and culture. Blackfriars Railway bridge, once depressing , dirty and dreary has been encased in glass and glistens with a bluish light as it stretches across the river , more like a modern sculpture than a functional railway bridge and station. Plans are being made for a 'green bridge' across the river, lined with trees. Towering architectural statements such as the 'Gherkin ' and the 'Shard' are now familiar London landmarks that enhance rather than detract from the old. All along the river tunnels walkways, once sometimes sinister, hold hidden surprises; quotes, artworks, poems, facts. Shakesperes Globe theatre, now recreated, is a living museum , a reminder of London life long ago but now part of contemporary London life.
I took my mother to see the road that had been her first home in Greenwich more than 88 years ago. Only 3 of the original Georgian house now remain, the rest having been bombed in the second world war, and been replaced by modern equivalents. London is scattered with scars of that destruction. Some of those bomb sites have been filled with poorly designed buildings and some with wonderful architectural structures. In each case there was an opportunity for development. I was reminded of Christchurch and hope that our planners and designers will be able to create exciting and uplifting new spaces and buildings. We need great architects and designers that will help us see the beauty of life as well as to serve the practical.  

Great designers think outsdie the box. Whilst I was flying back from London I came across an Australian TV series called 'Redesign your Brain'. There are 3 episode, no 2 is entitled 'make me creative'. The presenter explores ways to become more creative. This can be quite a contentious area of study but is very interesting.

Farewell Nelson Mandela

Let this be his legacy

Michaela Cox

Today we were lucky enough to have Michaela Cox talk to us about her career as an artist, photographer and teacher. Click on the image below to go to her presentation.

Michaela Cox

Giant Horse Sculptures 

by Andy Scott just installed in Scotland.

Latest News

End of year shared lunch party.

Last Tuesday the Art Extension students got together to share an art inspired lunch. Colourful biscuits in primary colours, fruit arranged in gradations of warm colours with a little green to lift the red strawberries. Milk shakes in brown, yellow or pink, and Warhol Jelly! THere were some healthy orange carrots too.

Art Extension

This was a DIY place mat event and Louis took the 50th Anniversary of Dr Who for his inspiration

Some of the extension are going overseas, some to the North Island and some staying in Christchurch. I wish them all the very best for the next stage of life and look forward to hearing about all the amazing art projects I am sure they will produce.

Meanwhile Art Club has been busy . Sacha is my most regular and punctual students. He has been busy working on some still life paintings this term.

                                  

Finn also discovered a passion for painting this term. 

Bradyn explored the joys of frottage and made rubbings of our  Maori wood carving in all the different house colours to give to each class.

 The last year 8 group have taken the Banksy project a few stages further. Whilst they have not quite finished some students have already produced striking work.

Abadi has included elements that represent his native Ethiopia. 

Zarian worked with great confidence and used strong complementary colours .