Mixed Media Mosiac - Grade 6

This project was conducted over a period of three weeks. Working once a week during lunch break, a group of 20 Grade 6 students created a mosaic decorated birdbath for their school, using primarily recycled materials. The project tied in with the Integrated Study theme for the term of Sustainability.

Materials included donated, recycled and found materials such as tiles and old crockery. These were broken up for use by the students. The students worked collaboratively in drafting and selecting two simple designs for the bird bath; one for the baht and one for the stand. The process of applying the broken tiles and crockery was remarkably quick and students chatted away as they worked. Similarly with the application of the grout.

The steps involved in achieving the final product included:

• Student group discussion regarding what a mural is
• The drafting of simplified sketches by students. This was difficult for a number of students who tend to work small and in great detail. For some it was necessary to photo-enlarge the sketches, in readiness for the final imagery
• Students colouring their draft imagery using no more than 4 colours, not includung black and white. This further enhanced learning about creating simplified imagery
• The priming of the wooden panels by the supervising artist
• The transfer of the final draft imagery onto the primed panels by the students
• The painting of the panels by the students using a fixed palette of house paint mixed by the artist from primary coloured paints
• The outlining by students of the final painted imagery with black paint pens, in order to further enhance the imagery
• The fixing of the completed panels to the shelter shed by the artist and parent
• A formal opening of the mural by the school to which the Grade 6 parents were invited

The finished product now stands in the Japanese Garden at the school. For more information about this project contact Sheena Mathieson on sma53357@bigpond.net.au.