ELC Art Collaboration

As the ELC children continue to learn and explore Indigenous Culture, this year they have shown a great interest in Aboriginal symbols. They were able to investigate using text and artwork, the various patterns and detail involved in creating the symbols and what they represent. They began to understand that these symbols have an important role in storytelling, are represented in artwork and have been used for over 60,000 years. Symbols play a role in sharing traditions, knowledge and stories in Aboriginal culture. The children explored literature and pieces of Aboriginal artwork in the classroom to develop a deeper understanding of how symbols are used. These interactions enabled the children to identify and feel confident creating their own symbols, as was reflected in the ELC Art Exhibition during Term 3, where the many symbols drawn by the children were displayed on long cylinders.

To extend this learning, the ELC children were excited to welcome contemporary Indigenous artist, Bayley Misfud. Bayley’s Aboriginal name is Merindah-Gunya meaning “Beautiful Spirit” in Peek Wurrong language. Merindah-Gunya shared stories from her culture and a number of Aboriginal symbols used in Victoria, she explained that these symbols act as a ‘birds eye view’ of the land and animals. She also discussed how they could be used in art to tell stories and how these symbols varied from state to state in Australia. The children were keen to share with Merindah-Gunya the symbols they knew from their prior learning. According to Merindah-Gunya she ‘absolutely loved teaching the boys and girls about Aboriginal symbols and how to use them to tell a story as they were really engaged and had a lot to say about what was special to them.’ Witchetty grub Harvey - it’s a bug, Aboriginal people can eat them and they live in the ground

Meeting place Effe - you sit on a mat Eden – you sit with your friends Iris – you can do listening

People sitting Ella-Grace - they are sitting in a circle crossing their legs Kailyn - they may be talking to each other

The children then worked on two artworks with Merindah-Gunya, each child individually selected a symbol to paint and a favourite colour, to create beautiful, vibrant collaborative pieces of art to be displayed in the ELC Piazza to be shared with the Fintona community. Merindah-Gunya’s visit to the ELC was very successful in that it showcased the children’s understanding and learning of the Aboriginal symbols relevant to Victoria.

Amy Goodale

ELC Teacher