Foreword
Welcome to the Santa Sophia Major Works Showcase for 2025. This showcase celebrates the dedication, creativity, and exceptional talent of our Year 12 students, who have poured their hearts and minds into their major projects for Industrial Technology, Textiles & Design, and Visual Arts. These subjects attract students with a creative flair, a keen eye for design, and a deep interest in pushing the boundaries of their artistic and technical skills
At Santa Sophia, we are immensely proud of our students, renowned for their unwavering commitment to excellence It is our hope that our students' projects would be nominated and selected for the prestigious NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) annual showcases, including ARTEXPRESS, which highlight the exemplary work of students across the state.
The journey of creating these major works began in Term 4 of 2023. It involved rigorous research, extensive experimentation, and the continuous process of making and gathering feedback. The projects presented in the showcase and booklet are a testament to the perseverance, innovation, and outstanding abilities of our students
I hope you enjoy the representation of students' work in this booklet
MarkDevries
Ankita Arun
Ariane Daniel
Alyssa Galardi
Rachael Gaul
Tayla Husnu
Natasha Jones
Joanne Lee
Kate Luker
Preston Schwebel
‘Cosmic’ - Costume
‘Prom 2000' - Apparel
‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ - Apparel
‘Juliet’ - Costuming
‘Dead Angel’ - Apparel
‘Mal & Evie’ - Costume
‘Renaissance Reverie’ -Apparel
‘Coat of Many Colours’ - Textile Art
‘Faery
Ariane Daniel
Alahra Maroun
Liam Capco
Maya Shaw
Taylor Sultana
Alyssa Gilardi
Annalise
Christoffersen
Zahra Diab
The Ocean’s Last Story
Bound Innocence
Liam’s Klippelmon Chronicles
Plantation to Plate Home is Where the Heart Is Manufactured Muse
TAS: Technological andApplied Studies
NAME:ISAACNASSIF
PROJECT: WOODWORKINGBENCH
For my Year 12 HSC Industrial Timber project, I plan to design and build a timber woodworking bench that will become a permanent and essential fixture in my shed. The bench will serve many purposes, including drilling, sanding, pressing, and general woodworking. I chose this project because I noticed the lack of a proper workbench in my shed, and I want a secure, reliable surface with a vice and storage that can support a wide range of projects.
I intend to use NSW Spotted Gum for the benchtop and legs because it is strong, durable, and relatively affordable compared to other Australian hardwoods For the drawers and carcass, I will use Tasmanian Oak, which provides a pleasing visual contrast while still being functional and reliable The bench will also feature a steel vice, a waste cut-out hole, and drawers for storage To highlight the natural beauty of the timber, I will finish the bench with a natural oil that enhances the dark grain of the spotted gum while contrasting nicely with the lighter oak
The design will follow a modern style, making use of contrasting timbers, carefully shaped legs, and exposed joinery to create a visually appealing final product I will primarily use traditional joinery methods, such as mortise and tenon, cross-halving
joints, and domino joints, to reduce reliance on hardware and ensure strength and durability The unique leg design will be a key feature, showing both my skill and effort in construction while adding to the overall aesthetic.
I have designed the bench to fit neatly into the corner of my shed beside a tool chest, giving me easy access to my tools while avoiding interference with beams or poles. The size balances stability with practicality, being large enough to work effectively but still manageable for transportation on the back of a ute if needed I plan to complete the project over three school terms in 2025, with materials sourced from Trend Timbers in Windsor My project folio will document every stage of the process, from research and design through to construction and evaluation
Ultimately, I want to keep this bench for myself rather than sell it It will be a vital and long-term addition to my shed, giving me a functional and durable workspace while also reflecting the high standard of craftsmanship and design expected in an HSC major project
NAME:JAYPATEL
PROJECT:TVUNIT
Aim: I will be making a custom TV unit inspired by contemporary furniture design, with a functional layout that includes two outer cabinet doors, two central drawers, and open shelving for media devices I intend to build a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing piece for my Year 12
Industrial Technology Major Work that showcases a broad range of skills, enabling me to achieve a high HSC mark
Motivation: I chose to construct this TV unit because I wanted to challenge myself with both functional joinery and aesthetic detailing, while working with premium hardwoods such as Fijian mahogany, oak, jarrah, radiata pine, and Pacific maple These materials allow me to explore advanced woodworking skills such as custom timber handle making, precise drawer construction, and high-quality finishing techniques This project also has personal significance as it is intended for long-term home use, meaning durability and professional presentation are essential
Key Considerations
High-Quality Joinery: Accurate joinery is a major marking criterion I will use methods such as housing joints, dovetails, and precise mitre joins to ensure strength and aesthetic appeal
Custom Handles: Both the cabinet and drawer handles will be made from leftover project timber, providing a cohesive look and additional processes to showcase my craftsmanship
Smooth Drawer and Door Function: Drawers will use fullextension runners for easy access, and cabinet doors will use concealed hinges for a sleek appearance
Aesthetics: The unit will follow a clean, modern aesthetic with a natural timber finish that highlights the grain and colour of the Fijian mahogany and other timbers
Budget: The TV unit has been budgeted to $650, including the cost of materials, hardware, adhesives, finishes, and printing
Timeframe: Three school terms to complete the design, construction, and finishing stages of the project
Size: Final dimensions: [insert measurements after final design confirmation], designed to fit comfortably in a lounge room and accommodate both large TVs and home entertainment equipment
PROJECT:RECORDCABINET
For my Industrial Technology Timber major project, I have chosen to design and construct a modern table to display a vinyl player and records featuring a floating leg design, two cupboards positioned symmetrically on each side, a half drawer in the centre, and an open shelf above the drawer My intention is to create a piece of furniture that not only looks visually striking but also offers practical storage solutions for everyday use The floating leg effect is one of the main design features and is something I was inspired to try after researching contemporary furniture trends It gives the table a lighter, more refined appearance compared to traditional leg designs, which often make a piece feel bulky or heavy Achieving this effect will require careful planning of the internal bracing and precise construction to ensure the table remains strong and stable while maintaining the illusion of weightlessness Functionality is just as important as appearance in this design The two cupboards will provide enclosed storage for vinyl racks, keeping them out of sight and maintaining the table’s clean, uncluttered look. The half drawer in the middle is designed for smaller items such as extra cables, vinyl pins, and owner manuals. Above the drawer, I have included an open shelf space, which can be used to display collectibles related to music for aesthetic purposes.
I have chosen Tasmanian Oak as the primary material because it offers an attractive grain, is strong enough for longterm use, and is sourced from sustainable suppliers For internal components like cupboard backs and drawer bases, I will use plywood, which is cost-effective and still strong enough for these purposes In terms of joinery, I plan to use mortise and tenon joints for the frame, as they provide strength and are well-suited for this type of project Biscuit joints will be used to align panels cleanly, and rebates will be cut for the cupboard backs and drawer bases to improve structural integrity For hardware, I have chosen concealed brackets for the floating effect, soft-close hinges for the cupboard doors, and ball-bearing slides for the drawer to ensure smooth operation My overall goal is to create a table that balances aesthetics, strength, and practicality I intend to finish the project with a clear polyurethane coating to protect the timber and enhance its natural grain By the end of the build, I hope to have a professional-quality piece of furniture that reflects both my design choices and the woodworking skills I have developed throughout the course. This project will challenge my accuracy, patience, and problem-solving abilities, but it will also give me a chance to produce something I can be genuinely proud of.
NAME:KAISTACEY
PROJECT:MEMORABILIACABINET
As a Major Work for the HSC, the task was set to design and create a baseball memorabilia cabinet This idea was formulated due to the need to create timber major work, combined with a passion for baseball This concept was chosen because having a memorabilia cabinet for treasured items has sentimental value Often, these items are stored away, out of sight and often forgotten The intent was to create a cabinet that features baseball memorabilia, including baseballs, medals, bat, jersey, hat, commemorative rings and gloves These items are often stored or showcased separately These items are the rewards and memories representing sporting success and therefore hold sentimental and financial value. The key features of this cabinet are expected to be the ability to best present memorabilia items, as well as providing protection of items in a secure and sturdy design.
The purpose of the cabinet is to be used for personal/home use and will most likely be in a bedroom or lounge room, putting achievements into this display cabinet
Textiles and Design
AnkitaArun Cosmic
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ArianeDaniel Prom2000
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TaylaHusnu DeadAngel
The focus area for my Major Textiles Project (MTP) is an apparel outfit consisting of a printed graphic, lace tank top, decorated bellbottom jeans with a wide denim belt, a studded pleather belt and a lined crochet bag with the intended end use being everyday streetwear. The apparel outfit is primarily inspired by the controversial Bratz dolls, specifically ‘Bratz Rock Angelz’ use of decorated flared bellbottoms and a printed top These are embellished by creative techniques like embroidery, printed designs, studs, etc. These aesthetic elements contribute to a feminine and grunge/punk rock connotation that appeals to the nostalgia surrounding Bratz dolls in the 2000s. These subculture connotations allow the wearer to identify and express ideological beliefs surrounding female empowerment through the pink design elements and anti-establishment, through the embellished studs and distressed denim. This allows a unique and individual look due to the handmade value of the crochet bag with Japanese inspired sashiko-boro pockets and hand embroidery on the back pant pockets. The hand-made aspects of the crochet bag and hand-embroidered pockets communicate a value for environmental sustainability that opposes mass production of fast fashion brands, contributing to the antiestablishment ideological value.
NatashaJones Mal&Evie
ecific focus by Disney’s features an th multiple emline. The eaturing a neckline that smoothly into contrasting spiked edges. corative Lace appliqué and tched quilting add an on-theme pect to the bodice in addition to shment of the gold beading. To t the dress, the final design s a pair of edgy yet elegant loves manufactured from highther material The motif of lace xtends to the gloves, and the ading creates an elevated finished e design is inspired by the Disney s films, specifically a blend of the two central female protagonists Evie and Mal The costume is r cosplayers passionate about both characters, Mal and Evie, usly Evie’s chic blend of regal d modern edge, inspired by The and present through rich blue rious fabrics, royal motifs and uming, is majorly reflected in the n. The design also incorporates Mal’s style, which is heavily by the villain Maleficent and is d as being edgy and rebellious, nine and vaguely regal touch. Her es a darker colour palette of d black, punk-inspired elements leather fabrics, asymmetry, abrics, and bold zips. Conversely, softness, elegance and royalty of ming is evident through the lace atin fabrics and gathered a-line Cosplay costuming serves the bringing beloved characters to life ments that are highly accurate to c of the original costume or a nterpretation A costume must be comfortable and durable as ed within my design through its uick and effortless changes
JoanneLee RenaissanceReverie
My Major Textiles Project focuses on bridal apparel inspired by the Greek Goddess Psyche featuring a dress and headpiece of non-traditional fashion. Constructed with satin and organza for high quality, the end use is to be worn by a bride. My three design inspirations will be communicated through fabric manipulation and decoration techniques representative of each. My cultural influence, the Greek mythology of Psyche and Cupid, will be conveyed through butterfly motifs and colours inspired by William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s paintings. The historical influence of floriography will be displayed through 3D applique and beading to recreate floral elements, and flounces reminiscent of flower silhouettes. My contemporary influence will be communicated through embroidery, beading and lacing to reproduce intricate patterns similar to the aesthetic of the gowns in The Atelier’s “Luminous Reverie” collection.
KateLuker CoatofManyColours
My MTP is an heirloom piece which celebrates the famous musician, Dolly Parton. This item will be inspired specifically by her song, ‘Coat of Many Colours’ as it will be a colourful, patchwork coat which is depicted in this song. Along with this, motifs and symbols from the rest of her discography - like musical notes, butterflies, guitars - will be seen throughout the coat using innovative and creative aspects such as hand embroidery and beading. Through this, audiences will be able to decipher the symbols to recognise different songs from her entire career. Dolly Parton is my chosen topic because my love for her music was passed down to me by my mother. This project serves as a tribute not only to Dolly but also to the woman who raised me. Just as my mother passed down her appreciation for Dolly’s music, I hope this textile piece will become a cherished heirloom, passed down to future generations of women in my family. The intention of this project is not just to create a garment but to craft an art piece that captures Dolly Parton’s impact on the music industry and her role as a trailblazer for women. The coat will serve as a visual celebration of her achievements and her influence as a feminist icon This statement piece is designed to transcend fashion, becoming a cultural artefact. It will stand as a tribute to Dolly Parton’s unparalleled career, her advocacy for women, and the universal messages of love that resonate in her music.
PrestonSchwebel FaeryAlt
My design fits into the category of costuming, and is most likely not suitable for everyday casual wear. Its purpose is to be worn at a renaissance fair as a more natural and fantastical take on classic faery mythology My outfit incorporates different methods of wear, such as the skirt featuring an elastic waistband, the top sporting a single strap for support and the hat being built around a cushioned, custom fitted space for the head
My outfit aims to symbolise more natural faery imagery, focusing on the idea of the fae being connected to mushrooms and toadstools through fairy rings. I link a more modern feminine dress design to the old world fantastical tales of the mediaeval era.
Visual Arts
ArianeDaniel TheOcean’sLastStory
“The Ocean’s Last Story” is a mixed media work that explores the fragile and fading beauty of ocean life My artistic intention was to communicate the emotional impact of seeing marine ecosystems pushed toward extinction due to human activity Through this work, I aim to make the viewer pause and reflect on how modern life is changing the natural world and how we may be witnessing the ocean’s final chapter. The conceptual practice of this work focuses on the idea that the ocean, once full of life and wonder, is now under threat. I wanted to contrast beauty with loss, showing vibrant colours, shapes, and textures that represent coral, sea life, and movement, while also hinting at their disappearance. This sense of vanishing beauty is central to my message. My material practice includes the use of acrylic paint, sculpture elements, and installation components. I chose paint to capture the fluidity and colour of the ocean, and sculptural forms to give the piece a physical, immersive presence The installation aspect allows the viewer to feel surrounded by the work, much like standing inside the ocean itself, but with parts missing, broken, or fading Overall, this work invites the audience to see what we still have, and what we are close to losing It is a visual reminder that unless change happens soon, the ocean’s story may come to an end
AlahraMaroun BoundInnocence
My BOW “Bound Innocence" explores the often unseen and silenced experience of domestic violence against women. The series includes a range of forms and materials, charcoal drawings of torsos, hand-built clay sculptures, and resin castings, all of which work together to convey vulnerability, pain, and resilience. The use of charcoal allowed me to create raw, expressive depictions of the female body, stripped back to reveal emotional fragility. These works are intentionally incomplete or fragmented, symbolising the disempowerment and erasure of identity that often occurs in violent domestic environments. Moving into three-dimensional form, I used clay to create delicate yet grounded sculptural figures that appear both strong and damaged Resin was chosen for its contrast with its smooth, glassy surface concealing internal cracks and distortion to suggest how domestic violence is often hidden beneath the surface of everyday life My material practice involved careful experimentation with texture, weight, and form to reflect the emotional complexities of these experiences. Conceptually, this work focuses on making the invisible visible. Domestic violence is frequently ignored or minimised by society, yet its impact is profound and far-reaching. By placing the viewer in close proximity to these silent figures, I hope to create space for reflection, recognition, and deeper understanding. This series is not about shock, but about humanising the issue offering a sensitive, multilayered perspective that encourages empathy and awareness.
LiamCapco Liam’sKlippelmonChronicles
“Liam’s Klippelmon Chronicles” is a mixed media work that investigates the contrasting effects of divergent artistic styles and materials. My artistic intention is to evoke contemplation on the emotional and psychological tensions that arise when disparate mediums intersect and challenge conventional perceptions of “art.” Through this piece, I invite the viewer to reconsider creativity as a profound manifestation of human ingenuity and skill. The conceptual practice underpinning this work centers on the expansive potential of the human mind in conceiving and constructing art objects and sculptures. Drawing inspiration from the duality inherent in a chess set ,black versus white, I designed the work to reflect two opposing elements: hand-sculpted figurines alongside industrial metallic objects My material practice involved the use of clay to craft figurative characters from a video game I developed, Super Bubbles Fruit Shooter (August 2022), which serve as personal expressions of my psychological and creative processes Complementing these are assemblages of nuts, bolts, screws, and plastic components, inspired by the sculptural vocabulary of Robert Klippel, after whom the piece is partially named. Specifically, I was captivated by Klippel’s works No. 300 and No. 1037 - 1126, admiring their ability to transform discarded materials into complex, dynamic forms.
MayaShaw PlantationtoPlate
My artwork, “Plantation to Plate”, explores the troubling and often hidden realities behind the global consumption of the açaí berry. While celebrated worldwide for its rich flavour and health benefits, the berry’s harvest often carried out by children climbing dangerous trees reveals a darker story of exploitation, injury, and economic injustice. These vulnerable workers suffer under unsafe conditions, while middlemen profit from their labour, and consumers enjoy artificially sweetened products unaware of the berry’s troubling origins. Through this work, I confront the stark contrast between the glossy image of açaí as a superfood and the harsh truths of its supply chain. The berry’s commercial success masks the ongoing exploitation of local communities and the continuation of labor abuses reminiscent of colonial oppression My art exposes this disconnection, challenging viewers to reconsider the ethical implications of their consumption habits By pairing the vibrant, alluring qualities of the açaí berry with visual elements referencing the risks and injustices faced by those who harvest it, “Plantation to Plate” urges reflection on the hidden costs behind everyday products and calls for greater awareness and responsibility in the global food industry.
TaylorSultana HomeisWheretheHeartIs
“Home is Where the Heart Is” explores the unique and profound bond between humans and their pets, a connection communicated not through words, but through shared emotion and presence. Inspired by my relationship with my dog, Bonnie, this body of work contrasts the pain of separation with the joy of reunion, capturing the emotional depth of this connection. Through painting and film, I sought to express the enduring comfort and emotional completeness that pets bring to our lives. My conceptual practice focuses on the unconditional nature of the human–animal relationship and its emotional significance. Using acrylic paint as my main material practice, I explored tone, scale, and composition across five canvases Works 1 and 5 feature small, central figures surrounded by dark backgrounds, symbolising isolation Artworks 2 and 4 depict the moment of reunion, where soft greys and white backgrounds, along with bursts of colour on the mouths, express returning joy Artwork 3 uses full colour and a filled frame to convey wholeness and shared love
The short film further develops the narrative through moving images, using a Canon camera and Final Cut Pro to bring the emotional story to life from a different perspective. This work invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with animals, and to recognise the pure, selfless love pets offer a love that often shapes us more deeply than we realise.
AlyssaGilardi ManufacturedMuse
“Manufactured Muse” is a collection of works that incorporates digital forms of art blended with physical aspects. My artistic intention was to explore the notion of conformity vs individuality within the female gender and the nuances surrounding these factors that are present in modern society. My aim through this work is to convey the message of conformity being a barrier towards freedom, growth and expression of a female's personal identity and to bring forth questions that allow the audience to look inwards and understand their character. I was inspired by the growing concern that society is becoming something of a mechanical force, almost robotic and lifeless. With the growing use of technology, I chose to explore conformity in a dystopian way, reflecting the true nature of its meaning. The symbolism of the conveyor belt, continuously and strategically placed within each work, is a representation of continuity of the manufactured fragments of each individual Additionally, the female figures being partially exposed and specifically coloured in black and white allude to fragility and lifelessness My material practice included the use of digital platforms to intricately craft each segment of each print, as well as the collages that portray each figure's identity, which are found through a QR code Then each section of the work is placed within a cardboard box adorned with fragile tape to emphasise the fragility of the work. These materials helped me to overall represent the concept behind the artwork. I was influenced by the work of Hilma Af Klint and Margaret Preston, as re-interpretations of their work are represented in the backgrounds of each of my artworks. As well as this, I was inspired by the otherworldly nature of Af Klint's work, as well as the traditionality reflected in Preston's work.
Annalise Christoffersen
AWorldApart(ment)
My artwork “A World Aaprt(ment)” is an interactive installation that interrogates the diversity and complexity of domestic life, revealing how individuals inhabiting the same physical environment can possess vastly divergent emotional and cultural realities Comprising six black wooden shadow boxes arranged in a 2x3 grid, each box portrays a distinct family unit, ranging from Indian to Italian and beyond, captured mid-meal in the intimate act of sharing culturally significant dinners. The deliberate inclusion of a pulled-out chair in each scene serves as an invitation for viewers to engage with these private moments, fostering connection without intrusion. Grounded in a conceptual practice that examines cultural identity, emotional fragmentation, and the singularity of domestic experience within communal living spaces, the work combines photography, meticulously hand-sculpted polymer clay representations of meals, watercolor textures, and intricately crafted small-scale 3D printed furnishings. These elements coalesce within three dimensional tableaux encased behind Perspex panels that audiences can physically open and explore Drawing inspiration from artists such as Do Ho Suh, alongside my own multicultural upbringing, this installation prompts contemplation of how proximate physical spaces often belie the profound emotional and cultural separations that exist within communities
ZahraDiab RootsofResistance
My collection of works titled “Roots of Resistance” delves into the complex and ongoing challenges faced by Palestine, including systemic oppression, limited access to resources, and the misuse of power. Rather than portraying these difficult realities through explicit imagery, I chose to explore the themes through symbolic representation, using the olive tree, the heart, and olives as central icons. These symbols are deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and history, representing resilience, peace, life, and a strong connection to the land. Through these motifs, my work conveys a message of endurance and hope amid adversity. My conceptual practice focuses on expressing the emotional and cultural significance of these symbols, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative on a personal and empathetic level. I aim to highlight the humanity behind the political conflict and encourage reflection on the ongoing struggle without resorting to graphic or confrontational imagery This approach respects the dignity of those affected while emphasising the power of symbolism to communicate profound meaning In terms of material practice, I incorporated timber and textiles to frame the pieces, adding texture and cultural resonance that connect the work to Palestinian craftsmanship and tradition I employed pointillism as my primary technique, creating images through small dots rather than traditional lines This method produces a layered, delicate texture that requires close observation and symbolises the fragmented and complex nature of the situation. Additionally, the integration of text within the works provides context and deepens the narrative, offering viewers a chance to engage more thoughtfully with the themes of identity, loss, and hope.
My collection is further enriched by a series of short video recordings that document everyday life in Palestine, bridging the past and present through a compelling visual narrative.
