The underlying philosophy of Studio Arts is the development of an independent and individual studio practice in which the students devise, experiment, reflect, refine and resolve their art ideas through whatever materials and techniques best communicate their intentions.

Therefore, when Learning@Home becomes ‘Learning on a remote island in Tasmania’, Unit 1 Studio Arts student Clementine (Cece) Newton-Brown looked to her environment to continue to explore the devastation of the recent bushfires. No longer able to access the Wiltondale digital printer, MS Teams conversations re-explored the underlying concepts of her Unit and Cece headed into the native bush around her farm.

As a result, glowing impasto paint licks the found branches suggesting imminent flare up of a fire. The readymade nature of the sticks create immediacy and ignites a recognition of one’s own experiences with fire.

To resolve an art idea, looking to artists can be beneficial and through a shared Onenote, it was suggested:

‘Look at Julie Gough- https://juliegough.net/artwork-about-unresolved-histories/

I found your sticks reminded me of Chase 2011 which is quite a long way down the website. Have you got a shed? Can you hang them safely???? There is a lot of potential in this idea. Remind yourself what it is you are trying to express and, in my view, using real burnt sticks and real ash is poignant.’

As a result, Cece independently refined and resolved her idea; collecting, burning, drilling, painting and hanging her wood pieces. (with Dad ensuring safety). The artwork is poignant and powerful, a testament to Cece’s engagement and excitement in her pursuit to resolve her visual language. The quality of this artwork is also a timely reminder that learning happens anywhere and at any time, in bedrooms, living rooms and even on remote islands.