Carving, Mosaic and Ceramic Tile Art
We have just recently completed a carving, mosaic and some ceramic tile art. All three projects not only beautify the school they also tell a story and have brought the community together.
I have been speaking to Caine Tauwhare (parent and carver) for some time about designing a poe or carving for the school. At the start of this year the timing seemed right. For our topic we were looking at Culture and how it is passed on, through dance, food, language, art and carving.
I went to our senior students and asked them what they wanted it to represent. They came up with a large list that included welcoming, excellence, perseverance, sporting and academic to name a few.
I then took this list to Caine and was thrilled with the concept that he came up with. Cane came up with this stunning carving of the Kawau or spotted shag. The smaller part of the carving at the front represents the outstretched neck and head of the shag. The larger piece of the carving represents the wing. Caine chose the Kawau or spotted shag because it is a local bird that lives in the harbour. As the shag stretches its neck and wings in preparation for flight so do we as a school and community prepare our children and students for their future. The Kawau are strong flyers and are not distracted from their purpose. They are also very protective of their young.
I would like to thank Caine and the young gentlemen from the carving centre so much for the stunning Kawau that takes pride of place at the front of the school.
The amazing mosaic designed by Megan Collings is something that has really brought the community together and that we are thrilled with. The design is very clever as it incorporates our school logo and features from our local environment. A special mention must be made of Pam Jacomb who put immense effort into ensuring all students designed and made their own mosaic within the larger mosaic.
There is a large list of parents who have assisted on this project, with the cutting of or placing of tiles. Thank you to every one of you. There are a couple of mums who do deserve a special mention. Lucy Ozanne (Ngaio and Islay’s mum) and Anne Tucker (Middi’s mum).
Megan Collings often worked tirelessly in freezing conditions with hotties stuffed up her jumper. Megan thank you for your persistence, patience and for the amazing final product.
Our students are so lucky to have two permanent pieces of art work etched into Lyttelton West history. The first being the mosaic, the second being the very cool ceramic tiles by the junior water fountains.
These tiles were the inspiration of Claire Coates. Each child designed and painted their own tile with the assistance of both Claire and Pam Jacomb.
The theme was once again to fit in with our term one topic of culture. Each tile represents something to do with Lyttelton West or Kiwi culture.
Claire and her partner Ben Warren have donated an enormous amount of time and resources towards this project. Ben waterblasted and painted the wall.
Thank you so much to our amazing staff, students, parents and community for your ongoing input and support.
