Monday, October 1, 2012

Water Creatures of the Obi Obi River

As part of the art4place 'Creative Spaces' project, Cathy Lawley spent many hours with children at the local library, creating clay platypi and water dragons which she raku fired and installed in the display cabinets. See Barry's posts for photos of the 'making' stage on the library lawn.

The workshop celebrated the special creatures that live in the Obi Obi Creek in Maleny. Platypi and Water Dragons feature along the creek and children had the opportunity to explore where they live, be inspired by nature and re-create the animals in clay. By focusing on the creatures that actually live in this place (and not just native animals in general) and by learning about their habits and how they live, children became more aware of their environment and the special habitats and creatures around them.

Cathy took the children to the creek where they saw water dragons and a couple of the boys camped out near the creek and actually saw a platypus on dusk that evening - a very special outcome!!

The following photos show some of the processes...

...platypii ready for glazing...
...glazing in the library...
...water dragons raku fired...
...platypii in the display case.

Wonderful fun for all involved.

2 comments:

  1. Noela - thanks heaps for a great overview of the Water Dragons and Platypi in the Maleny Library display case. Love the close up photos of the Water Dragons.
    Cathy - such a wonderful outcome - the Water Dragon raku colours are delightful. Well done to you, the Library team and of course the children. Barry

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  2. Absolutely outstanding results Cathy! What amazing pieces those children created - they must be busting with pride!

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