Artist in Residence Karrinyup Primary School 2014

The bird murals which dominate the front office entrance are an indicator to the privy of being surrounded by such birdlife which occupies the campus. Kookaburras are often heard cackling around the school grounds, while the galahs love to occupy the stalk remains of the ghost gum tree located in the staff car park. Though Lorikeets are not native to W.A. they certainly have made their presence felt in the school grounds.

The theme of our native birdlife from the front entrance of the school carry through to the centre of the school where bird murals have been painted in previous years. Tall timbers inhabit our local school which encourages all kinds of birdlife. These birds play an important role in our natural habitat. Karrinyup Primary School is very fortunate to have such space and stunning surrounds where the students have access to the sounds and sights of local birdlife in abundance, which is also emulated in pictorial form.

The theme for this particular mural was “Creek Beds”. After much discussion, the year four students created art works to depict a typical Australian creek bed around their own personal experiences or what they believe would be common to see at a Australian creek bed. Drawings were collected, selected and collaged to make the final drawing which was then painted onto the wall. Every year four student contributed. The artwork adorns the wall outside their classroom and generates lots of discussion throughout the school community.