General News
7 December, 2022
Acclaimed artist leaving a lasting mark
MORTLAKE College students have begun painting a new school mural in collaboration with acclaimed artist Jimmi Buscombe.
MORTLAKE College students have begun painting a new school mural in collaboration with acclaimed artist Jimmi Buscombe.
The concept for the mural was to provide students with a flair for art an opportunity to, quite literally, make their mark on the school.
Mr Buscombe, having painted a mural at Mortlake College in October last year, said he jumped at the opportunity to return to Mortlake.
He did admit, however, some reservations in handing over the brush to students.
“Sean (Fitzpatrick, principal) approached me about doing another project, but this time involving students,” Mr Buscombe said.
“It’s something I’ve never done before and that was a little frightening.
“When Sean first suggested the students contribute I was hesitant but we talked through it, and he was quite persistent, but it’s just worked beautifully.
“It’s shown me this kind of project can be accomplished because I’m honestly shocked at how good the students are - I haven’t touched some of the birds, yet the results are so detailed.”
The process of bringing the mural together began with seeking expressions of interest from students.
Eight students were elected to work on the mural after submitting a portfolio and answering questions as to why they wanted to be part of it.
All eight students then joined Mr Buscombe and Mr Fitzpatrick to form a focus group and discuss the mural’s design; ultimately settling on flora and fauna local to the area.
“The design was put together taking in to account all the different year levels,” Mr Buscombe said.
“We have students from year two through to eight so we have some silhouette designs which give the younger students the chance to make an equal contribution, through to the high-detail birds for students more practiced.
“We wanted something which would suit everyone.”
Mr Fitzpatrick said he could not be happier with the quality of work the students were producing.
“It’s all about opportunity and these kids have shown their cards in terms of what they’re interested in,” he said.
“Having a well-recognised, qualified and engaging artist like Jimmi gives students a great opportunity to see what it means to be an artist.
“This will be their legacy; they’ll have an opportunity to come back over the years and think I created that, I was part of it.
“Those are the moments that live with young people throughout their lives.”
