Aboriginal inspired art

One of the books we are enjoying this term is Playground compiled by Nadia Wheatley. 

We use the bush as our school and as our playground, says one of the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose voices combine in this anthology of true stories about childhood, compiled from a wide range of memoirs and oral histories.

Alongside reminiscences of getting bush tucker, going fishing and taking part in ceremony, there are descriptions of playing games, building cubbies and having fun. The warmth of home, the love of family and the strength of community shine through every story. Freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility, while respect and sharing are constant themes.

The eighty Elders - both past and present - who have contributed their words or artwork to this book include many prominent community leaders, educators and artists. Their life-stories span the twentieth century.

 Last week's reading inspired us to do some Aboriginal-inspired painting.

We chose natural card stock and a simplified colour palette. 

My efforts. I was a little fixated with using the end of the brush dot-painting style.

The boys also worked on this Aboriginal art jigsaw puzzle. It's called 'Snake Dreaming' and is by Linda Smith from the Eastern Aranda Tribe.