Masks Around the World

During Cedar Lodge School's after school art program, we are investigating masks from around the world. 

The group investigated African masks first. There are so many different styles across the continent! We draped clay over small pots to give a 3D shape. Some are wide and round, others are long and thin. Pupils then added features such as eyes, noses, mouths and other surface details. Colourful acrylic paint brings them to life!

The pupil's also looked at Balinese Masks. These are still being carved from wood today in Bali and are used in theatre performances. The facial features are exaggerated to get as much expression as possible. Pupil's made their own inspired Balinese masks from coloured paper. 

Indian Elephant Design

A fun and simple workshop which allows pupils to investigate Indian festival traditions and elephant decoration. Pupils get crafty with sequins, glitter foam, coloured paper and sparkly gems! 

Cinemagic's Film Festival 2011 Arts Program

Cinemagic run a film festival every year and a short arts program was introduced for the first time in 2011. I visited Botanic Primary School to deliver a story and book making workshop. 

The Primary 6 and 7 classes worked collaboratively to create a unique story using a canoe as our starting point. 

They used chalk pastels on a long scroll of paper to draw each step of the story as it evolved. Everyone got a chance to share ideas, draw and listen to others.   

 Their final story 

The next step was to make individual story books. The story had four clear sections so their books had four pages.  

Springboard's Wider Horizons Programme

A group of 21 young people aged 18 to 25 have been chosen for Springboard's Wider Horizon's Programme.

The group are working towards a work placement in Belgium. Part of their training before is to learn about global cultures. I introduced the group to festivals in Northern Ireland Belgium and India. 

This week we focused on the Indian Festival of Lights called Diwali. 

They represented each part of the Diwali story by monoprinting onto cotton. A wonderful monoprinted storyboard was created. 

The participants paint onto acetate and use their drawing underneath as a guide. 

Once their painting onto acetate is complete, they press it onto the cotton. 

Gently press the painting and make sure all areas transfer evenly. 

And you can see it has printed perfectly!

The final monoprint onto cotton, telling the story of Diwali.

And a close-up of each part. 

Christmas Time Fun!

Over the Christmas period I have been delivering themed workshops to the parent and community group in Elmgrove Primary School, Cedar Lodge Youth Club and the Over 50's group in Enler Community Centre.

They have made fantastic screenprinted cards, stamped gift boxes and felt tree decorations. 

Diwali Festival of Lights: Mini Stage Sets

This month, I have been working in community centres across Northern Ireland spreading the word about Diwali Festival this October in Belfast. 

Diwali (meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’) is a Hindu tradition that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance and celebrates the Indian New Year. 

Colin Community Centre and Laurelhill Community Centre created mini stage sets which described the story of Diwali. 

The story describes a legendary king Lord Rama, who was exiled for 14 years in the forest by his father Dashratha. His wife Sita, accompanies him.

During this time in the forest Sita was kidnapped by a ten headed demon. 

Lord Rama fought with the demon and his armies and won the battle. 

After 14 years of exile over, Lord Rama came back to his kingdom. 

The people welcomed their king with light using clay lamps/ diyas/oil lamps and fireworks. 

This is the celebration of Good (Rama) over Evil (Ravana) and return of King Rama to Ayodhya.