Bellbrae students add Surf Coast to silo art stop

BELLBRAE Primary School students have added their school to a famous regional Victorian art trail after painting dozens of mini silos that will be placed around the school.

Working with local artist Geoffrey Carran, who is renowned for large scale paintings that typically feature native motifs, Grade 2 students spent months inspecting the neighbourhood to gather inspiration for their works on half 44 gallon drums.

“We went out with Wildlife Exposure and did a biodiversity survey, did a walk around and got motivated and inspired by what they could find in their backyard,” Mr Carran said.

“We started drawing and looking at the species in more detail and then how to apply them on to the drums.”

Teacher Luke O’Meara said the project was 12 months in the making and originally devised to engage students in their local environment when many were stuck at home during COVID.

“Parents and teachers thought it would be great to make the most of getting outside and learning in the environment when we could get back to school…we applied for a grant with Creative Victoria and were lucky enough to receive that grant,” he said.

“Students have engaged in activities with Possum Pete from GORCAPA (Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority), where they looked at nature through the magnifying glass, we have consulted with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to deepen our understanding of custodianship and connection to land.”

The result is a colourful and informed array of mini silos depicting Surf Coast flora and fauna that will be used as planter boxes containing indigenous plantings at the school.

Mr O’Meara is also hopeful they’ll first make a public debut around Torquay as part of a temporary exhibition he’s in talks with the Surf Coast Shire Council about.

Geoffrey Carran said he was so inspired by the way in which the 65 students approached the project and worked together that it’s changed his studio practice.

“They were so brave and fearless with their approach to painting it, you give them a subject matter and they just do it…I was like wow, I’ve got to tap into that,” he said.

“I’m looking at the end result and the way the kids are still interacting and have taken ownership of their artworks, not to mention the artworks themselves are so fresh and there’s just so much detail and a wealth of mark making, as an artist it’s really inspiring.”