Hilary Senhali
Published: 2015-06-30
Total Pages:
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In 2014, the Australian Government was investing into creativity and innovation as part of a growth strategy. Critical & creative thinking ranked 4th in the Australian Curriculum after Literacy, Numeracy and ICT, across all subjects. In the Arts, it made explicit references to how to achieve this with the use of visual journals. In a way, this represented a sea change in the way creativity was being taught. But by what means? Where would teachers get practical help to make this happen?The Visual Diary Guides provide just this kind of help. Produced by an artist-teacher, in two integrated parts they address both students and teachers while aligning with the Australian Curriculum.They begin by identifying 'inspiration' as the fuel for the creative activity. But it is hard to store inspiration for later use. And even harder to make it fun!The books argue that the 'storage' is that ordinary art journal, the Visual Diary, which in the present classroom setting is often wasted as a portfolio. Its explosive creative potential is there to be unlocked. The books set out to do that in the classroom. Contrary to common belief, a structured approach with limits and boundaries is required for creativity to truly flourish.The Visual Diary becomes a students' personal treasure-trove much like an ordinary diary. The main premise of these books is that everyone has an artist in them and a trustworthy guide is needed to locate it.The Visual Diary Guide - Student Work book is written for students in accessible language. Through more than 40 specially designed activities, students find and capture inspiration and ideas that personally resonate for them. It opens the door for students to explore the visual culture they are immersed in, making it accessible in the art room for refinement, analysis and development as a supplement to the art room program.
