This theme focuses on being in specific locations at Bundanon, responding to diversity in ecologies, plant communities and landforms. Personal responses to place encourage connection to broader ecological thinking. There are two options within this theme for day or short residential visits Ecologies of Place and In the Field.
Biophilia: Ecologies of Place
Participants will be introduced to Bundanon’s diverse species and plant communities. It is a place of changing ecologies, from First Nations care of Country, through to colonial disruption and contemporary rehabilitation and regeneration. Participants understand what an ecology is and their significance and connection to the world around us.
Activities for Biophilia: Ecologies of Place
Looking at Landscape (1 hour)
Participants will explore artworks that examine interpretations of landscape, visiting Arthur Boyd’s Studio, Travelling Colony by Brook Andrew, and Treelines Track by Janet Laurence.
Place as Action (2 hours)
Participants are introduced to threatened ecological communities at Bundanon and ongoing care of country. Participants discuss art as a social act and plant tube stock at the bush regeneration site. Before planting, participants make a series of detailed pen drawings of the tube stock.
Microscapes (3 hours)
Participants explore areas of intersection between the built, natural and endemic environments to focus on the minuscule and micro. Participants zoom in to microstructures in leaves, flowers, grasses and other found objects around the landscape and discuss the ecologies, understanding the difference between introduced and native plant species. An assemblage of natural objects forms a starting point for a detailed pencil and pen drawing and gouache painting.
Mosaic Landscape (3 hours)
Participants immerse themselves in the rainforest and bushland around the creek and observe the environment, recording aural and visual responses. Through exploration of the creek, participants learn about the Stuttering Frog project and the importance of amphibians to ecology. Development of an artwork occurs through linked and overlapped detailed pen drawings, using a range of viewpoints. This activity includes various drawing techniques as well as experimentation with mixed media collage, incorporating textural rubbings together with ink and wash.
Two-night program includes:
9 hours of connected learning activities led by Bundanon’s specialist team:
- Looking at Landscape
- Place as Action
- Microscapes
- Mosaic Landscape
All art materials for each of the above activities.
All activities tailored to the stage required.
Day one activities take place at the homestead site.
Time for students to connect and undertake continuous learning.
Learning in spaces designed to connect with the natural world.
Contemporary accommodation with linen and towel provided.
Healthy and fresh onsite catering from afternoon tea on day one through to lunch on day three
Two nights provides opportunities to undertake:
- Bundanon’s optional extension activities, see below.
- Time for a deep dive into your own constructed learning experience.
- An exploration of a 30 minute self-guided walk through the Art Museum during your own program session times.
Cost from $400 per person
One-night program includes:
6 hours of connected learning activities led by Bundanon’s specialist team:
- Looking at Landscape
- Place as Action
- Mosaic Landscape
All art materials for each of the above activities.
All activities tailored to the stage required.
Day one activities take place at the homestead site.
Time for students to connect and undertake continuous learning.
Learning in spaces designed to connect with the natural world.
Contemporary accommodation with linen and towel provided.
Healthy and fresh onsite catering from afternoon tea on day one through to lunch on day two
One night provides opportunities to undertake:
- Bundanon’s optional extension activities, see below.
- An exploration of a 30 minute self-guided walk through the Art Museum during your own program session times.
Cost from $210 per person
Day visit program includes:
3 hours of connected learning activities led by Bundanon’s specialist team:
- Looking at Landscape
- Place as Action
All art materials for each of the above activities.
All activities tailored to the stage required.
Activities take place at the Homestead site.
Time for students to connect and undertake a day of continuous learning.
Cost from $25 per person
Extension activities for Ecologies of Place
Designed to deepen the exploration into the theme and completed in the groups own time.
Place as Action: group discussion ‘are we stealing the natural world from the next generation by attempting to restore the native landscape or do we need to rethink what nature could be?’
Ecologies of Place: participants find a place for contemplation and spend some quiet time reflecting. Participants contemplate why they selected this place. Participants use all their senses to connect to the place. Sketches, writing and recordings will document the experience.
Microscapes: participants make colour photocopies of the assemblages from Microscapes. These are used to create a new collage work. Participants are encouraged to share their photocopies with other participants.
