Senior Art Camp New Norcia 2008 It was in Term 2 of this year that the long-awaited and much anticipated Year 12 Art Camp was scheduled. Mrs Drazevic had planned every detail of our three day Art trip to the small monastic town of New Norcia meticulously. This annual trip should never be mistaken for ‘just another chance to skip school’ as it was more accurately a gruelling, concentrated, creative work camp! Arriving at the old Nun’s Lodge, where we were to stay at night, our class of all girls got straight to work taking photos of the surrounding landscape for future folio references. We particularly looked at the symbolism one can create, like the artists de Cherico and Charles Blackman; using shadows and also got into painting with acrylics and inks. After a hearty dinner on the first night, we also had the opportunity to speak with one of New Norcia’s Monks about the monastery’s unique history and monastic life. That evening we ended our first exciting day with a great devotion with Mrs. Drazevic and ‘attempted’ to roast marshmallows in the lounge room fireplace. Day Two was an early rise to the sound of a clanging pan and spoon being pounded on by the energetic and excited Mrs Drazevic who enjoyed every minute of waking us up so enthusiastically. We quickly put on every piece of clothing we had packed to brave the ‘crisp’ morning air and country serenity, just long enough to paint the sunrise French Impressionist Monet style in oils. Our hearty breakfast only came after we had finished no less than two paintings; although watching the beautiful sunrise over the rolling hills was well worth it! We painted the Spanish inspired architecture and the surrounding natural and rural landscapes in different visual styles for the remainder of our busy second day, until after lunch when we all visited New Norcia’s Museum and Art Gallery, which was conveniently located in our backyard. We viewed an amazing array of traditional and contemporary portraiture and landscape works which served as great inspiration for our own studio paintings and folio studies. After a well-deserved break we finished up our en-plein air studies for the day in the soft evening light, before having to dart out of an unexpected cold rain shower for the wonderful hot showers. After another delicious dinner in the private dining hall, we had a great devotion with Mrs Veloso. Little did we know that she was in cahoots with Mrs Drazevic, who had secretly ordered her to stall us for as long as possible so that she could finish the final preparations for her surprise night of ‘Death by Chocolate.’ I think all the girls will agree that the massive chocolate fondue fountain was one of the highlights of the camp and just maybe the reason for our major sugar high which resulted ten minutes later! Needless to say none of us slept for long that night and a great fun was had by all into the late hours. We were all used to an early morning start by the third day and we readied ourselves for our attendance at ‘Vespers’ with the Monks which was a unique Christian experience. The rest of our very last day was spent making final sketches and studies from unusual perspectives and developing our tea towel-whipping skills at lunchtime, just one of the many fun past-times we shared during our time away. After a quick clean up we headed out of the memorable town for a luxury coach ride home (which was filled to over flowing with new Yr 12 artworks), where upon arrival we managed to mumble just a few exhausted words to our loved ones, before collapsing into our own beds for a very long, a hard-earned sleep. Although not all was just fun and games, as Art Camp had plenty of special highlights and creative Art experiences which we will always cherish. The memories we made and the new special friendships we developed with one another will always be with us. A big thank you goes out to our Art Teacher Mrs Drazevic and to Mrs Veloso, who worked so very hard to make it such fun and so very beneficial for every one of us! Caitlin Choveaux Yr 12 TEE Art Student 2008 College Captain