[B]raithwaite school children took part in an end of year celebration with a difference this week. They climbed high above their school onto the slopes of Barrow to create a huge piece of contemporary art. Artist Claire Grant lead the party on the unusual outing aimed to get children thinking about art in a different way.
Claire Grant said: “I want to push the boundaries of art taught at primary school level and give these young pupils a chance to explore art using a wide range of different media.”
Braithwaite school children have already been given the opportunity this year to explore Mono Printing, felt making, graphite work and transfer printing with the artist, so jumped at the chance to explore art in the outdoors on a large scale. Using several white sheets and a large quantity of black socks they worked as a team to create a huge Dove on the grassy slopes of Barrow.
Local landscape and wedding photographer Rob Grange supported the event by taking a range of photos and a short time lapse film with his drone. This offered the height needed to capture some wonderful shots from above.
Year 5 pupil Toby Carey said: “It was really cool making the dove and seeing the drone fly over and seeing all of the views. The dove was the best part.”
Year 3 pupil Millie McQueen added: “I liked learning about Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, I want to see it now. It was a long trek up Barrow but it was fun to make the dove using socks and tights.”
Claire Grant spoke to the children about the work of artists who transform ordinary and mundane matter into artworks: “We can use anything to create art as we have shown here today.
“Contemporary art is about using concepts and materials that challenge traditional boundaries and grab people’s attention, making them want to look further.
“The children transformed everyday items found within our home into this beautiful dove and I am delighted by the result. We had a lot of fun!”
