Arriving at the banks of the Shoalhaven River , our half-day journey soon fell away as we soaked in the view that is Bundanon . Vast rolling lawns , endless trees , cockatoos squawking and reflections on the water greeted us .
On arrival , our group of 15 VCE Art Making and Exhibiting students were asked to consider Arthur Boyd ’ s philosophy that a landscape cannot be owned . This is a conviction he shared with his wife , Yvonne , so deeply that it motivated their legacy : a significant gift of land with a substantial art collection to the Australian public .
The Boyds ’ wildlife sanctuary now features renowned architectural accommodation that welcomed our students to stay , learn and contemplate an appreciation of the landscape in relation to art .
Throughout our three-day immersive art-making experience , students painted en plein air by day and were cocooned at night in the Glen Murcott award-winning architectural Boyd Education Centre . The ever-changing mist moving over the river became a constant inspiration for painting , albeit at times a frustration . No sooner could its arrival on the river be painted , before it was once again drifting through trees , joining the clouds or turning into fine rain .
Students grew their knowledge using an inquiry-based learning framework , guided by a diversity of artists and educators as they participated in workshops and guided discussions . Materials and techniques were explored and developed , resulting in new understandings of how artworks can be made , opening possibilities for the future .
The boys also viewed and analysed the art exhibition Siteworks 2022 : From a Deep Valley at the Bundanon Art Gallery . Considering how these contemporary artworks – which offered visual responses to climate research – were displayed and curated , encouraged students to broaden and deepen their ideas and thinking around their own creative practice . The critical and creative thinking opportunities provided throughout the trip provided a unique and inspirational introduction to VCE Art Making and Exhibiting .
Here are three boys ’ reflections on the camp :
‘ The camp was relaxing . It can bring you out of the school environment and modern-day life to a beautiful , chill , natural site where artwork can be produced peacefully .’ ALEX ZHENG – YEAR 11
‘ Our trip to Bundanon consisted of a flight to Sydney and a two-night stay at Bundanon ’ s accommodation . Our experience also included multiple different workshops that ranged from Aboriginal / Indigenous art to painting with ink on the sand of the beach . It was great fun with the class and was a great experience .’ ARCHIE WOODS – YEAR 11
‘ The trip to Bundanon was no doubt a highlight during my years at Scotch College . I was able to explore art-making with like-minded peers , create art using brand-new perspectives , as well as develop fond memories . My favorite part of the trip was doing an Indigenous dance with the whole group in the darkness beneath showers of rain – a truly magical moment .’ ROBERT YIN – YEAR 12
Bundanon acknowledges the people of the Dharawal and Durgha language groups as the traditional owners of the land within their boundaries .
EMMA MCCOWAN – VISUAL ARTS TEACHER
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 51