"Memory Place "
- The Memory Place project was an extensive "Creative Learning Partnerships" project funded through Arts Victoria - which saw Artist Michelle Shearer working at the Merri River special needs school in Warrnambool for 20 days spread across 2 semesters from July to October 2023.
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- The project explored concepts of public art, place and memory and was designed as a legacy project by the senior group of year 12 students who would be leaving the school at the end of the school year.
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- Michelle guided this group of young artists through concept development, planning, school approval process and then final construction of the "Cosy & Story" Sculptural installation - as a permanent legacy in the school grounds.
- The platypus motif was selected because it reflected on the school emblem that had been an important image throughout their school lives. The Cosy Chair - represents a large female platypus who is curled around creating a cosy and protective place to sit. This concept was a reflection on how students often seek out a place of shelter to either curl up alone or sit with one other person at times when they are feeling vulnerable or contemplative. The little platypus at the front is called Story - the young platypus represents the past and the future - and will have a scanable QR code linking back to a video documentary of the project and the students who created it. The students also prressed images of their own hands into the back of the Cosy seat - for future students to connect with the makers of the past.
- This was a beautiful project - evolving through exploration of ideas and materials and is a true legacy of this team of amazing young people.