Jacob Williams was entranced the first time he saw the young boy with a tattered army helmet, tribal necklaces and frightened eyes. For Amanda Guardiani it was the pale skin and emotion captured in the photograph of a young boy holding a guitar. Every student involved with Yarra Valley Grammar’s Mindscape exhibition at Box Hill Town Hall has a similar story about how they were drawn to their subject. Sara Valentino, the school’s head of art and design, said year 11 and 12 Certificate IV in Design students were given eight weeks to find an inspiring photo and recreate it in their choice of medium. The result is about 60 works from 24 students, ranging from grey lead and life drawings to painting, print making and graphic design.

‘‘They are encouraged to explore and look at ways they can create three-dimensional work through using different media,’’ Ms Valentino said. ‘‘It involves them thinking outside the square a little bit.’’ Williams, 18, from Croydon Hills, said he worked extremely hard on one of his portraits, Child Soldier. ‘‘I wanted to do something interesting and different and it was the necklace and shells that first captured my attention,’’ Williams said. ‘‘The interesting thing about it is the eyes capture the reflection with water at the bottom as if he is scared.’’ Guardiani, 17, said she ‘‘took ages’’ to find the subject for her work, Boy with his Guitar. ‘‘I wanted something to evoke emotion, something a little bit different,’’ Guardiani said. ‘‘I initially started with the guitar strum on the hand. The skin was really pale so it was hard to get flesh tones. ‘‘It drew me in. The main feature would definitely be the eyes.’’

Mindscape is on Tuesdays-Fridays at Box Hill Town Hall’s Whitehorse Art Space until August 21.
More details: 9262 7700.

Shaun Campbell – Author
Jason Edwards – Photographer
Maroondah Leader – Monday 10 August

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