Annie Lai

Balcatta Senior High School

Year 11

Wooden Board, wood burning tool, watercolour pencils, gouache and stencils

60cm round Board

This artwork was created using a combination of media that were unfamiliar to me, including a wooden board, woodburning tools, watercolour pencils and stencils with gouache. Exploring these materials challenged me to develop new techniques while creating texture, depth and detail. Using the stencils to create a layering effect, building up visual interest and enhancing the sense of depth and structure throughout the piece. I was inspired by the European bird, ‘The Long-Tailed Tit’. Although this species is not native to Australia, I wanted to explore the idea of cultural diversity and belonging. By combining the bird with Australian eucalypt leaves, I created a composition that symbolises the blending of different cultures within Australia.