QATA Meeting Agenda
THURSDAY 7TH APRIL
4:30pm—6pm
QCA STUDIOS TOUR
Queensland Art Teachers’ Association
Website http://qata.qld.edu.au/
Attendees:
Apologies:
Katy Ward; Angela Brown; Julie Seidel; Chrissy
Dwyer; Mae McDonald; Katrina Cook; Lynette
Ansari; Leonie McCulkin; Vicki Williams
Jo-Anne Hine
Joanna Faber
AGENDA:
ACTION:
Senior lecturer, Susan Ostling, will be

Susan initially walked the group to the Jewellery & Small Objects
studios, where we were introduced to Dr Elizabeth Shaw who
convenes this study area. Dr Shaw mentioned that a number of
her past students go on to complete teaching studies, with some
working part-time in order to continue their individual art practice.
Interestingly, she believes that whether students come directly
from school, are mature aged, or international, all come into their
first year of study into Jewellery & Small Objects on a level
playing field. The group found the level of work for first year
students to be of a high standard, especially given that students
need to overcome the technical aspect of jewellery making.

Painting was the next faculty on our visit, and we were lucky to
have Dr Julie Fragar discuss what first year students should
expect in their introduction to painting at QCA. Dr Fragar
provided a short powerpoint on the week by week program,
before we moved to the painting studios where we observed
students at work, and discussed their experiences with them.

Next on the agenda was the sculpture faculty, where Susan
introduced us to Dr Donna Marcus, and Phd candidate Julie
Anne Milinski. Dr Marcus mentioned the first topic for first year
students was looking into everyday objects and everyday
materials, with the students proceeding through experiential
learning processes. The group found the variety of everyday
materials quite interesting, with everything from polystyrene
cups, glass to toilet rolls, with all undergoing radical
transformations.

Finally, we toured the drawing and printmaking studio under the
guidance of Glen Skien. Some beautiful work was in progress
during our tour, which was a pleasure to watch! Glen mentioned
that printmaking still uses very traditional studio based practices
using 17th Century technology. Students can now major in
drawing at QCA which may be of interest to current seniors.
Initially, first year students use a variety of homemade drawing
implements to explore ways of drawing, and to break down
previous conceptions of drawing. Glen mentioned that he
believes the practice of drawing is again fashionable.

We thanked Dr Susan Ostling for providing the QATA group an
interesting opportunity to engage with QCA first year
expectations, which we can pass on to current seniors.
showing us around the studios at QCA, and
we will have the opportunity to speak to her
and other lecturers about current courses
and student work.
6pm Close of tour.