GOVO
ARTIST TEAM: JON DENARO & BEC JUNIPER
CLIENT: BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND WORKS WITH DONALDSON & WARN ARCHITECTS
LOCATION: GOVERNOR STIRLING HIGH SCHOOL
COMPLETED: 2012
This project is an example of creating an optimistic symbol for a school and actively involving the students in the artistic process. The first artwork, a striking stainless-steel sculpture proudly stands at the entrance of the high school. It serves as an iconic and welcoming statement, forging a deep connection between the students, the artwork, and the school's identity.
Lead artists Bec Juniper and Jon Denaro collaborated with the students to achieve a mesmerizing, patterned effect on the curved stainless-steel forms. Employing a straightforward taping application process, students of all skill levels could actively participate in the creation of this artwork. After the application process, the forms underwent electropolishing, resulting in a captivating and textured finish that truly comes alive at night with bold, blue toned up-lighting.
The second artwork encompasses both the interior and exterior cladding of the school building. Once again, lead artists Bec Juniper and Jon Denaro collaborated with the art students, this time focusing on the graphics for the artwork. Inspired by the school's proximity to the Swan River, the theme chosen was 'Riverine.' Photography students delved into the context by capturing images of the surrounding natural environment, while art students sketched their interpretations. Selected photos and sketches were transformed into vector images, scaled up, and then meticulously layered to create abstracted representations of the environment, mimicking the gentle ripples of the river.
The aim of this project was to establish an authentic and lasting connection within the community. Moving forward, we aspire to continue this approach in future educational and community projects. By fostering a connection with the children of this school through art, we successfully evoke a profound sense of identity and inspire creative thinking among the students.
