Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Swan digital art initiative for youth wins award

Sally McGlewHills Avon Valley Gazette

More than 70 artists aged from five to 12 years were engaged in Make Your Mark under the guidance of digital artist Steven Aiton.

Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the project was innovative and utilised technology to create art.

“By using new technologies, children as young as five were able to make their own animations and develop new artistic skills,” Cr Wainwright said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“There were some remarkable works created by the participants and they will go on show at a special exhibition later this month.”

In the series of workshops between March and July in Midland and Ellenbrook, the budding animators created a series of stop-motion films with Mr Aiton and learned techniques for creating digital art at home.

The children made their own sets, stories and characters with recycled materials, drawings and plasticine, and captured their images via iPhones, iPads and stop-motion software.

Mr Aiton said he acted as a guide for the animators to unleash their creative spirit, have fun and create their own short films with mobile digital technology.

“Over 10 years, I have uncovered many exceptional creative talents, resulting in poignant animations, as well as sharing skills,” he said.

“Many of the participants continue to create and share their stories well after the project has finished.”

The children’s short films and art will be showcased to the community via an exhibition at the Gallery Ellenbrook from July 29 to August 14.

The exhibition will be officially opened by Mayor Wainwright on July 29.

Make Your Mark is supported by City of Swan, Act-Belong-Commit and Mundaring Arts Centre.