We have spent a bit of time at Umbukumba school during our stay - talking with staff and parents and in one instance undertaking surveys with the senior class as it worked with their curriculum. They had been designing a survey themselves, and enjoyed participating in ours and sharing ideas about research.
In amongst the grey green of the grasses and gum trees; and the red dusty earth is this bright and magical mosaic at the entrance to the school. It makes me smile every time I pass it.
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| Umbakumba School mosaic |
The mosaic shows lots of images of local animals that are important in the people's lives here. Fish - there are so many fish around here!
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| Umbakumba mosaic - fish detail |
This part shows the turtles making tracks back to the sea after laying their eggs in the sand...
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| Umbakumba mosaic - turtle detail |
I think this might be mud crab - but I just loved he vivid colours!
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| Umbakumba mosaic - crab detail |
There are also dugongs, tiger sharks and crocodiles depicted.
This is a photo of some of the school buildings all painted with traditional imagery. The school caters for children from 0-3 in a playgroup on site to 16 and 17 year olds and somehow holds it all together!
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| The entrance to Umbakumba Community School |
I've got to say I'm usually a bit 'ho-hum' about mosaic... but this one has a lot of heart and is a real little treasure
ReplyDeleteI agree totally Ronnie; I am rarely inspired by mosaics but this one truly does have heart and a story and is just so 'right'!
ReplyDeleteditto on the mosaics-- I think because I have seen very crafty cutesy mosaics by amateurs-- but these are different-- with such a wonderful story.
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