Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts Students Reimagine Books as Sculptural Artworks

Our talented Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts students have been engaging in an energetic and thought-provoking unit titled "Altered Books: Telling Stories Through Art", which invites them to transform discarded books into sculptural artworks. This creative unit, developed in celebration of Book Week 2025, encourages students to reflect deeply on the theme of ADVENTURE, using mixed media techniques to construct visual narratives that speak to personal journeys, memories, and transformation. Rather than starting with a blank canvas, students repurpose old books—cutting, folding, layering, and collaging to breathe new life into pages that once simply told stories through words.

Inspired by contemporary artists such as Brian Dettmer and Su Blackwell, who use books as both medium and message, our students are developing their own unique interpretations of how stories can unfold through visual art. They are exploring technical processes such as paper cutting, mark-making, and three-dimensional construction, all while reflecting on their own experiences and spiritual growth through the lens of creative practice.

The final artworks will be on display in the HUB from Week 5 onwards, offering our school community a chance to see the remarkable creativity and critical thinking these students have demonstrated. Each piece is accompanied by an artist statement, explaining the student’s concept, process, and intended meaning —ensuring that viewers can connect with both the visual and conceptual layers of each artwork.

We warmly invite all students, staff, and families to visit the HUB and immerse themselves in this inspiring showcase. These altered books are more than just art; they are powerful expressions of adventure, discovery, and imagination, reminding us of the many ways stories can be told—and retold—through the hands of young artists.

Ms Lizette Richards
Visual Arts Teacher