Room 14 have started this year investigating a very different way of producing a self portrait using knowledge of symmetry and understanding how kaleidoscopes work.

Students are spending the first three weeks of term applying knowledge of the geometry concepts of symmetry and reflection to create a kaleidoscope self portrait. Students have been exploring how to make templates so they can use an image several times over and create great patterns and shapes.

They have also viewed work by artist Lee Byford-Daynes who is currently exhibiting in Dunedin, to help understand how images can be arranged in really interesting ways and say things about ourselves. Lee uses a kaleidoscope system to organise her ideas for her paintings which are absolutely stunning. Google her to find our more....Kaleidoscope 1 and 2.

 A self portrait can be made in many ways and Room 14 students are selecting interests, favourite images and icons to create a wonderful arrangement of colour and shape. Here is a selection of our practise ideas to make sure we have the process of using templates correct. 

An extension activity for this task is for students to make a kaleidoscope of their own using tiny shapes. Some students will choose to make the shapes for this using the 3D printer. 

We'll touch base again to share the outcomes as they develop...

Kate Vaughan