FB S5.3 Brushed By Nature Teacher Resource

Brushed by Nature is a richly layered and holistic teacher resource designed to guide educators through a faith-informed exploration of artistic practice, connection to Country, and personal identity. Aligned with the NSW Stage 5 Visual Arts syllabus, it complements the corresponding student workbook and provides a structured, scaffolded approach to teaching contemporary and traditional mark-making techniques through brush construction, ink painting, and experimental composition.

This unit is inspired by the work of Lorna Crane, a contemporary Australian artist whose practice explores material storytelling, place, and the natural world. Students are invited to reflect on their own connections to landscape and culture, engage with Aboriginal ways of knowing, and consider how creativity can honour both Country and Creator.

Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) Framework:

• I Do: Explicit teacher instruction on natural mark-making, sustainable material use, and the work of Lorna Crane. Includes guided discussions on Aboriginal connection to Country.

• We Do: Collaborative artmaking tasks, such as constructing brushes from found natural materials and responding to art practices together. 

• You Do: Independent practical work where students brushes, ink paintings, experimental collage, and reflective writing that explores their relationship with place and God.

Art History & Criticism:

• Investigate the practice of Lorna Crane.

• Explore Aboriginal art practices connected to Country and materials.

• Understand the role of process and intention in contemporary and traditional mark-making.

Critical & Creative Thinking:

• Use the Artworld Concepts (Artist, Artwork, Audience, World) to analyse the impact of site and sustainability on artistic choices.

Cross-Curricular & Faith-Based Connections:

• Connection to Aboriginal perspectives, Country, and sustainable practices.

• Faith integration through reflections on class discussions.

• Literacy development through writing reflections, artist statements, and responses to art practices.

Integrated Learning Strategies:

• Super 6 literacy strategies for deep understanding of key concepts and vocabulary.

• Multi-modal learning: combining text, visual demonstration, hands-on exploration, and reflection.

• Differentiation and scaffolding to support a range of abilities.

• Encouragement of collaboration and critique in a safe, respectful classroom environment.

Brushed by Nature is more than an art unit it’s an invitation for students to explore who they are, where they come from, and how they connect with both God and the world around them through intentional, tactile, and spiritually grounded creative practice.