Sally Maday – An Approach to NCEA Level 1 Painting
This NCEA Level 1 Painting course explores the theme of traditional Māori tukutuku patterns in relation to other cultures’ furnishings and patterns. The programme involved completing two external standards, with various media explored over the course of the year.
Techniques such as cyanotype, gelli printing, and spray painting were used, each providing unique qualities that contributed to the development of ideas. The cyanotype technique, allowed ākonga to complete photographic work in our school wharenui and gelli printing process introduced a layered and tactile abstract element. Spray painting gave the ākonga a different media experience extending their knowledge of contemporary painting practice.
Throughout the year, the primary influences were contemporary Māori artists, who inspired an integration of cultural motifs with patterns from other cultures unique to each ākonga. By studying their works, ākonga were able to gain an insight into how artists today navigate cultural identity, heritage, and innovation. They also gained insight into their own cultural heritage utilising patterns from ceramics, furniture and fabrics.
The resulting artwork is a combination of cultural patterns, emphasising design elements from both Māori and another culture.
Biography
I am a printmaking-trained graduate from the University of Canterbury. I have been teaching in Auckland since 1995, with experience in both coeducational and single-sex girls’ schools. My teaching experience includes Design, Painting, and Photography up to Level 3 NCEA. Raised in Kerikeri, I had the privilege of being taught by Roger Chignall and Geoff Harris. Throughout my years of teaching I have been actively involved with the Tai Tokerau Art Teachers Association and I currently teach at Mahurangi College in Warkworth.