Grimwade House welcomed acclaimed artist Lisa Roet to the School as part of its Artist in Residence program in Term IV. Lisa is well recognised for her explorations into the simian family.
“I’ve always had an interest in science, particularly primatology and anthropology,” says Lisa. “The cross pollination between this and my artistic interests strongly influences my work.”
Lisa interacted with students from Prep to Year 6 during her time at Grimwade, tailoring each lesson to the age of the students. “In addition to talking about art materials and guiding their art making, I also explained the background and messages inherent in some of my pieces,” explains Lisa. “For example, one of my large sculptures of an orangutan foot, The Cradle, Orangutan, is in the Melbourne Zoo so a lot of students know it. In addition to the technical aspects of creating the work, we talked about how human hands have developed, and also the environmental issues associated with orangutans and palm oil.”
“Art encourages you to look at things from a different perspective. It expands your thinking and that is why it is so important,” says Lisa. “I hope students gained both an understanding of what an artist does and material use, as well as a greater awareness of some environmental issues through my work with them. And, perhaps most importantly, I hope students might have found another way to express themselves through art and, perhaps, some will make a difference in that way in the future.”
“It was particularly fitting to welcome Lisa to Grimwade House in our centenary year,” says Ms Jan Rizzo, Head of Creative Art at Grimwade House.
“Not only is she an outstanding artist who has given our students a new insight into the thinking that goes on behind the creation of her artwork, including a deep concern for the environment and the need for protection of endangered species, she has a rich history of connection to the School.”
“Grimwade House was the childhood home of my great grandfather, (Edward) Norton Grimwade (OM 1882), one of the original benefactors of Grimwade House to Melbourne Grammar School in 1917,” explains Lisa. “My grandfather, Geoffrey Grimwade (OM 1920), also spent time visiting the household.”
Lisa admits to experiencing a few surreal moments during her visit. “On my first day here, I taught in the Junior Primary art room, which is housed in the building that was once the family’s stables,” she explains. “I couldn’t believe it. This was where my great grandfather and my grandfather would have played around horses as young boys.”
A celebratory morning tea was held during Lisa’s visit, with her mother and aunts – all daughters of Geoffrey Grimwade – attending.
