NatureArt Lab Blog

In April 2019 I was lucky enough to join the second NatureArt tour to Borneo as accompanying art tutor. Not having travelled to this part of the world and knowing very little about the plants and wildlife we would encounter I was very excited to be a part of the trip. From my perspective I can think of no better way to get to know and understand unfamiliar living things than by spending the time observing and drawing them. This is when the rest of the world quietens down and it becomes possible to feel an affinity with what is in front of you.

"I realised that ... a workshop (on bettongs) was really worth doing .... Sure, it was going to be an enormous challenge for everyone, and yet the science and the culture it would embrace and promote is so critically important for the future".

NatureArt Lab's recent workshops have focused on endangered and threatened wildlife species, including the elusive Southern Bettong. Following a special twilight tour at Mulligan's Flat in Canberra, Australian illustrator Peter Trusler led a group of enthusiastic artists on a journey to better understand the bettong - using oil paints, coloured pencil and watercolour to create a series of impressive artworks.

Why are the arts so important in education? With the current rate of environmental degradation and biodiversity decline, how can we better support environmental literacy, stewardship and sustainability in our communities? Why is nature so important for health, happiness and creativity? There is a strong and growing literature base which demonstrates clear answers to these questions. NatureArt Lab is actively promoting these approaches through our programs for children, youth and adults.