Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains are the remains of volcanoes, the central core or plug exposed through gradual weathering, rising from the coastal plain of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. They were formed more than 26 million years ago. There are 11 mountains in the group, the largest three being Tibrogargan, Mount Beerwah and Mount Coonowrin (often referred to as Crookneck). They have great cultural significance to their traditional owners, the Gubbi Gubbi people.

"In aboriginal legend, the mountains are members of a family with the father being Mount Tibrogargan and the mother Mount Beerwah. All of the other mountains are sons and daughters with the eldest being Mount Coonowrin.

Tibrogargan, the father, observed that the sea was rising and asked that Coonowrin the eldest son help their pregnant mother to safety. Terrified, Coonowrin instead fled. Infuriated by his sons cowardice Tibrogargan pursued him and struck him so hard that he dislocated Coonowrin's neck.

Once the danger passed Coonowrin felt tremendous guilt for his actions and asked his father, brothers and sisters for forgiveness but all wept with shame. This is said to explain the many small streams that flow through the area. Tibrogargan turned his back on Coonowrin and gazed out to sea refusing to look at his son Coonowrin who continues to hang his head in shame and weep." (Wikipedia)

This lesson is inspired by the painting 'Glasshouse Mtns, Sunshine Coast' by local Caloundra artist Damien Lange. I love the composition of his painting, with the mountains sitting on a curved horizon line and river flowing through the foreground. With Damien's kind permission I used his painting to discuss composition, line and movement with the students.

Emily H (Yr 3)

Our pictures are created with a wax resist using crayons and dye. We used black wax crayon to sketch in the horizon lines and mountains, then colors to add linear pattern to the mountains, river and foreground. I stressed to the kids that this was not a coloring-in picture, and discussed the use of repetitive line and pattern to create movement and interest. They were to use at least 2 colors in each area.

The pictures were then finished with a wash of sapphire blue fabric dye (thanks to Gretchen over at Gretchen's Art Blog for this idea - fabric dye gives lovely vibrant color and is a good cost-effective alternative to ink or liquid watercolor for resist work.)

I'm really impressed with what the kids have achieved with this picture! I especially love that we have been able to combine discovering some of the traditional lore of our local indigenous people the Gubbi Gubbi, with appreciation of the work of one of our local artists (thanks so much Damien!)

Lucinda T (Yr 5)

Estelle T-F (Yr 3)

Ethan B (Yr 2)

Jasmin T (Yr 5)

Makedde C (Yr 1)

Emily W (Yr 2)

Harry O (Yr 3)

Kate P (Yr 4)

Thomas B (Yr 4)

Charlotte K (Yr 2)

Lily L (Yr 2)

Jake E (Prep)

Millie A (Yr 2)

Zoe K (Yr 2)

Ava C (Yr 2)

Chan N (Yr 2)

Bronte B (Yr 3)

Kane B (Yr 2)

Olivia D W (Yr 3)

Ruby D W (Yr 1)

Lucy R (Prep)

Sahana H (Yr 3)

'Glasshouse Mtns - Sunshine Coast' - Damien Lange