@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Home: Aboriginal art from NSW – Elaine Russell

Create artworks inspired by the art practice of Kamilaroi artist Elaine Russell

Student visual arts resource developed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in collaboration with The Arts Unit

Years 5 and 6 visual arts

What will I learn?

Kamilaroi artist Aunty Elaine Russell made artworks telling stories from her childhood. Her paintings record both the happy times and the difficult times. 

Growing up on the mission held bitter memories, but there were also sweet memories of community and togetherness and her paintings are an important record of these experiences. 

You will:

Elaine Russell: introduction to the artist

Duration: 01:23

Before you begin

This creative class has 2 lessons. You will need:

Writing pad, paper, board, paint, coloured pencils, textas, camera / iPad, mixed media

About

Kamilaroi artist Elaine Russell (1941–2017) was born in her Kamilaroi homelands in Tingha, New South Wales. 

Aunty Elaine Russell made artworks telling stories from her childhood. Her paintings record both the happy times and the difficult times. 

Growing up on the mission held bitter memories, but there were also sweet memories of community and togetherness and her paintings are an important record of these experiences. 

Watch the video Elaine Russell: the creative class with Liam Keenan, Programs Assistant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as he introduces Aunty Elaine Russell’s art practice. 

Elaine Russell: the creative class

Duration: 05:08 

Where

Use the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia to find which language group the places listed below are located: 

What are language groups?

Indigenous nations and language groups cover wide geographical areas, and have distinct borders. Within these nations there can be multiple language groups, and sub-groups based on dialect, which are larger than a family but based on family links through a common ancestry. Each shares a common language and kinship system, which is based on either patrilineal or matrilineal lines of descent.

Lesson 1 - Create a drawing or painting

Inspired by the work Inspection day, 1994 by Elaine Russell, you will create a drawing or painting representing a memory or moment of meaning from your life.

Lesson 2 - Make a comic book

Inspired by the work Lachlan river, our childhood dreams, 1994 by Elaine Russell, you will create a comic book representing a memory or moment of meaning from your life.

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