Redback on Great Lakes Campus

Friday 16th December

Last month saw the completion and placement of a unique mosaic paver at the Great Lakes Campus of TAFE. Learning the ancient art of mosaic was part of the study for women enrolled in “Career Education and Employment for Women” (CEEW), a course designed for women who have been out of the workforce for some time, and are looking for a new career direction.

This course has been successful in helping many women re-enter the workplace, develop confidence and acquire many new skills. There are a number of electives and within the art elective, taught by Elizabeth Jones, the women have learnt the direct method of mosaic assembly techniques, involving design, the cutting of tiles, adhesive work and grouting.

The mosaic features a female Redback Spider with tangled web and egg sacs. Its sticky catching threads run from leaf to leaf. The Redback is a reminder that this spider frequently comes into contact with humans, especially during the summer months, with webs being built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles or sheds. The mosaic is a valued artwork and a feature which enhances the gardens of the Great Lakes Campus, helping to create a sense of place that thrives and attracts people whilst acting as a kind of interactive space. The mosaic and garden have become proud symbols of the experiences and achievements of these TAFE students.