Frustrated by the lack of creative opportunities education support students (ESS) get, Armadale artist Sophia Lark set off to show what the world was missing out on.
In a new book co-authored with 22 students from Gwynne Park Education Support Centre, Mrs Lark brought that idea to life.
“My motivations for School Through Our Eyes was the frustration with the unfortunate reality that ESS often don’t get the same creative opportunities that are offered in the mainstream,” Mrs Lark said.
“I wanted to prove that given the right opportunities, ESS can succeed creatively.”
She said the students worked with her for two terms, one day a week to compile the content for the book.
“All the content is by the students and the design and editing are by me,” she said.
Flicking through the book, each page tells a little bit about the students who took part in creating it.
From what they’re best known for, what they want to be when they grow up to what their superpower is.
Beside the profile, is a portrait made by the student.
Mrs Lark said the students had full creative direction and could use a hodgepodge of items to create their self-portrait.
Many of the students used scrabble letters to spell out their name, Ebony used an icy pole earring to accessorise, while Varfee used Lego pieces to give himself a makeshift sword.
Each page is unique, just like each student.
Mrs Lark said the feedback from parents, students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The smiles from the students were the best feedback of all,” she said.
