Aimhigher - Digital Totems

Bedford High School, Leigh

Year 10 pupils worked with the artist, Paul Clifford, to explore personal identity and inspirational themes linked to totemic animal forms. Students were asked to investigate positive aspects of self relating to characteristics of particular creatures. This included notions of adaptability, courageousness, ingenuity, curiosity and survival instincts – all important qualities if we are to take the opportunities that will help us to realize potential.

Students created digital self portraits using Adobe Photoshop software. Image transfer techniques were then used to create textured wood panels developed in mixed-media. The resulting sculptural piece enabled students to work collaboratively to present their combined characteristics. The ladders are inspired by carved Native American totem poles and African and Indonesian sky-ladders, which were believed to connect earth to the heavens, reinforcing the concept of looking upwards, of striving and searching. The group devised a range of possible ways of presenting the outcomes. The circular form is interesting in that it enables all the pieces to come together creating a sense of mutual support, a network of individuals who have an empathy and understanding of themselves and each other.