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Deanna Maich-Kohler - the driver but I take passengers!

My photo
Environmental Artist Deanna Maich-Kohler is a registered teacher and offers environmental workshops in her local region of Atherton. Her workshops are available as one on one of group over most holidays. The include: eco dyeing cloth, natural dye painting, upcycling clothes, hapa-zome (hammered plant prints). "The lack of legislation around plastics and toxins in landfill and our marine world can be overbearing. Changing our language and habits are things we can do to make this world more liveable for future generations" Deanna delivers workshops not only focussing on new skills, but investigating where we source our arts supplies, the role we play in maintaining a healthy environment, and how we can influence others with environmental choices. Deanna has an undergraduate degree in languages and theatre, a diploma in arts and a Graduate Diploma in Education. She is one of the founding members of ACAC - Atherton Childrens Art Club, which was established in 2014. She has recently (Dec 2017) illustrated three of her sister's books - Bianca Begovich.

Wednesday 7 October 2015

Atherton Childrens Art Society ACAC October 2015 exhibition

The Herberton Road Refuse Centre was instrumental in my collection of hubcaps and some bower bird pieces including a large box of buttons for the workshops. The students washed and assembled the pieces with the help of volunteers. We studied how the environment can be improved or damaged by our actions. The workshops concerned marine debris and the repercussions of disposing of our wrappers, plastic cups into the waterways and most importantly how we can reduce waste by using other items. 



Wind Catching workshop at Atherton After School Care


Kids were primed and the natural collectors brought in keys, plumbing pieces, cutlery and seeds. One girl brought in pre-drilled knives and forks and I asked who owned the fantastic drill that did such a wonderful job. She said "my 6 year old brother" - not sure if he actually drilled these hardy pieces but they certainly made a wonderful windchime clang. The classes were an hour each but due to the mixed ages of the group and abilities of half of the students to tie knots, two hours would go better next time.

Thursday 17 September 2015

Poinciana Wind Hanger

Poinciana Wind Catcher. 5 Poinciana pods, 5 pumice pieces, 40 leopard tree pods, 6 pipi shells - hangs 120cm long. Let me know if any of your readers have ideas for native Queensland dried plant parts that make a soothing sound when pushed about by the winds:)

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Wind Catchers

Now these 'chimes' dont tinkle so I call them Wind catchers...clever huh!?
These natural catchers are made with backyard creek wood and leopard tree seeds, and stilt root mangroves, blackbean pods and shells from Cairns. Another idea for workshops that leads to discussions on the beauty of our jam-packed, natural environment up here in the Far North.


Monday 31 August 2015

Hercules Moth - Coscinocera hercules - how nature inspires us!

This stunning adult male Hercules moth was found on my back patio while working. What a coat to drag around...and all on an empty stomach!

Queensland Museum:

Females of the Hercules Moth have a wingspan of up to 27cm and the largest wing area of any moth in the world. Males have the rear corners of the hindwings stretched into long tails. Hercules Moths occur in New Guinea and tropical Queensland. Adult moths do not feed and are short-lived.
Their spectacular pale-blue caterpillars can grow to a length of 12 cm and a weight of 29 g. The caterpillars feed on leaves of several rainforest trees but prefer those of the Bleeding Heart tree, Omalanthus nutans. At the rear end they have 2 large, false eyes to confuse potential attackers.


Assemblage art










Sunday 19 July 2015

Where's Wally Wheatheads

Already half grown, kids just need to add eyes and hands peeping over cup.
Any other ideas for sustainable party bags would be much appreciated.

Friday 3 July 2015

Cool Pool

Working on ideas for my sister Bianca Begovich's book 'cool pool'

Thursday 2 July 2015

Beetles from box eucalypt

Beetles from box eucalypt leaves- with natural proboscis!

Tuesday 7 April 2015

European Commission - my favourite photo

I use this thought-provoking piece of photoshopping in many workshops. Other than the obvious physical message it also can be used metaphorically - sweeping our waste, or practices under a carpet for someone else to stumble upon.


Thursday 12 February 2015

Food Art - Atherton Playgroup


Here is the honey bee in all her glory made with bread base, carrot and nori sheet, cucumber and humus spread which acts like glue. Then the kids can eat it too!