The artwork of Shire Christian 2014 graduate Toby Bishop is on prominent display in Sydney this year, wrapped around scaffolding on the façade of the Woolworths building on the corner of George and Park Street.
Titled Ancient Tracks, the work was unanimously selected from around 180 submissions from designers, photographers and artists.
“My artwork Ancient Tracks pays homage to Indigenous navigation and land management, reflecting and speaking to a vibrant evolving-global city,” Toby said in his artist’s statement.
Toby's former Year 12 Visual Arts teacher at Shire Christian School, Mrs Libby Jackson, said that Toby always had a strong interest in art.
“In his years at school he excelled mainly in drawing and painting, and especially in portraiture, with an interest in his Indigenous heritage,” she said.
“Toby's enjoyment of Visual Arts meant he took this subject right through his high school years.
“It became clearly evident to his art teachers he had the competent artistic skills and drive to continue his passion at university… he is now a recognised graphic designer,” Mrs Jackson said.
“Toby Bishop, you have made us proud to be your art teachers.”
The artwork will remain on display for almost a year while the building is repainted.
Just a few blocks away at Sydney’s acclaimed Capitol Theatre, Olivia Vásquez, 2013 Shire Christian graduate, will soon perform in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Olivia joined the cast as Arabia in November last year in Melbourne and is now preparing for the curtain to be raised in Sydney this May.
Olivia’s former drama teacher Mrs Kathryn Breen said it was an amazing achievement.
“I still remember Olivia's strong performance as Nancy in our musical production Oliver. Along with entering the television competition The Voice last year [and turning all four judge’s chairs, joining Jessica Mauboy’s team] she has been part of several professional productions including The Bodyguard: The Musical, In the Heights and West Side Story,” she said.
“It is inspiring to see our alumni students extend on the experience and opportunities they had here in our community,” Mrs Breen said.
Olivia will also appear in her debut feature film in 2022.
In news from behind the camera, Mitchel Loveday who also graduated from Shire Christian School in 2013 has recently found success in cinematography as the managing director of his own production company, Frame Co.
In the past few years Mitchel has created ads for big international brands including Panasonic, Samsung, QANTAS, KFC and P&O.
Recently, Mitchell, and his crew which included two other Shire Christian graduates (Blake Lisk 2017 and Chelsea Loveday 2014), filmed a promotional video for Shire Christian School.
“Shire Christian School had such an impact on me," he said.
"Being brought up in a caring environment with teachers that love you, care about you and want the best for you – that makes a big difference to who you are. I spent 13 years in this place. Without that care and support I could have been a totally different person,” Mitchel said.
If you know of a Shire Christian School graduate who is thriving in their field, we would love to hear about it. Please contact us at newsletter@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au.
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