Secondary Students Express Their Individual Stories Through Art
At the beginning of January, students at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School welcomed Vicky the Real Artist into their classroom. Vicky, a self-taught pyrography artist whose creative journey intertwines with her indigenous roots, led a workshop where students expressed their individual stories and identities through art.
Guided by Vicky, students learned the technique of wood burning, using symbols to represent key moments in their personal journeys. Each student carefully selected symbols that resonated with their own experiences and used the wood-burning tool to imprint these representations onto disks of wood—creating lasting, tangible records of their unique identities.
The experience was deeply meaningful for many students, with several commenting on how much they appreciated Vicky’s presence and teaching style. One student shared, "I liked having Vicky in class. The activity was fun and it was interesting to learn about her journey. I liked how we were able to choose our own symbols. I would definitely do this again." Students were not only inspired by the hands-on nature of the activity, but also by the opportunity to hear about Vicky's own life and the rich storytelling tradition she brought into the classroom.
Through Vicky’s guidance, students not only learned a new skill but also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of personal narratives, symbolism, and the rituals that accompany life transitions.