THE metaphors
The beauty of a metaphor is their ease in bridging gaps, clarifying ideas, and making abstract concepts more accessible and relatable. Metaphors tell a story of their own, offering a way to understand and experience ideas in a richer, more imaginative way. The stories act as threads that weave unseen connections.
We would like to share with you two very important metaphors made visible throughout our set of books -
​the portholes & the roller coaster.
They both hold a story that embodies our image for creativity and what sits at the heart of The Creative Collection. These two metaphors are not just illustrative; they are central to the complexity of ideas we cherish.
Roller Coaster
Kelly Goodsir
My son Caleb drew this image after his first experience being on a roller coaster at Luna Park in Melbourne. He was only 4 years old then and completely captivated by the experience. I remember when he got off and said “mumma my tummy went all funny like it wasn’t part of my body. I was sooooo scared but I kinda liked it too”.The anticipation, surprise, and thrill of a roller coaster can so often mirror the creative process. Designing or sharing something original can give that same feeling of emotions, with its own twists, loops, and turns, bringing a mix of joy, surprise, and apprehension. Just as riding a roller coaster requires courage, being creative involves daring to share, reveal and engage others with your thinking and ideas. Throughout The Creative Collection, you'll notice train tracks embedded within every page as a reminder to embrace this journey of creativity and reimagine teaching and learning through the arts.
Port Holes
Kirsty Liljegren
As we delved into the purpose of ‘The Creative Collection’ and the possibilities it holds, the metaphor of the porthole naturally surfaced. How might this serve as a lens into new approaches to arts and practice? What if, by gazing through this window into alternative possibilities, we could broaden our reflections and expand our capacity to reimagine teaching and learning?
The circular motifs woven throughout the books intentionally echo the porthole metaphor—an open invitation to transformation, beckoning us to explore new perspectives. These symbolic portholes offer glimpses into exciting possibilities, guiding educators on adventurous journeys of discovery that not only enrich their practice but also shape and elevate their professional identities.
