Sawmill Valley Public School, Kindergarten to Grade 6
Mississauga, Ontario
“Reflections” Past, Present, Future
Triptych, acrylic & mixed media on 3 masonite panels 4’x5’
“Past”
The first panel is representational of the foundations of Sawmill Valley with the mill as the main element in conjunction with the trees and creek along the trail. The trail symbolizes the journey of the community working toward a common goal. The blue colour represents truth, depth and vitality and has been carried along the three panels. The circle repeats as well along the mural representing unity and eternity.
“Present”
This panel is a symbolic representation of all Sawmill Valley students. The sawmill gears are the central element representing the school “learning community”. The hands describe in sign language the word “community” while the word “learning” has been created in Braille language.
This representation of gears evokes the work of our pioneers, illustrating action and teamwork which is still present in the school. The water flows and transforms into a creative energy changing colour from blue to violet representing “memory”. The colour violet against the orange background creates the symbol of the school autistic community. The pluralism of the school is reinforced by the addition of colourful trees symbolizing the Sawmill Valley students.
“Future”
The third panel depicts the future vision of our learning community. It represents an open community eager to pass along their foundation and experience to other communities, while preparing their students as critical thinkers of the future. This concept is represented in a more abstracted way with the use of geometrical shapes. The squares are associated with pluralism, stability and solidity. The rectangle is the most rational shape and the triangle represents communication, aspiration and moving upward. Once again the presence of the water symbolizes the spirit of the learning community. The spiral motion is associated with growth and the relationship between unity and macrocosm.
