Latest Work

Recording finished on 2nd CD: We Shine on Saturday Oct 22. Thank you to the multi-talented Drew Lane for his technical and musical support in getting this log awaited CD on the road to completion! Drew is a Performing Arts teacher at St Peter's in East Bentleigh as well as an outstanding musician/song writer (amongst many other talents). You can find out more about Drew here: http://www.captivationmusicals.net

Recently I have done some illustrating for two books written by Sisters of St Joseph, Francine Caesar and Helen Archer. These lovely ladies from Brisbane wrote two picture story books about the life and work of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Sr Francine's book, "Saint Mary MacKillop Loving Caring Teaching" is suitable for grades 2-6 and gives a detailed account of Mary's life. Helen's book, "Saint Mary MacKillop, Friend and Helper" is perfect for junior grades - Prep - 2, but can be used for all ages. They are charmingly written by women who not only know Mary MacKillop's story, but follow her footsteps in service.
They are both available through the Mary MacKillop Centre in East Melbourne.
A third book is in the works - also based on Mary MacKillop's life - but with a surprising difference.

My friend Andrew Chinn was in town in June and we collaborated on a song - a teaching song - about the Gifts of the Spirit. Hopefully this will be available when you are all working on Confirmation studies in 2012.

For the CEO (Warragul) I have put together a booklet of art ideas to accompany Scripture stories. These were successfully trialled at the 2009 REC PD at Rawson. Copies of the booklet - with simple, fun ideas for use with stories such as Zacchaeus, Creation, Last Supper, Nativity and more - are available from me by contacting me at jane@janemitchell.com.au

I have completed a new Mass setting (Hosanna Mass) suitable for all ages.
This "Rock Mass", based on a 50's/60's style ah, ah, ah, ah on the 7th chord, the rhythm is laid back and the tune recurs throughout the various parts making it quick to learn and easy to remember.

It has been recorded in house with Trinity Primary School in Narre Warren, Victoria, and I hope to have it out on CD in early 2010. A brief sample is included here.

Also coming in 2010 - "We Shine" - an uplifting song of affirmation - especially for schools and Recessional,

"God's Word" - to be sung as part of the Gospel Acclamation, "Zacchaeus Come Down" - perfect for Reconciliation, "4th Eucharistic Prayer" - a communion song based on the words of that prayer, "Seven Days" a creation song and a new Graduation/Farewell song: "My Wish for You"

Holy Holy

Alleluia

Gloria

I was commissioned by Rod Hayes at Sacred Heart School in Morwell to create a mural for a 10m brick wall. After some discussion, we decided it may be best to create panels on AC sheeting that could then be fixed to the wall. The theme was to be "Our Christian Story". The Sacred Heart staff put their heads together and came up with about 15 themes they hoped to see running through the panels - Old and New Testament stories plus Sacred Heart Morwell's story. I decided to use a 'naïf' style as it allows for and demands bright and surprising colour and simple shapes - ideal for a primary school setting. These were produced over the month of January 2009:

1. Creation: The world in God's hands - or are they Man's hands - being given dominion over and responsibility for this wonderful gift of creation?

2. Noah. The dove of peace carries the olive branch to Noah an his family and the rainbow signifies God's covenant with man.

4. Miracles from Jesus' ministry: from top to right - Wedding at Cana, Healing infirmities, the loaves and fishes and calming the storm.

5. Parables from top to right: The mustard seed, The Lost Sheep, The Forgiving Father and the Good Samaritan.

6. The Last Supper: Jesus and the 12 celebrate the Last Supper. Note the stairs to " the upper room" and the grapes and wheat

7. Resurrection: Though we do not hear of Jesus leaving the tomb, we know he has by the time the women (upper right) have arrived. Amongst the Easter lilies Jesus, accompanied by angels, triumphantly rises to life.

8. And finally, the Sacred Heart Morwell story including their devotion to Saint Mary MacKillop, the arrival of immigrants, the original church/school, the second church (demolished to make way for the present church), industry and an aboriginal theme also runs through this panel.

I am happy to talk to you about projects that are similar for other venues. It was so much fun that I will be working on some panels for St Gabriel's in the coming months! These panels could be made into posters or cards as well.... Future projects!