St Bede’s Braidwood Assistant Principal and Literacy Coordinator, Julian Laffan, is a talented artist, educator, curator and illustrator who specialises in woodcut and drawing.

Julian’s latest exhibition, ‘Illuminated artefacts’, was held at Beaver Galleries in Canberra from 30 May – 16 June, where 19 of his hand-carved woodcuts, coloured with gouache, oil and pencil were on display.

Each of Julian’s works thoughtfully explore history and identity and are described as a “reflection of place and time in a single captured moment, carved and suspended as an imagine in timber”.

Julian held his first solo exhibition in 2005, has worked on print-based projects internationally and is featured in the collections of the Canberra Museum and Gallery and Print Council of Australia.

Last year Julian presented at the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA) Conference in Perth that explored ‘The Art of English’ and the ways in which narrative can be expressed in images.

Julian has collaborated with two literary authors and has illustrated a book titled ‘Leaving the Lyrebird Forest’, written by Gary Crew.

Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, is proud of the passion and creativity demonstrated by Julian Laffan and we are blessed to have him as a valued member of our community.