
Dr Bernadette Drabsch
Lecturer
School of Creative Industries
- Email:bernadette.drabsch@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 6371
Career Summary
Biography
My academic path began with very tentative footsteps as a mature-aged student during a year of Open Foundation at the University of Newcastle, studying both Ancient History and Visual Arts. The cross-road at the end of my enabling year caused some dilemma in deciding which avenue to follow, Ancient History or Art? My mind was made up after receiving a particularly high mark for Ancient History and my undergraduate journey began with a Bachelor of Arts. However, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed studying Latin, Ancient Greek and the classics my love of art never departed and I continued to draw and paint during this time, holding three successful solo exhibitions. Eventually my paths merged when I wandered over to the Natural History Illustration department for some elective subjects within my BA, undertaking courses in scientific illustration and field studies. After much deliberation I decided to undertake my honours year under the banner of Natural History Illustration and travelled to Pella, in Jordan to work as an illustrator on an archaeological dig. This culminated in a collection of artworks and a related honours exegesis/dissertation, entitled 'Tabula Recens Antiquae Terrae - A fresh account of an ancient land'. My time in Jordan also introduced me to the 6000 year old wall paintings from a site near the Dead Sea called Teleilat Ghassul, that were to become the focus of my PhD research project. This four year endeavor successfully merged all of my prior academic training and practical expertise and combined all of my passions - ancient history, archaeology and natural history illustration. In addition to being a fascinating project to work on my PhD also opened up many new paths to explore and I now feel that I'm at the beginning rather than the end of my meandering academic journey.
Research Expertise
My trans-disciplinary academic background in Ancient History, Classical Languages and Natural History Illustration and my volunteer work on archaeological digs in Jordan have resulted in a wide variety of research interests. My PhD titled 'The contextualisation of the ancient wall paintings from Teleilat Ghassul, Jordan' was a cross-institutional and trans-disciplinary project, combining aspects of ancient history, archaeology and natural history illustration. Ongoing research interests include the following areas:
• The contextualised history of illustration
• The role of prehistoric art as a mnemonic tool
• Art creation as a ritual process
• Early visual narratives and linear inscriptions
• The connection between art, religion and social complexity in the Levantine Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age.
• Syrio-Mesopotamian cylinder seals
• Rock art of New South Wales
• Illustrators of the Hunter Region, past and present
Teaching Expertise
I currently teach the theoretical component of the Natural History Illustration degree in addition to some studio based subjects. My 2nd year theoretical course covers the history of illustration, from prehistory to modern times, focusing on the importance of socio-cultural contextualisation and developing observation skills. The 3rd year theoretical course teaches students how to develop and write practice-based research. I have developed the curriculum for both of these courses and conduct lectures, tutorials and seminars in addition to carrying out the marking and assessment. I also teach a new winter compressed field course that combines illustration and cultural studies, focusing on the rock art of the Hunter region. In addition I have recently designed and written the University's first MOOC with Edx that partners with the Smithsonian Institute. This creative MOOC 'Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration 101' had 13,000 enrollments from around the world.
Collaborations
I'm currently collaborating with archaeologist, Dr. Stephen Bourke, from the University of Sydney and we are exploring the relationship between art, ritual and social complexity in the Chalcolithic period of the Southern Levant. Additionally, I'm collaborating with members of the Natural History Illustration Research Group (NHIRG) from the University of Newcastle and we are working towards a book publication, exhibitions, public art projects and a proposed conference. Most recently my primary area of collaboration is with the BOLD team and Edx developing online learning modules for the MOOC.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Natural History Illustration (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Ancient forms of visual communication
- Archaeological Illustration
- Art History
- Art of the Ancient Near East
- Chalcolithic period in the Southern Levant
- Contextualisation
- Field work
- Frescoes
- Indigenous rock art
- Natural History Illustration
- Natural History Illustration theory
- Pictorial representations from preliterate cultures
- Prehistoric Art
- The history of illustration and early illustrators
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
120301 | Design History and Theory | 35 |
190102 | Art History | 30 |
210199 | Archaeology not elsewhere classified | 35 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Creative Industries Australia |
Membership
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
4/02/2016 - 30/11/2016 | Natural History Illustration Research Group | Natural History Illustration Resarch Group (NHIRG) Natural History Illustration Research Group Australia |
1/01/2013 - 31/12/2014 | Membership - Guild of Natural Science Illustrators | Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Colombia |
1/01/2010 - 31/12/2016 | Membership - Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation | Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation University of Sydney Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
27/01/2009 - 16/12/2016 |
The University of Sydney Pella Project Senior staff member and head illustrator |
The University of Sydney Pella Project Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2016 |
Vice Chancellor's Award for Collaboration Excellence NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY |
2016 |
Faculty - Team Award for Collaboration Excellence Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia |
Distinction
Year | Award |
---|---|
2010 |
University Medal University of Newcastle |
Prize
Year | Award |
---|---|
2017 |
edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning edX |
Recognition
Year | Award |
---|---|
2011 |
3MT prize University of Newcastle |
2010 |
Graham Gilchrist Natural History Illustration Prize University of Newcastle |
2010 |
Australian Postgraduate Award Australian Government |
2009 |
DVC Research Honours Scholarship University of Newcastle |
2008 |
William Coleborne Memorial Prize in Greek University of Newcastle |
2007 |
Williams Classics Scholarship University of Newcastle |
2006 |
James King Memorial Prize in Greek University of Newcastle |
2006 |
Ann Lowry Memorial Prize in Latin University of Newcastle |
2005 |
Staff Prize in Classical Civilisations University of Newcastle |
Research Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2017 |
Women In Research Fellowship University of Newcastle |
2010 |
Dorothy Cameron Fellowship University of Sydney |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
NHIL4003 |
Exegesis and journal NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course expands on the foundational studies developed in 4002 and focuses on how to write a reflective account of a creative process. |
Lecturer | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL3004 |
Natural History Field Studies & Culture Compressed winter course NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This compressed course includes a field trip and individualised projects related to areas of cultural importance in the Hunter Valley. |
Lecturer and course co-ordinator | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL3001A |
Natural History Illustration Major Project A NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course encourages students to employ their technical skills to 4 applied projects of their choice. |
Lecturer/tutor | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL3003 |
Natural History Illustration External Project NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course encourages students to work in collaboration with external partners on a project of their choice or to explore and develop new techniques. |
Lecturer and course coordinator | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL3001B |
Natural History Illustration Major Project B NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This intensive course follows on from Major Project A. Students build a body of work based on a chosen theme that correlates with the requirements of the Margaret Senior Award. |
Lecturer/tutor | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL4002 |
Natural History Illustration Honours - theory NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course covers project and research development and planning. It explores the theoretical underpinnings of practice based and practice led research. |
Lecturer | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL3002 |
Natural History Illustration Dissertation NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course explores the theory around practice based research. It covers areas such as methods and methodology, literature and practice reviews and writing an exegesis. |
Lecturer and course co-ordinator | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL1004 |
Natural History Illustration Studio Studies NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course covers the basics of studio practice for first year students. It explores concepts such as spatial depth, figure drawing and creative illustration techniques. |
Lecturer and course coordinator | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
NHIL2002 |
Natural History Illustration Theoretical Studies NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This course explores Natural History Illustration from the Mesolithic to the modern day. Students learn to research, analyse and write in an academic manner while exploring artists and cultures of their choice. |
Lecturer | 26/01/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
Edx MOOC |
Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration 101x NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY This comprehensive course was developed to cover the foundations of Natural History Illustration. The online delivery mode made it available to students from all around the world. |
Lecturer and developer | 5/12/2016 - 5/01/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 |
Howells A, Drabsch B, Atkins D, Sailer P, Weekes TC, Observe, Research, Create Case Studies in Natural History Illustration PhD Projects, Common Ground Research Networks, University of Illinois Research Park | 2001 South First St., 202 | Champaign, IL 61820 USA, 102 (2018) [A1]
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2015 | Drabsch BS, The mysterious wall paintings of Teleilat Ghassul, Jordan: In context, Archaeopress Archaeology, Oxford, 210 (2015) [A1] |
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 |
Drabsch BS, 'Learning by Observing, Learning by Doing, Learning by Sharing: A Conversational Account of a Researched Practice Case Study', Observe, Research, Create Case Studies in Natural History Illustration PhD Projects, Common Ground Research Networks, Champaign, Illinois 51-68 (2018) [B1]
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Journal article (6 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 |
Drabsch B, Howells A, Lloyd C, 'Blending Graphite with Pixels: Natural History Illustration Online', The International Journal of Arts Education, 14 1-13 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Drabsch B, Bourke S, 'Early Visual Communication: Introducing the 6000-Year-Old Buon Frescoes from Teleilat Ghassul, Jordan', Arts, 8 79-93 (2019) [C1]
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2017 | Drabsch BS, 'The Wandering Star of Ghassul: from the east to the west - and back again?', The Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation Bulletin, 59 19-22 (2017) | |||||||
2015 | Drabsch BS, 'Drawn into the Star: Recreating the Ghassulian Wall Paintings', The Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation Bulletin, 58 17-19 (2015) [C3] | |||||||
2015 | Drabsch BS, 'The wall art of Teleilat Ghassul, Jordan: When, where, why, to whom and by whom', Expression, No 8 50-58 (2015) [C1] | |||||||
2014 |
Drabsch B, Bourke S, 'Ritual, art and society in the levantine chalcolithic: The 'processional' wall painting from teleilat ghassul', Antiquity, 88 1081-1098 (2014) [C1] © Antiquity Publications Ltd. The fragmentary 'Processional' wall painting from Teleilat Ghassul in Jordan is here shown to depict a religious procession involving eight... [more] © Antiquity Publications Ltd. The fragmentary 'Processional' wall painting from Teleilat Ghassul in Jordan is here shown to depict a religious procession involving eight individuals rather than the three identified in the original 1970s reconstruction. All of the figures wear masks and carry objects, but elaborately robed leaders, members perhaps of a dedicated priestly class, are clearly distinguished from their naked attendants. The scene belongs to the Late Chalcolithic period when Levantine society was becoming increasingly hierarchical, and the wall painting as a whole illustrates the prominent role of elites in ritual practices at this critical period of social transformation.
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Show 3 more journal articles |
Conference (1 outputs)
Creative Work (9 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 |
Drabsch B, Howells A, Thutmoses III mural - Nicholson Museum, Connections Exhibit, Nicholson Museum (2018)
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2016 | Weekes TM, Endangered and Extinct, Maitland Regional Art Gallery (2016) | ||||
2016 | Bonfiglioli C, Drabsch B, Cincunegui G, Donnelly P, Petrie C, Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis, Oxford (2016) | ||||
2015 | Drabsch BS, Mulubinba: Place of Sea Ferns, The University of Newcastle Gallery (2015) [J2] | ||||
2015 | Drabsch BS, Signature: Celebrating our artist graduates, The University Gallery (2015) [J2] | ||||
2015 |
Howells A, Atkins D, Weekes T, Sailer P, Dedman L, Purnell T, et al., Illuminating Science, Lovett Gallery (2015) [J2]
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2015 | Drabsch BS, Atkins DP, Illuminating Science, Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Library, Newcastle City Council (2015) [J3] | ||||
2015 |
Howells A, Atkins D, Weekes T, Sailer P, Dedman L, Purnell T, et al., Illuminating Science, Lovett Gallery (2015) [J2]
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Show 6 more creative works |
Other (17 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Drabsch B, Howells A, O'Donnell L, 'Recolouring the coffin', (2019) [O1] | ||
2019 | Drabsch B, 'Imagination, Illustration, Interpretation - Drawing at Pella', (2019) [O1] | ||
2019 | Drabsch B, Howells A, 'Drawing on the Past', ( issue.24 pp.26-29). Sydney: The University of Sydney (2019) | ||
Show 14 more others |
Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Drabsch BS, Contextualising the wall paintings of Teleilat Ghassul, Jordan, University of Newcastle (2014) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 7 |
---|---|
Total funding | $115,864 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20201 grants / $10,000
Biodiversity Education and Engagement Network$10,000
Building from collaborative work between SOCI and Biological Science researchers this network is designed to develop partnerships with key industry associates and local community members. We will use this pilot project within a longer-term strategy to builds UoN’s profile in this space, based on cross-faculty, trans-disciplinary collaboration around measuring biodiversity literacy and working with local stakeholders to develop educational materials to raise levels of community knowledge around biodiversity. We will use this foundation to develop the Biodiversity Literacy Survey (BLS) - an annual, longitudinal research survey, building from results to provide a knowledge base for an ARC Linkage application (and working towards a larger international project with multiple collaborators from other countries replicating the survey in their own contexts). This seed funding will support a one-day engagement and collaboration workshop involving relevant industry partners, community members and UON academics. The workshop will help establish a network of external collaborators, identify specific case studies for follow-up projects, and provide consultation on the BLS. This will be followed with targeted follow-up field trips with specific stakeholders to develop initial production materials around local environmental case studies. We will use these opportunities to develop real world problem-solving projects for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Funding body: FEDUA - Faculty of Education and Arts, UoN
Funding body | FEDUA - Faculty of Education and Arts, UoN |
---|---|
Project Team | Bernadette Drabsch, A/Pro Craig Hight, Simone O'Callaghan |
Scheme | SNaPP |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20191 grants / $10,000
Low Waste, Slow Fashion Future$10,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle
Funding body | The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Faye Nielson, Bernadette Drabsch, Brett McMahon, Giselle Penn |
Scheme | University of Newcastle Small Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20181 grants / $6,875
The Visualsing Humanities Research Project$6,875
Funding body: University of Sydney
Funding body | University of Sydney |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Bernadette Drabsch, Doctor Andrew Howells |
Scheme | Nicholson Museum |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1800102 |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | Y |
20171 grants / $17,989
East Coast Rock Art Project - Preliminary stages$17,989
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Bernadette Drabsch |
Scheme | Women in Research Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1701396 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20151 grants / $15,000
Archaeological Illustration Industry Scholarships - Saruq al-Hadid Archaeologcal Research Project$15,000
Funding body: The University of New England
Funding body | The University of New England |
---|---|
Scheme | Saruq al-Hadid Archaeological Research Project |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3232 - International Govt - Other |
Category | 3232 |
UON | N |
20102 grants / $56,000
Australian PostGraduate Award$51,000
Funding body: Australian Federal Government
Funding body | Australian Federal Government |
---|---|
Scheme | Australian Postgraduate Award |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C2120 - Aust Commonwealth - Other |
Category | 2120 |
UON | N |
Dorothy Cameron Fellowship$5,000
Funding body: The University of Sydney
Funding body | The University of Sydney |
---|---|
Scheme | Dorothy Cameron Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2010 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | PhD | Exploring Novel Scientific Communication Methods in Order to Enhance Biodiversity Literacy and Pro-Conservation Engagement: an Examination of the Hunter Region | PhD (Comm & Media Arts), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Visualisation of STEM Concepts Pertaining to Energy Conversion for Effective Science Communication. | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Stillbirth Through Animation | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Can Illustrated Cultural Heritage Mapping Make a Difference to Community Attitudes: A Documented Case Study of the Natural and Cultural Environment of the Darkinjung People on Central Coast of Australia | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | A holistic framework for valid archaeological reconstructions: A case study of the ‘Migdol’ temple of Pella, Jordan | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | The Symbiotic Relationship Between Art, Science and Education: Fostering a Sense of Wonder and Curiosity About the Natural World Through Scientific Inquiry and Illustration. | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2016 | PhD | Visualising Life: Illustration as a Vehicle for Communicating the Development and Aging of the Human Placenta | PhD (Natural History Illustr), Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
News
World-first UON course draws international recognition
December 8, 2017
Women In Research Fellowships awarded
October 27, 2017
World-first online course grants access to leading Australian artists
September 28, 2016
Dr Bernadette Drabsch
Position
Lecturer
School of Creative Industries
Faculty of Education and Arts
Contact Details
bernadette.drabsch@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 6371 |
Links |
Personal webpage Research Networks |
Office
Room | SOCI office - Level 4, Newspace |
---|---|
Building | Newspace |
Location | City , |