Gold Standard Award equal first awarded to ’Mt Cannibal Silhouettes’ by Sue Jarvis.
Judge’s comments: Landscape has fascinated Australian Artists since Colonial Days. Here the artist has looked at a near-by geographical feature through fresh eyes to capture this identifiable landscape in new and innovative ways.
Differing aspects have been combined to form a well-designed composition, with painterly, high-keyed and muted colours, on a large imposing canvas. This painting deserves to hang in a public space in this region and is a worthy recipient to share this major award.
Gold Standard Award equal first awarded to ’The Red Chair’ by It Hao Pheh.
Judge’s comments: Despite the title, this interior portrays a dimly lit room, so the redness of the chair is barely visible.
Yet this dark interior comprises an extensive range of
tertiary colours which creates a mood without muddiness.
This watercolour painting is virtuosic in its skill. Through the windows warm pale greens suggest a fading light, though the outside foliage and branches are still discernible.
This painting also features accurate drawing and wonderful textures. This excellent work invites close observation and deserves sharing this major award.
Silver Award awarded to ’Stay Home’ by Laurel Foenander.
Judge’s comments: I was drawn back to this work. It had such a stillness yet somehow also created a sense of unease.
The beautiful, abundant vegetation crammed on a small, central island is juxtaposed by the meticulously painted calm waters.
Lights on the distant foreshore suggested more was beyond. The painting references both Surrealism and Realism to perhaps suggest a message for our times.
Bronze Award awarded to ’Happy Dance’ by Aukje Van Vark.
Judge’s comments: I was attracted to the joyous movement of this bronze bird sculpture before I read its title Happy Dance. The artist has clearly communicated this emotion and I am sure that it will bring pleasure to many.
It is well deserving of the bronze award in medium as well as skill.
Local Artist awarded to ’Lake Grave’ by Lindsay Muirhead.
Judge’s comments: The artist has captured the sublimity and grandeur of nature.
This is a foreign landscape of dramatic mountains and still water. The density of the foliage has been captured with a meticulous touch. Light permeates the composition.
He also shows a great understanding of atmospheric perspective to create an illusion of space.
Small work awarded to ’In all its Glory’ by Wendy Andrews.
Judge’s comments: This exquisite jewellery piece has combined tiny beads in innovative and decorative ways with meticulous craftmanship. Congratulations!
SECAN Contemporary awarded to ’Orca Plastica’ by Wayne Foenander.
Judge’s comments: This large-scale modern sculpture has an environmental message pertinent for our time.
Clever use of found objects and upcycled materials reinforce the urgency in protecting our environment. This is a worthy winner of the Contemporary Prize.
Young Art first prize awarded to ’Screamer’ by Jacob Dendulk.
Judge’s comments: This vibrant mixed media work captures the exuberance of the performer in an expressive and dynamic way.
The clever use of materials and colour enhances this expressive artwork.
Young Art second prize awarded to ’Rooted’ by Alisha Pop.
Judge’s comments: This is another well designed artwork that benefits from its restricted palette.
The enlarged, stylized hands in the foreground, partly obscure the face while seemingly merging with the background root-like shapes.
This intriguing acrylic painting also has a luscious paint quality
Young Art third prize awarded to ’Nina of Egypt’ by Polly Craig.
Judge’s comments: This work shows promise in its pleasingly decorative design inspired by ancient times.
Wearable Art first prize awarded to ’Wearing a Tree’ by Margaret Carr.
Judge’s comments: This suit is beautifully designed and meticulously finished revealing advanced dressmaking skills.
The outfit has a restrained elegance with just sufficient decorative elements. Hand embroidery embellishes the applique and adds subtle colour highlights to the well-chosen fabrics. A distinctive outfit for a special occasion.
Wearable Art second prize awarded to ’Flower Power’ by Fleur O’Brien.
Judge’s comments: This is elegant in its simplicity with repeated shapes from warm to cool primary and secondary colours with subtle floral unifying decoration.
Only the bodice is decorated, leaving the black of the original dress to enhance the vibrancy of the colours. A matching head dress completes the stylish design.
Wearable Art third prize awarded to ’Transformation in Progress’ by Nazia Wasif.
Judge’s comments: This is a dramatic theatrical costume on a grand scale. The spray-painted cut feather shapes create wonderful wings with muted tones and cast shadows.
Wearable Art photo shoot voucher prize awarded to ’Op Shop Fusion’ by Yvette Black.
Judge’s comments: This is a standout work that demands to be photographed. This stylish outfit would not be out of place at Fashions on the Field at The Melbourne Cup.
I am an “Opshopaholic” and commend you for your upcycling of materials.
Feathers, fabrics, buttons and beads combine to present an innovative and beautifully finished garment and accessories. Well done!
Wearable Art over locker award awarded to ’Achromic Mood’ by Alana O’Brien.
Judge’s comments: With an artistic eye a simple black dress has become a striking outfit.
The garment is interesting to view both closeup and from a distance with the drawings and left over cut outs forming pleasing black and white patterned panels that contrast well with the unadorned black sides. The hat completes a most pleasing outfit.
