Hide and Reach (series) I focussed on the differences I observed in people and how they acted when alone versus how they would act in the company of others. I chose to explore how people may feel differently in different crowds, and then show it through conceptual and visual means. It is my belief that people will act/come across in many ways, according to their surroundings... it seems to be human nature.
Nick Cave Through my subject of figurative art and realistic portraiture, I conveyed the aesthetic beauty and exquisite raw elements of humanity; what is it to be human and embody and enlighten quaint elements of the human form that hold dismissive perceptions. I looked to the raw beauty of the human form and accentuated realistic and tender portrayals of humanity.
Snug Fairy tales was the theme of my work this year; particularly looking their relationship with children. The artwork ‘Snug’ uses silk screened patches sewn into a quilt to explore the wonder and sense of safety fairy tales can provide children, while subtly suggesting more sinister aspects of fairy tales which often go unnoticed.
Connection My work focused on 'Connection'. Particularly the connection between humans and animals and how closely we can be linked.
Coherent Nature I portrayed the state of our relationship with the world in a time where society is developing at such a high speed through technological advancements. I am interested in technology’s impact on cultural progression and its development of our physical capabilities. Combining the printed patterns and the free flowing patterns creates a conversation about the differences which the two modes of creation appear and interact.
Challenging Stereotypes My work focused on "Challenging Stereotypes". I wanted to make people stop and think about how we classify others as it has a huge impact on how we live and act in society.
Fashion of the Ages I have always been fascinated by the imagination of a child and how we lose this as we grow older. I am interested in the transformation from child to adult as we grow and what gets kept, or not kept along the way.
Beauty In The Natural My theme has been instigated from my early childhood; growing up on a farm has given me the positive bias that to live in the contemporary confinement of the city is of no comparison to living in the freedom of the lush countryside. My skills in creating realistic artwork have given me an appreciation for detailed compositions rather than modern conceptual artworks. Thus they contrast simple-urban design with beautiful forests.
Behind The Fire Front My Theme for my Artworks is: Australian Natural Disasters . My Inspiration comes from: The 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ fires, and the 2010 Brisbane Floods. My artwork is reflective of natural disasters in the Australian environment. The disasters I decided to include are bush-fires and floods. I hoped that I could adequately show viewers what the landscape looks like when a natural disaster has occurred.
Reflections of the Innermost Secrets 'Reflections of the Innermost Secrets' explores the inner self of characters and showing them in a physical form in reflections. My artwork is based on the conflicting sides of people and shows the difference between the character’s true desires and the facade they carry on the outside.
Signs of the Zodiac 2 My work explored the zodiac signs. I have been fascinated by them for a long time; this included being dragged out almost every night to watch the stars in the night sky.
Innocent Dissonance 3 I am passionate about photography and believe it is one of the best ways to capture life and express an artist's ideas and emotions. I am fascinated with childhood innocence and the implications of a childhood deprived of that innocence. I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and invite the viewer to question society's view of children and the assumption that all children are sweet and innocent.
Perspective (detail) It was my intention to present the beauty and complexities of scientific investigation in an artistic and aesthetic manner. With special focus on microbial art, I have depicted the nine planets of our solar system. This juxtaposition between our universe's largest entities, and the smallest organisms known to man, is designed to question human kinds perspective on our true role in our ever-expanding universe.
Amanzi The purpose of my folio was to portray the preciousness and numerous aesthetic moods and states of water. A focus on water's inherent, simple beauty and molecular structure inspired the design of each artwork. By employing a spectrum of diverse media and techniques, I intended to capture water's unique physical, ethereal, energetic and tranquilising qualities.
Altered State My theme for ‘Altered State’ was self-made reality through the denial of the ugly reality. One denying the undesirable circumstance around them is something everyone can relate to; the altered state we find ourselves in is preferable to the ugly world around us. Through photography, these depict the same person performing a series of necessary tasks in everyday life, showing the metaphorical 'junk' in everyday life with the literal junk.
Ambiguous The theme of perception has been deeply explored in my portfolio of three final artworks. “Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” This quote by Elliott Erwitt is a concept that accurately describes my focus.
Figures Progression My works communicate the relationship of nature and humans through drawing and painting. It can be seen consistently in both of my final artworks. I demonstrated my ideas through different styles and materials. Both of my finals are linked through their ideas and use of figures situated in the landscape.
Climate Change Collection This collection features dresses with an asymmetrical hemline, balanced by a dramatic diagonal feature drawing attention up to a sculptural collar. Sumptuous blends of silk and wool have been felted to create what looks like a beautiful collection…but each dress represents an effect of climate change - the bleaching of coral, extreme weather conditions such as drought and the polar ice caps melting. Climate Change is REAL and we all wear the guilt.
Sadness My work explores emotions and their relationship to different experiences. Throughout this year, I observed my emotions as well others. Using my own experiences, as well as observing the emotional reaction of others to a similar situation, allowed me to fully explore and come to a deeper understanding of the theme. In my final artworks I explored three emotions; sadness, love and depression.
Billanook College
Little Yarra Steiner School
Lilydale Heights College
Lilydale High School
Healesville High School
Mt Evelyn Christian School
Yarra Hills Secondary College