Talent shines at Springsure Art Awards

With a record-breaking 116 entries in this year’s Springsure Art Awards, emerging artist Camille Swallow was not expecting to take home a prize.

‘I haven’t been painting for very long at all, only over a year, and this was my first entry into an art awards,’ the Emerald local said.

‘When the judge said my name my daughter and I looked at each other and it was just wow. I was completely shocked.’

Camille’s piece Cracked Vision took out the Black and White category at the awards, which were presented at the exhibition opening in Springsure’s Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery on Friday 5 March 2021.

Camille describes herself as a modern multicultural artist, drawing on her Indigenous heritage as well as more contemporary styles.

‘When I was in school, I used to design borders on my maths homework and my teacher would tell me I should be an interior designer,’ she said.

‘I had never even picked up a paint brush until about a year ago. I started it as a way to deal with trauma. It’s my way of closing out everything and just zoning in on painting.’

Now, Camille is not only an award winner but also preparing for her first solo exhibition in the Emerald Art Gallery in September.

‘If someone out there is painting but doesn’t think they’re good enough – just try an art awards,’ she said.

‘You never know what you’ve achieved. When the judge told me ‘I got you’ that meant so much to me.’

Mayor Kerry Hayes, who hosted the evening, said it was incredible to see both the entry numbers and the opening night numbers almost double compared to previous years.

‘The interruption to exhibitions, workshops and shows last year was very difficult for our wonderful arts community who take great pride in sharing their passion with others,’ he said.

‘Clearly it was missed, with so many people embracing the opportunity to once again put their work on display.

‘Well done to everyone who submitted an entry. The creativity, technical skills and variety was truly amazing. I was very impressed and encourage anyone who missed the opening night to drop into the gallery and take a look.’

The exhibition will remain open until 15 April 2021.

2021 Winners

Judge: Dr Jay Deagon from Central Queensland University

Category First Second Highly Commended Category 1: Easel-based works Christmas Eve by Catherine Boreham Coolabah by Natasha Stanton Emus by Leena Westerberg Category 2: Works on paper Ochre River by Carmen Beezley-Drake Surviving the Fire by Joanne Kerr An Old Tank Stand by Elena Churilova

The Bloodwoods Are Out by Rosalie Lucke

Category 3: Three-dimensional and fibre works Forest Sunset by Carol Forster Hagen by Lorelei Tuohy Liquid Gold by Michelle Gray and Raelene Bock Category 4: Photography and digital art

 

Windmill Dreams by Trina Patterson Bloodwood Burning by Trina Patterson End of the Day by Tricia Godwin Category 5: Black and white any medium Cracked Vision by Camille Swallow Poh and Panda by Trina Patterson   Category 6: Juvenile 13-17 (any medium) Seen but not Heard by India Iwers Pascal by India Iwers   Category 7: Junior 12 years and under (any medium) Breathe the Ocean Soundwaves by Ashley Bennett House Explosion by Maggie McDougall Flying with the Stars by Rose Kerle Local Artist Award (Artwork) Luther by Loretta Horn     Local Artist Award (Photograph) Windmill Dreams by Trina Patterson     People’s Choice Award Liquid Gold by Michelle Gray and Raelene Bock