At the current 32nd Annual Art Exhibition for Creative Arts Batemans Bay, there have been many winners across the categories.
It’s always interesting to know the backgrounds of winning entries and a bit about the artist.
Local artist Nick Hopkins of Malua Bay took out four awards; namely First and Second in Craft and Highly Commended and Commended in Sculpture.
His beautifully crafted Yarran Bowl took the judge’s eye taking out First Place in Craft.
Yarran is the Aboriginal name for western NSW wattle, Acacia Omalophylla.
The timber for this piece was donated to Nick by Bob Kolderie from an excursion to West Wyalong.
It had holes and so many imperfections in it that it was destined for the burn pile.
Nick turned the piece and then used a jigsaw to create the slits and finished it off with Shellowax using a method called friction polish as it is applied on a turning lathe.
Judge Judi Power Thompson said of the winning piece: “The artist handles wooden pieces so beautifully.
“They are balanced and have a harmonious symmetry.
“His first prize Yarran Bowl has a perfect amount of abstraction in following the natural piece.
“He asks you to touch and feel it – very masterful.”
Indi Carmichael was just delighted to take out both First Place and Highly Commended in the Drawing section of the art show.
Having only just recently joined Creative Arts Batemans Bay, she entered several exquisite drawings.
Her winning entry titled “Golden Mirror Carousel” was the result of visiting the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) with her family.
In the foyer of the gallery was carousal with gold mirrors and swings on it.
While her two children were on the swings, Indi looked up into the reflected image and taking a photo, realised she had a wonderful image to work with once she got home.
Show judge Judi Power Thomson said of Indi’s winning piece: “A very challenging work with ropes, chains and swings mirrored in the centre.
“Lots happening but the viewer is immediately drawn to the centre of the work and the eyes of the central figure, all set within a triangle.
“A very competent piece keeping the subject figures darker than the reflections and side views.
“Excellent design, composition and drawing skills.”
Indi also entered a very moving drawing of her mother, which was completed just prior to her mother passing away.
It is titled “My Mother Forgets”.
Indi said “It is about the absence of presence.
“At that stage my mother had advanced Alzheimer’s and it shows the deterioration of her presence.”
The exhibition is on at Batemans Bay High School from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, January 15.
