MAJOR PRIZE WINNERS

JUDGES' COMMENTS

PEABODY WILPINJONG PRIZE FOR HANGING ART
Judge – Sarah Gurich, Director, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
The drama of this pastoral scene, with its foreboding storm clouds, monumental landscape, and orange glow of the setting sun, is rich with metaphor and meaning.

ART UNLIMITED PRIZE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Judge – Jenny Davidson, Teacher, Digital Image Capture and Production, Orange Campus of TAFE
The image caught my attention from the start. I kept coming back to it. I felt like asking the subject “How are you going?” A well seen image and story of life on the land.

ART UNLIMITED PRIZE FOR CERAMICS
Judge – Geoff Thomas, award winning potter and teacher
Simple elegance

ORANA ARTS INDIGENOUS ARTIST PRIZE
Judges – Kodi Brady, Creative Community Curator, Orana Arts; Mariam Abboud, Assistant Curator, Western Plains Cultural Centre (with Alicia Leggett, Executive Director, Orana Arts)
Alicia Leggett says: As the Executive Director of Orana Arts, I asked Kodi Brady our Creative Community Curator and Mariam Abboud, assistant Curator at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, to judge the Indigenous Art Prize.  Being privy to their discussion, they took many aspects of the winning painting into consideration. Firstly they both were drawn to the colours used by the artist that presented a playfulness in the work. The judges were also captivated by the complexities and challenges of finding a visual balance of motifs which for them indicated the artists attempt at challenging the creative practice.  I thank Kodi and Mariam for their input and for taking the time to judge on behalf of Orana Arts. 

ABC WESTERN PLAINS PRIZE
Judge – Alicia Leggett, Director, Orana Arts
Initially I was attracted to the skill and formality of the encaustic medium.It felt so rich, which then brought me into a more contemplative view of the subject. How rich our land can be for all who genuinely care for it.  It presented as an icon to a window to our landscape, always giving with a heavy burden to please so many. 

HIGHLY COMMENDED
~ HANGING ART ~

HANGING ART JUDGE HIGHLY COMMENDED COMMENTS
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“A Sentinel – White Cliffs” by David Lake
This mine-scarred, barren and parched landscape becomes a thing of stark beauty and deep contemplation though the artist’s use of subject, colour and light.
“Clancy the Third” by Michelle Rapley
Each pencil stoke of Clancy’s coat, mane and bridle is exquisitely rendered to produce this delightful portrait, encapsulating the strong bonds that artists in the region have with the land.
“Track on Yarrowyk” by Emily Simson
The depth and sense of light achieved in this lino print skilfully evokes the feeling of walking down a sun dappled bush track.

HIGHLY COMMENDED
~ PHOTOGRAPHY ~

PHOTOGRAPHY JUDGE HIGHLY COMMENDED COMMENTS 

“Horses in the Valley” by Sonia Breckenridge
A beautifully lit image with the line of horses offering a centre of interest.
“Heartfelt Desperation” by Sonia Breckenridge
A story-telling image showing the current conditions with the clouds offering little promise of rain.
“Meheno Sunrise” by Michael Court
I am led into the image from the left with the tide going out and bringing me to the wreckage with the sun setting in the background.

HIGHLY COMMENDED
~ CERAMICS ~

 CERAMICS JUDGE HIGHLY COMMENDED COMMENTS

“Hand Formed Slip Decorated Teapot” by Claire Locker-Potter
Colour and movement
“Colour Inlay Bowl” by Carol Forster
Well executed
“Like a Balalaika” by Anne Gazzard 
A different approach

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 ART UNLIMITED 2019 PRIZE WINNERS

PEABODY WILPINJONG PRIZE FOR HANGING ART
“Stormy Pastoral” by Graham Cox

Highly Commended:
“A Sentinel – White Cliffs” by David Lake
“Track on Yarrowyk” by Emily Simson
“Clancy the Third” by Michelle Rapley
 
ART UNLIMITED PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
“Time Out” by Claire Moorhouse

Highly Commended:
“Horses in the Valley” by Sonia Breckenridge
“Heartfelt Desperation” by Sonia Breckenridge
“Meheno Sunrise” by Michael Court
 
ART UNLIMITED CERAMICS PRIZE
“Basket” by Moraig McKenna

Highly Commended:
“Hand Formed Slip Decorated Teapot” by Claire Locker-Potter
“Colour Inlay Bowl” by Carol Forster
“Like a Balalaika“ by Anne Gazzard
 
ORANA ARTS INDIGENOUS ARTIST PRIZE – “The Mob” by Cheree Stokes
ABC WESTERN PLAINS PRIZE – “The Cusp” by Hilary Rookyard
JANACE HOLMES FAMILY MEMORIAL PRIZE – “In Dawn’s Gentle Light” by Geraldine Taylor-
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